Grade 4 Students Explore Our Relationship With Plants

From Angie Bernal, Grade 4 Spanish teacher: During our recent inquiry into Sharing the Planet, Grade 4 students explored the idea that plants play an essential role in our relationship with life. Throughout the unit, students inquired into what makes plants unique, the important role they play in our world, and our shared responsibility to care for and protect them.

Our young learners engaged in a variety of hands-on and meaningful experiences. We visited both the US Botanical Gardens and the National Arboretum, where students observed diverse plant species and made connections to their learning in real-world settings. Back in the classroom, students conducted experiments with fascinating plants like the Rose of Jericho, sparking curiosity about how plants respond to their environment.

A special highlight of the unit was a science exploration session led by Namandje Bumpus, a parent in our grade. She guided students through an introduction to the molecular biology of plant cells, helping them understand how plant cells differ from animal cells. Students had the opportunity to observe plant cells under microscopes and explore how they change — such as swelling or shrinking — in different conditions. This hands-on experience brought complex scientific concepts to life and inspired great curiosity among our learners.

Students also dissected flowers to explore their structures and functions, and planted their own seeds to observe growth and development over time. Through these experiences, they practiced careful observation, recorded data, and reflected on changes they noticed. In addition, students researched photosynthesis, building their understanding of how plants create their own food and sustain life on Earth.

Grade 4 French teacher Anne Tichadou adds: Another highlight of the unit was when 4A and 4B students had the wonderful opportunity to interview Bianca Dupont, an "écologue" (environmental scientist) based in France. To prepare for this exchange, the students utilized the Question Formulation Technique (QFT), a Project Zero Thinking Routine practiced in their English classes. This methodology enabled them to develop and refine targeted questions regarding the ecological role of plants and the challenges of environmental preservation.

The students were incredibly engaged throughout the process. During the interview, they discussed the daily realities of an environmental scientist's work and the practical steps involved in protecting biodiversity. This experience allowed the classes to apply their inquiry skills to a real-world professional context.

As we celebrate Earth Day today, this project serves as a timely reminder of the importance of environmental awareness. By connecting with experts like Bianca Dupont, our students continue to develop the informed perspective necessary to protect our planet's future.