| Fourth Graders at Work |
 | Since 1999, Carver Center Fourth graders have taken part in a unique project in Hummingbird Haven, Carver Center's biodiverse garden. From 1999 through 2005, the fourth grade classes divided up into task forces to study some aspect of the courtyard. They were matched with an adult mentor who was available to guide their research and answer questions. They put together research reports which documented the work of each task force. Each task force started off by looking at the research done during the previous years. Since 1999, we have seen the biodiversity increase! We have increased the number of native plants and decreased the number of alien plant species. To see the data for each group we surveyed click on the organism name. To see data for the early years, come look at our research reports in Mrs. Ulm's room. |
 | In 2006, fourth graders,applied their knowledge about biodiversity by acting as field ecologists to assess the value of our biodiverse gardens. They looked at the value of Hummingbird Haven from several different points of view and summarized their findings in a powerpoint. To see a sample of their field logs, click here. |
 | In the spring of 2007 and 2008, students looked at the six strands of life: weather, air, water, plants, animals, and humans and the relationships among them. They recorded observations and thoughts in a field naturalist's journal and summarized their findings in a powerpoint. Here is a sample of a plant and an animal observation page. |
 | In the fall of 2008, students together with Llano Estacado Master Naturalists and Permian Basin Master Gardeners, did a bioblitz of the courtyard. They measured the biodiversity in the courtyard over a week's period of time. To see what kinds of animals and plants they found click on their data. |
 | In spring 2009, fourth grade students studied solar power and electricity. Their original research projects in the courtyard explored solar PV (converting sun's energy directly to electricity) and solar thermal. Their work helped to site the solar panel that pumps water form the main part of the pond into our bog area. To view a sample report click here or here. |
 | Spring 2010 was the year of the hummingbird. Fourth graders undertook a cooperative research project with Texas Parks and Wildlife as part of their Hummingbird Roundup. Mark Klym, a specialist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, came to teach us how to recognize the males and females of the 18 species of hummingbirds in Texas. He also showed us how to recognize the five behaviors that we tracked. We had a great time collecting data about their fascinating behaviors. We even got to see some of our babies take their first try at the hummingbird feeder! For more information on the Hummingbird Roundup, click here. |
