J. B. Muñoz Students Bugging Around
Science Project Outdoors
by Debbie Winslow
October 15, 2009
Quick: how many organisms can you find in one square meter? Give up?
If you ask Shawna Alvarado and her two research partners, their
answer is 79. That will be the record to beat next time Mr.
Martínez’s science classes go exploring and gathering data
outdoors.
On Wednesday, October 14, fourth and fifth grade students at J. B.
Muñoz delved into a hands-on study of the ecosystem by collecting
and analyzing their findings in the rich soil between their
classroom and the central office building.
“The Lesson is titled ‘The Local Environment,’” Martínez said. “It
takes a lot of organization, but it’s worth it.”
His students certainly would say it’s worth the time and
effort.
“I liked catching the worms, it was fun,” said fifth grader Gilbert
Hinojosa. “But now we still have to count them.”
Every student apparently enjoyed getting messy and wet.
“You could get your hands dirty,” said Hinojosa’s classmate Corina
De León. “I liked finding the worms and poking ’em.”
Adrián Rodríguez also appreciated the activity.
“We found a grub and different kinds of insects I’d never seen
before,” he said. “I also liked using the equipment.” This fifth
grader and his team members found two earthworms and one grub.
