Students in Amsterdam High School’s Oceanography class recently had the opportunity to turn their classroom learning into a creative teaching experience for younger students at Tecler Elementary School.
On April 1, Oceanography students visited fourth grade classrooms to share ocean-themed dioramas, read children’s books they had written and lead hands-on craft activities connected to their projects.
The high school students worked in groups to present their books and display their dioramas, giving Tecler students an interactive look at ocean ecosystems and marine life.
Each group also guided fourth graders through a themed craft activity tied to their lesson. Projects included desk pet crabs, paper plate fish, sea anemones, bottle can fish, paper cup jellyfish and nurse shark fortune tellers.
The visit gave Amsterdam High School students the chance to build leadership and communication skills while helping younger students learn through creativity and collaboration.
“It was a great learning experience for both the presenting high school students and the younger learners,” said Jessica Overbaugh.
The experience highlighted the value of cross-grade collaboration and hands-on learning opportunities across the Greater Amsterdam School District.