Fourth grade teachers Michelle Tuzon and Lacey Teshima teach not only their students but wants parents involved in caring for the environment.

Teshima said, “In the first quarter the fourth graders learned about rocks and minerals. In the second quarter we focused on other natural resources. We began by discussing what renewable and nonrenewable resources were, what it means to ‘go green,’ and what we do at school and at home to take care of the environment. Each student chose a topic relating to the theme ‘natural resources.’ Many topics included fossil fuels, alternative energies and environmental problems such as overfishing.”

Leading up to the project the class brainstormed, interviewed family and friends, and researched a variety of sources.

Student Emma George said, “While interviewing I received the ideas from my family and friends. My family and I enjoyed talking about caring for the environment and solutions to our environmental abuse.”

Students considered what they thought are the biggest problems about the environment and did research using books, Internet sources, news articles and some interviews.

Student Maile Mercier said, “ I researched invasive species. I have learned a lot from this project and truly enjoyed the whole experience. I enjoyed it the most because I learned how invasive species ruin and destroy the environment.”

Students created tri-fold posters about their topics and presented them in class to parents, teachers and students of other grade levels.

“The topic natural resources is very relevant in today’s world. I want the students to understand that it is more important now than ever to take care of our environment and to conserve our natural resources so they will continue to be around for future generations. We can all make a difference,” said Teshima.