Sun Matters

From Step 2007 Wiki

We decided to incorporate the concept of global climate change into a third grade lesson on Alaskan plants. Since there is measureable evidence that average annual air temperatures are rising globally, we wondered how that would affect the soil temperature in which Alaskan plants are growing. In our lesson, students explored this idea by measuring and comparing plant heights and temperatures of the soil in which various plants were growing. They compared plants growing in direct sunlight to plants growing in the shade.

On a sunny morning behind IARC building, Jeanne Ringstad tells the group about using the soil thermometers.

Charlene Sims talks about the variety of plants the class might encounter.

Carol Cologie and Judy Farnham check the soil temperature in the sun.

Tanya Wimer chose yarrow as her plant of choice.

Pretty as a picture, Raeann Edwards immerses herself in her work.

Melody Sonnenberg takes pride in keeping her work accurate.