Naturalists Club

Naturalists Club
Ms. Sywilok - anne_sywilok@apsva.us

You need at least version 7 of Flash player. Download latest version here!

The Abingdon Outdoor Classroom has been an incredible teaching tool utilized and maintained by our Science Lab Teacher Anne Sywilok since 2004. Students in all grade levels utilize the garden as a part of their science instruction. The garden activities are also integrated into other subjects reinforcing socials studies, language arts, and math concepts. All of the activities conducted in the Outdoor Classroom are based on Standards of Learning for the state of Virginia.

This year Mr. McDavitt will work closely with Ms. Sywilok helping the students construct different types of teepees in which to grow beans on. This is just one example of connecting a social studies and literature connection in the garden. This will also add the element of "engineering" as a scientist.

Over the past few years Abingdon's garden has donated hundreds of pounds of produce to AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center) teaching the students the importance of helping others who are less fortunate.

The Fairlington Community Association is very supportive of the Outdoor Classroom and donated the funds needed to build the fence around the garden.

Our PTA also is a tremendous support as they participate in "weeding evenings" with their families to help maintain the garden over the summer. Parents are thrilled their children are getting the opportunity to learn about gardening, taste healthy foods they have helped to grow, learn about the interdependency of organisms in our ecosystem and the importance of conservation to help save the Earth.

This spring the Extended Day students will be given the opportunity to work in the garden after school as part of a Naturalists Club under the supervision of Ms. Sywilok.

Please come by and see our students actively engaged in true "hands-on" science as they learn while having fun in the Abingdon Outdoor Classroom.

Last Modified on February 7, 2011