Martin Elementary students work to help endangered species
Submitted by Jeannie Laughlin
Back in February, fifth grade students in Jeannie Laughlin's class at Martin Elementary School in Lake Villa District 41 started a science unit on basic needs. The unit discussed what happens when the basic needs of a species are not met. The class researched endangered species in the area, and they were very surprised by how many there were.
They broke into groups to focus on different species, found out what their basic needs were, why they weren't being met, and what needs to change in order to save the species.
They students put together presentations to try to convince Principal Dr. Scott Klene to allow them to do something that would make a difference. They put together a supply list and a budget and hoped for the best. Their voices were heard and permission was granted to move forward.
Mena Landscaping helped out with preparing the designated area. The Pheasants Forever conservation organization donated funds to the project. Countryside Nursery in Crystal Lake worked with Laughlin on pricing and on selecting the best plants to make the most of the space they had. They got ready to plant some very specific plants in order to help save bees and butterflies. Another group got materials to build an Osprey platform.
It seemed like spring would never arrive, but when it did, they finally got to see a part of their project come to fruition.
These students learned so more than the basic needs of different species; they have learned that they have the power to make a positive change in the world.
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