Last fall, students at Gold Hill Elementary School studied riparian ecosystems, or water-edge habitats, under the supervision of teacher Johanna Morrison. They participated in practical activities such as raising water insects and caring for rainbow trout in their classroom. They also went on field trips to observe healthy ecosystems. The school, a mountain community school that is 150 years old, uses its location in nature to enhance teaching.
Morrison, a teacher for kindergarten, first, and second grades, worked with students from kindergarten to 5th grade on the ecosystem studies. The students also completed a creative writing and art project, resulting in a book titled ‘Healthy, Happy Habitats’. Each student added their own story and picture to the book, which involved a step-by-step writing process from brainstorming to the final product.
The book idea originated from the students’ writing and art project, where they wrote stories about different animals and their habitats. The book features the students’ work, including their unique handwriting. The students expressed satisfaction and pride in contributing to the book.