Are they really third-grade students … or mini eco-explorers?!
At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our third-grade class recently embarked on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of nature through their habitat projects. These projects are more than just a regular classroom activity — they’re a chance for students to dive into the fascinating diversity of our planet and showcase their creativity, knowledge and public speaking skills.
Each student selects a specific habitat to research, such as: rainforests, deserts, oceans, savannas, ponds, taigas and tundras. Then, they eagerly discovered the unique plants and animals that thrive in their chosen environments. The students uncovered a world of wonders from towering trees to barren landscapes to fascinating creatures large and small.
“I did the grasslands habitat. The animals that live there are the prairie dog, coyote and badger. The badger is my favorite,” said Mari Jo, a third grader.
However, the learning didn’t stop with research. The students brought their findings to life by creating mini prototypes of their habitats. Using art supplies, their imaginations and plenty of excitement, they built miniature worlds that captured the beauty and complexity of these landscapes.
“I liked building the habitats the best. My teacher helped me glue on the background. I got to cut out and glue on the animals,” said Mari Jo.
The highlight of the project was the public speaking presentations. Each student stood confidently in front of teachers, houseparents and guardians, sharing the fascinating facts they had memorized about their habitats. Students described the main features of their chosen habitat and what plants and animals reside there. The young learners impressed everyone with their knowledge and their speaking abilities.
“I wasn’t nervous to present … I was really excited! Especially because my grandma and my houseparents were there to watch me,” said London, another third grader.
The third graders’ hard work paid off! They demonstrated an understanding of the material but also showcased their creativity and their ability to communicate with an audience. We couldn’t be more proud of their efforts and the fascinating knowledge they gained.
At St. Joseph’s, projects like this highlight the joy of learning while nurturing important skills like curiosity, creativity and confidence. We believe when learning is fun, it becomes more meaningful and impactful, allowing students to truly thrive.
To learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School, visit stjo.org today.
