Washington Middle School for Girls

APRIL 2013

Scientists in Training!

The Washington Middle School for Girls, WMSG (DC) sixth graders recently visited the largest science and environmental education center in the Department of the Interior -- the Patuxent Research Refuge (MD).

The students learned how to identify different plants and animals in their ecosystem. Did you know that you can identify trees just by looking at their bark? They also learned about birds and were able to see different biomes on the tram ride.

WMSG students flapping their arms so  they can fly like the Whooping Crane.

LaTia had this to say about her experience as a whooping crane:

"The best part of my trip to the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge was dressing up like a mother whooping crane. It helped me experience what it is like to be a bird. If I go back to the park, I want to ride the tram more and see parts of the park that I missed."

The refuge is a great place to learn about plant and animal species, especially endangered species! Thanks to my friends at Paladin Capital Group for funding our trip!

 FEBRUARY 2013

LIVE Food Chain!

Over the past month our friends from Earth Conservation Corps (ECC) presented special programs to our Buddy Bison students.

ECC's Daryl Wallace visited several D.C. schools with a LIVE food chain featuring raptors, snakes, and small mammals. Washington Middle School for Girls (WMSG) all welcomed Daryl and his programs.

Michael Kelley, a science teacher from WMSG said this to me about the visit:

"Many thanks to you and your colleague from the ECC for yesterday's exciting introduction to the natural wonders of our area. Nothing like a red-tailed hawk ready for flight and a live pooping exhibition by a Cooper's hawk to get the students' attention!"

Thank you Daryl and the ECC for bringing park experiences to our students during the cold winter months!