PS 212 students inside a "bubble biome"
Fifth graders trekked through the tropical rainforest, arid desert, and lush wetlands this week—all at their Queens elementary school.
The PS 212 students researched the plants and animals in rain forests, deciduous forests, and oceans as part of a two month study of ecosystems. Then, using plastic sheeting and duct tape, the students constructed three-dimensional models of each ecosystem in twenty feet tall “biome bubbles.” They then decorated each bubble with the plants and animals found in each environment.
“My favorite part of this project was making the 3D animals and putting it together,” PS 212 fifth grader Alexis said. “I had a great time on this project.”
The students’ science teacher, Phyllis Mueses, coordinated the construction of the five inflatable biomes. The bubbles were large enough for several students to fit inside at once and were inflated by large fans.
“My favorite part of doing this project was making the 3D model of my bat,” one of the students, Mellany, said. “I wanted it to come out perfect.”
PS 212 celebrated its bubble biomes at a schoolwide celebration in the gym.
“Great teaching occurs when you support teachers' passions and creativity,” the school’s principal, Carin Ellis, said.
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