Here are some other things that have happened this month:
1. Google Hangouts----To try to prevent some of the issues we had earlier with the bees, we linked with more experts. We did a 3 way Google Hangout with the help of Mr. Hannon our e-learning coach. We were able to ask questions to former Throop student, Chase Kimmel and his fellow researcher Cameron who are currently studying pollinators at the University of Florida. We ended up having conversations with both the university and Russ. Russ was also able to provide more information and ask questions as well as the the problems we had earlier with the hives. We now believe that ants invading the hive may have been an issue. Chase was able to give us insight into things to do to prevent this from happening again. It is great the we now have even more experts to help us with our project. It is fun to seek help and connect with others!
2. It is "Thank A Superintendent Week" at the Greenskeepers Association of America (GCSAA) so we decided to write a letter to them thanking Supt. Apple and the French Lick Resort for all of the support of our project.
Here is our letter to the GCSAA:
We would like to thank Superintendent Russ Apple, from the Pete Dye Golf Course at French Lick Resort who has partnered with our 5th grade class at Throop Elementary to do a Problem Based Learning Project entitled “Extraordinary Ecosystems.” In our project, we studied various areas of the course to identify the different kinds and numbers of species. In our observations, we have noticed a shortage of flowering plants on the golf course. We have learned that flowering plants are needed to provide habitats for bees whose numbers are dwindling. As a result, Supt. Apple along with his staff have helped us create a plot for us to plant flowers to create a habitat for bees. They also have set up hives for us!
This is the second year for our project, and we have recently added a second partner, Chase Kimmel, a former Throop student, from our school who is a graduate student at the Florida University doing research on pollinators. We have him as an expert to guide us with issues on our project. Last week, we did a 3-way Google Hangout connecting our classroom, Supt. Apple, and Mr. Kimmel so that we could all learn more about the needs of bees in our area.
Throughout this project, Russ has kept us informed of changes in the plot and the bees, so we could learn and measure changes over a period of time. We have also conduct labs in our room using the seeds from the course to better understand plant growth and Russ has visited our classroom. In addition, Supt. Apple has recycled materials left from golf tournaments and created a greenhouse and seedling growth areas to add additional flowering plants around the course to aid in benefiting our bees and beautifying the course.
Supt. Apple is continuously helping us learn by being our partner and sponsor. Last week we held a Discovery Fest where we shared our project with other community leaders and citizens to try to encourage others to create and protect habitats locally for bees. We appreciate all Supt. Apple has done for us, the bees, and the golf course!
3. Discovery Fest we presented our persuasive writing slide show to the community to try to get others to join our cause.