Polk Street School first graders learned how to identify physical traits on birds and experimented with “beaks” during their STEAM Lab lesson on Jan. 30.

STEAM Lab teacher Melissa Geiger presented the class with images of baby birds and a few options for its parent. The class identified similar traits, such as the beak, eyes and feet, to link the baby bird to its correct parent bird.

With their newfound knowledge of birds, the students experimented with different “beaks,” using spoons, pipettes, tweezers and chopsticks to represent pelicans, hummingbirds, blackbirds and herons, respectively. They tested each “beak” to see which could pick up the most “worms” (rubber bands). 

The students counted their “worms” and recorded their results on a bar graph. As a class, they discussed which bird they believe most likely eats worms according to their data. The students unanimously deduced that the blackbird eats worms.

Date Added: 2/4/2025

Our January Kids Corner has been posted! Please read our student reporters’ stories here: https://www.franklinsquare.k12.ny.us/resources/kids_corner

Date Added: 1/31/2025

Washington Street School fifth graders participated in a “Day in Clay” workshop with professional ceramic artist and educator Cliff Mendelson from Jan. 8-9, as part of the school’s Artist-in-Residence Program.

Mendelson demonstrated the art of creating pottery by hand, sharing traditional techniques by Native American potters and often-used symbols, patterns and imagery. Each fifth grader created their own Native American-inspired vase or textural bowl clay piece.

“Our cultural arts program of creating Native American-influenced pottery fosters self-awareness and cultural appreciation, helping students connect with their emotions and heritage,” Principal John Stella said. “Through collaborative pottery-making, students practice social skills like empathy and cooperation, aligning with our SEL goals.”

Date Added: 1/15/2025