A Haven for Growth:
INSIDE
McCall Emerick’s Thriving Ecosystem B y A m a n d a R i tc h i e An array of lush green plants surrounds the perimeter of McCall Emerick’s sixth-grade science classroom in Allegheny Valley School District’s Acmetonia Elementary. Throughout the room, plants grow under v arious conditions. Some crowd the windowsill, receiving natural sunlight, while others are lined up in trays or bunched under plastic domes where they bask in the glow of grow lights. Learning in this environment helps ecological concepts like the plant life cycle take root in her students’ minds. Emerick (photo: above at left), began her horticultural classroom adventure in the 2020-21 school year when she planted lettuce and cherry tomatoes, purchased through a Farm to Table grant focused on promoting healthy eating habits in schools. This year, as part of the AIU’s transformED Teacher Innovation Fellow ship, she introduced her students to the concept of symbiotic relationships through aquaponic farming.
“The tank provides the water for the fish, and the fish provide the nutrients for the plants that grow at the top of the tank.” “The tank provides the water for the fish, and the fish provide the nutrients for the plants that grow at the top of the tank,” Emerick explained. Students watch the role each element plays in sustaining the other — a living lesson in the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Starting in April, Emerick’s science classes collectively planted a variety of seeds in different growing environments, including soil, LED greenhouses, seed heating mats, a hydroponic planter and an aquaponic planter. The classroom soon erupted into a vibrant tapestry of plant life, affectionately referred to as the “jungle” by the students themselves. Her students share responsibilities to care for the plants and fish tank, including pollination with an electric toothbrush. Each task is a chance for collaboration and learning. “The classroom is almost like a whole ecosystem because everyone has jobs that they do,” said student Natahlia Schreckengost (photo: at left). “We also make sure that the fish are fed and the plants are watered.” Classmate Adele Walters-Vrabel (photo: page 11 at left) explained the intricacies of their thriving classroom ecosystem. “Right now, we’re growing plants, as you can see. Plants are producers in the food chain. They get their energy from the sun. These grow lights are the sun in this kind of an ecosystem,” she said. Emerick smiled with a nod and chimed in, “We studied the food chain, so that was a good tie-in.” The well-being of the students has also found nourishment amidst the lush surroundings. The living ecosystem has created a sense of comfort and serenity that permeates the learning environment. “The fish tank has provided a therapeutic component for students,” Emerick said. “The fish are very good for social-emotional learning…Students love coming in and seeing the fish. They love coming in and seeing the plants grow.”
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Allegheny Intermediate Unit • aiu3.net