Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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A child with a strong interest in animal life, the outdoors and science will thrive in the Environmental Science and Technology Program at Niemes Elementary. Our innovative magnet program encourages the student's love for the natural world and empowers them to become an active participant in the stewardship of their planet. In addition to the state-of-the-art science lab, Niemes Elementary has a large outdoor teaching area in their one-acre Nature Center and Garden complex. Science and classroom teachers have plenty of space to instruct students in the beautiful outdoor setting as they look across the wide variety of California native plants from the seating stones in the amphitheater of the outdoor classroom. Students study the plants and ecosystems of the California deserts, mountains chaparral, pine forests and meadows as they meander down paths through each area. Wireless laptops access the internet |
Emblazoned on the back of each Niemes T-Shirt is the motto "We’re Green" and as an environmental science and technology magnet school, staff and students know it means much more then gardening alone. Through multi-curricular studies on the environmental theme, students have come to understand that the relationship between humans and the natural world around them can impact the future of the planet and the people who inhabit it. Students implement service projects that inform, educate and make a difference in their community, and the entire school continues to take steps to reduce the effects of global warming. Student recycle and compost waste, reuse containers and paper, work to minimize consumption and staff members support each other in carpooling to work. At Niemes the students, staff and community understand that a good education and good stewardship of our planet will help to bring a promising future for everyone.
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Make a Difference Niemes Elementary is proud to be on the cutting edge of environmental education and in alignment with the State of California's emphasis on environmental principles. Our students develop awareness of the interconnection of all species and ecosystems on our planet through integration of environmental science and technology across all subject areas. Kindergarten through sixth grade students explore these concepts in the general education classroom, in our Environmental Science Laboratory and Outdoor Garden Habitat, and in the community in which they reside. Investigate Field trips, research explorations, and community projects are some of the ways classes explore our natural world. Participation in community gardens and recycling projects teach our young people about the importance of responsibility and ownership of their ideals. Research Utilizing state-of-the-art technology equipment and instruction in our computer laboratory and in-classroom technology centers, students collect data, connect to the world, and develop high quality informational presentations to share with others. Students make worldwide connections with scientists and other students as they share and exchange knowledge about their world, while enhancing their technology skills. |
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Students Learn They Can Make a Difference Kindergarteners run a school wide recycling project, third graders visit local businesses to discuss water conservation, and sixth graders weigh and sort lunchtime waste to determine ways to minimize over consumption at Niemes Elementary School. As an environmental science and technology magnet school, students receive much more science education than at most elementary schools and with their new knowledge examine their local environment, finding ways to help make their world a better place. Students across all grade levels, kindergarten through sixth grade, have been visiting their new environmental science lab for high level experiments that teach them more about the scientific aspects of their world. In addition, students focus on environmental science topics across the curriculum in their general education classroom, and in a time when most schools are finding less and less time available for science instruction, Niemes students are getting more prepared for the scientific and technological advances of the future. Heightened emphasis on science, the environment and technology has led students and teachers to develop service-learning projects that transfer their knowledge to the real life situations, working around their campus and community to raise awareness and reduce the impact of consumption and waste. The kindergarten project has been very successful as students and parents work together recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans that were used on campus or at the homes of the students. In first grade, students examine where the trash collects on campus, where it originates and then by sharing their findings with the rest of the students, educate them in how to minimize the problem. The topic of natural resources is both a science and social studies theme for second graders, and the students analyze which natural resources have been used on our campus and their sources and availability. Second graders are developing educational Power Point presentations to help raise awareness of the importance of preserving and sustaining natural resources in our local community. In California water availability and consumption is one of our key environmental issues. Three grade levels in middle and upper grades service learning projects have focused on consumption and availability of California's water resources. In meeting with local community businesses, third graders have broadened their knowledge of local water use, and encouraged community members to find ways to further conserve its usage. Fourth grade students have mapped our local watershed and examined a newly discovered Artesian well on the Niemes campus. With their understanding of the limited sources of water in California, students are developing a film presentation for students and community members emphasizing our need for continued water awareness. Fifth graders take this process a step further by examining their monthly water bills and finding ways to reduce consumption in the home environment. Students have shown great excitement in their ability to impact the environment in which they live and go to school. As Niemes moves further into the school year, classes expect to see a big difference in the way all of the students and staff members interact with the natural world that surrounds them, especially in the community in which they live. |
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Niemes Elementary School School of Environmental Science and Technology Grades K-6 16715 South Jersey Avenue Artesia, CA 90701 (562) 865-9586 - Magnet Coordinator: Fran Barron |
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