The last two days in the DC metro area, were rainy, to say
the least. Dulles International airport, a short distance from my home,
reported 6 inches of rainfall in 48 hours. Relief was expressed any time
drizzle or light rain was felt; most of the two days were full of downpours!
When I drove on campus after a morning presentation on “motivation,”
it was pouring. Across the field, I quickly noticed a group of students in
bright yellow raincoats. I commented to my co-worker, “that has to be Mrs.
Hinnant with her 4th grade class.” Mrs. Hinnant always takes
advantage and thrives at opportunities to teach her students through authentic
learning experiences. Relevancy is an essential component of her teaching
practice.
4th grade students study the Chesapeake Bay and
its watershed; a special focus is put on protecting it. Students explore the
water conditions, and review the impact humans have on the ecosystem and its
destruction. They are encouraged to problem solve ways to protect it, and
develop the necessary habits to grow up and become responsible citizens of this
watershed.
Mrs. Hinnant and 4C did not fear the elements. They started
at the highest point of our school campus, explored the movement of water, and followed
and examined the water run off until they encountered the retention pond. Along
the way they encountered trash flowing freely, and noticed that the oil from
the parking lot pavement mixed into the flow of water. They discussed how this
pollution would affect the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The wonderful thing about Mrs. Hinnant is it would not have
mattered if 4th grade was not presently studying the Bay. She values
authentic learning and looks for opportunities for students to experience real
world issues all year long.
This was merely one authentic learning experience within the
4th grade study of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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