Exploring The Deep History & Nature Of The Lowcountry
Second graders recently had the opportunity to explore Old Santee Canal Park in Berkeley County. This is a 200 acre park with 4 miles of walking trails. Did you know that Highway 52 takes you all the way to North Dakota?!!
There were several activities planned throughout the day. The students learned about indigo plants which were imported from England. Blue is the color of wealth. Indigo was grown in southern states because of our warm climate. Eliza Lucas Pinckney was the first to grow indigo seeds in 1742. Indigo made Charleston very rich and is why our state flag is indigo blue. Each child was able to dye their own cloth in indigo.
Next the students learned about insects and their life cycle and were able to dig for bugs!
We also had the unexpected opportunity to view a rehabilitated owl being released back into the wild. Birds of Prey had nursed a Barn Howl, who had been hit by a car, back to health. The owl quickly flew out of his carrier and perched in a tree before flying off out of sight.
Lastly, the students learned about swamps and marshes and how different plants and animals adapt physically and behaviorally to their ecosystems. The students fished with nets and collected swamp roses, popcorn trees, algae, a fishing spider, a giant water bug, and a dragon fly nymph.
We learned that humans are a keystone species and we impact our environment every day.
Simple ways we can help conserve the effects on our ecosystem include reusing water bottles, turning off lights, and turning off the water while brushing our teeth.
