NEWS

Young minds at A.E. Phillips Laboratory School recently put their research skills to the test by diving into the world of animals. As part of a project in Kelly Hodge and Paige Harvey’s second-grade classes, students selected an animal to study and conducted in-depth research based on specific scientific guidelines.

Each student chose an animal from a provided list, ensuring a variety of species were represented in the class. Students gathered information on their animal’s habitat, diet, lifecycle, physical characteristics, and more. The assignment, which aligns with the class’s informational writing unit, culminated in a five-paragraph essay and a custom illustration.

Teacher residents Blake Volland and Erin Hamilton, who assist in the second-grade classrooms, also played a role in helping guide students through the research and writing process.

“We thought it would be fun and meaningful for the students to see their work come to fruition by turning it into a real hardback book,” Hodge said. “It really is a celebration of their hard work and gives them something to be proud of. They all did a spectacular job, and it was so rewarding to watch them succeed.”

With help from Ms. Martie Clary, AEP art teacher, students illustrated their animals before transferring their final drafts to formal publishing paper provided by Studentreasures Publishing. The company supplies materials for young authors and transforms their work into hardback books.

Second grade student Weezy Geisman, who researched manatees, said the project helped her learn more about animals and develop her writing skills.

“Research was fun, and I got to learn more about the animal,” Geisman said. “The hardest part about researching was picking out which facts to use and put in the book.”

“When teachers plan projects that truly engage students, the lessons learned are memorable and long-lasting,” Dr. Jenny Blalock, AEP principal, said. “In addition to publishing a book, students learned the process of researching, writing, editing, and persevering to the completed product that would be published.”

This annual project has become a hallmark of the second-grade curriculum at A.E. Phillips, promoting literacy, scientific curiosity, and creativity in young learners.