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Fifth-Graders Explore Earth’s Systems in Nature’s Classroom

Curious fifth-graders have been pondering a question as old as the Earth itself: How do the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere systems interact to shape our world?

Their investigation began with research, design, and the construction of models that showed the complex relationships between Earth's systems. Tsunamis, aquifers, floods, and more took shape with cardboard, clay, paint, and other materials to reflect the dynamic interplay. Then, they presented their findings and projects to an audience of parents, faculty, staff, and fellow students.

But that was just the beginning: the next day, students left campus on a field trip to the Guarapiranga Reservoir—a water source for approximately 4 million Paulistas. 

When the bus doors swung open, the students excitedly made their way to the park entrance–the scent of sunscreen and bug spray filling the air. Ecotourism experts and biologists awaited them, ready to guide their guests through the park's diverse ecosystems.

Crunching on the gravel, noisy footsteps disrupted any potential capybara sightings (luckily, the saqui were unbothered). However, they could still observe the striking contrast between the cool, humid forest and the hot, dry air just steps beyond its edge. One student experienced an "aha" moment—the forest isn't just a local treasure; it's part of the Earth's natural air-conditioning system.

Students then witnessed the impact of deforestation, simulating rainstorms in 2-liter bottles over bare versus forested soil. "Without trees right next to the water," said one of the group leaders, "the sediment would just wash away into the river. The river would be gone.”

Alongside a stream leading to the reservoir, students used their eyes and noses to observe the water. They took note of its clarity and odor, along with the presence of foam, debris, and life. Then, with beakers and chemicals, they tested the water’s oxygen level, pH, and phosphate concentration. The novice ecologists quickly connected the dots as they conducted the tests: oxygen-rich water supports a diverse, thriving ecosystem, while water starved of oxygen becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mosquito larvae.

After planting trees from the park's nursery, one student captured the essence of the activity perfectly: "Today, we gave a gift to the next generation," she said, understanding that even though they would not directly benefit from the trees they planted, the act would help preserve the planet. 

The bus ride home was set to the tune of Bruno Mars’ “You’re Beautiful.” Energized by the day’s experiences, a few of the young learners improvised alternate lyrics to the melody of the hit song, incorporating the principles of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere—an imaginative way to summarize their learning and pass the time on the road.

In their classrooms, groups reflected on their day spent as field scientists. Many noted how living near trees improves their health, while others discussed how forests regulate the climate. Questions bubbled up. Why do people pollute rivers? How might changes in infrastructure reduce chemicals in waterways? What can they do in their own lives to keep rivers clean?  

The Guarapiranga field trip helped grade 5 scientists crystallize their learning and sowed seeds of curiosity about environmental stewardship, guiding their actions as they continue to learn and care for the world around them.


 


 

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