Third, fourth, and fifth grade students recently had the opportunity to learn from Ranger Rusty and Clara of the Meigs Point Nature Center as part of our Reaching Beyond the Classroom grant. The engaging presentation brought the ecosystems of Long Island Sound directly into our school, helping students connect classroom learning to the natural world around them.
During the presentation, students explored the food chains of Long Island Sound, learning how energy moves from plants and small organisms all the way up to larger animals. Ranger Rusty and Clara helped students understand the important role each organism plays in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. A key takeaway from the lesson was the idea that humans are also part of this food chain.
Students were actively involved throughout the presentation as they learned how different living things in Long Island Sound such as clams, crabs, fish, and even humans are all connected. Ranger Rusty and Clara explained how clams filter the water, crabs feed on smaller organisms, and fish rely on both plants and animals for survival. Students also discussed how humans depend on this ecosystem for food and recreation, and how our actions can positively or negatively affect the balance of this environment. This helped students see that every living thing plays an important role in keeping Long Island Sound healthy.
We are grateful to Ranger Rusty, Clara, and the Meigs Point Nature Center for providing this meaningful learning experience, and to our Reaching Beyond the Classroom grant for making opportunities like this possible. Experiences such as these help inspire curiosity, environmental awareness, and a lifelong connection to learning beyond the classroom walls.