Future Solar Engineers

The Woodlawn students had a chance to experiment with solar panels and create a UV activated bead keychain at the "It Takes A Community" event.  Go Woodlawn Wildcats!

photo credit - Sherylita Mason

photo credit - Sherylita Mason

Can you create a constellation?

Woodlawn now has four constellations in the main stairways - Orion and Taurus in the south and Bootes and Ursa Major in the north.  We are inviting the students to create their own constellation.  They can submit a drawing of their unique constellation along with an essay explaining what is represents and the story behind the design.  Is it a story of a hero, an explorer, animal, location?  We have room for a few more Woodlawn constellations to be mounted on our 'stars'.

Beaver Engineering

Both humans and beavers are environmental engineers - able to modify a habitat which can change the landscape and species richness of a region.  This makes both of these mammals a keystone species and their behavior can affect the healthy and stability of their environment.  These Rieke kindergarteners were able to test their engineering skills as they took the challenge to use mud, sticks, and water to create a mini dam!

Art in Nature

Sometimes when you take a step closer to the intricate world of nature you see amazing things - patterns, colors, textures that you would have overlooked.  On our nature adventures, we have been using technology in the form of a Proscope and iPad to view what a bug would see.

STEAM and Community Service

At Stephen's Creek, our 4th graders were able to identify and learn about ways that the Native Americans used our local plants - ferns, willows, firs, berries, and The Tree of Life - cedar.  Unfortunately, invasive plants have moved into our natural area and with the help of the Portland Parks and Recreation SW Watershed Steward, the class was able to remove English Ivy from one section of the park.

The students were able to take their hard work back to the classroom and change it into a beautiful art project.  While the Native Americans would not have used English Ivy for their baskets, our students removed the leaves and learned how to weave a mini basket!