The trees and yards on the campus of Chicago City Day School became an outdoor science lab during the school's annual observance of Arbor Day.
In what has become a memorable school tradition, students gathered on Friday, April 24 — Arbor Day — to complete activities that celebrated trees, plants and nature as a whole. They studied the living things that make their home under rocks and logs; planted herbs and vegetables in a pollinator garden; created plant habitats out of plastic bottles; and more.
The expanded focus of the school's Arbor Day activities — the holiday traditionally celebrates trees — aligns with the science curriculum and encourages students to think about their role as future stewards of the planet.
Throughout the day, teachers sparked discussions with students about how people, plants, and animals are connected.
"What do trees do for us?" Jennifer Ratcliff, one of City Day's science teachers, asked a group of kindergarten students. "They give us oxygen!" one student replied. "They're a home for bugs and animals!" another said.
After these conversations, the students loved prowling the campus, turning over logs and rocks, to see the different types of living things that call the campus home.
Arbor Day activities at City Day build school spirit and community, while also giving students a chance to apply what they learn in science class to the real world. Thanks to the teachers who organized this full day of activities!
See additional photos from the day below.
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