GH Third Graders Interdisciplinary Rainforest Study

On February 12, 2025, third graders at Glen Head School celebrated with their parents, family members, Principal Sheehan, and teachers their Rainforest Culmination. For many weeks, students researched Brazil and the Amazon rainforest in their social studies unit that combined learning with aspects of weather and climate as a part of their science learning.

During this in-depth, interdisciplinary Rainforest study, each child chose an animal living in the Rainforest including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and/or fish and researched his or her specific creature by reading and taking notes. Additionally, the third graders worked on individual, creative projects at home (dioramas, booklets, or posters) which were on display during the celebration.

Director of K-12 Science Mr. Steven Menchel said, “I just wanted to thank the Glen Head 3rd grade teachers for presenting such a wonderful experience by turning their classrooms into rainforests! The students were fantastic, and the learning experience was so meaningful. All the hard work and planning was quite evident as you successfully integrated many different disciplines into a fun and educational showcase.”

At the culmination, the students sang songs and shared with their families and invited guests their completed projects and information about their animal characteristics, food, predators, how they live and survive in the rainforest, and adaptations. Additionally, they showed their guests the walls of their classrooms and hallways which were filled with beautiful artwork resembling an actual Rainforest!

Thank you to all of the third graders and their teachers, including Ms. Derasmo, Ms. Fox, and Ms. Niland for this extensive, interdisciplinary Rainforest Celebration!

Article and photos by Shelly Newman