Navigating the History and Ecology of the Salish Sea in Lori Fujimoto’s Room 2 Second and Third Grade Class

A rich mix of experiences and research enabled students in Lori’s room to discover and retell the story of the Salish Sea—that inland waterway stretching from Puget Sound north through the Johnstone Strait. They studied the myths and legends of the First Nations people that named it, as well as the geologic and biological history of the area. Throughout the expedition, students integrated core curricula skills and concepts through reading, writing, science, art and math activities.

The study of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and launched the expedition and captivated the students throughout. In the fall, a camping trip to Camp Cornet Bay included a day on San Juan Island where the class learned about cetaceans at the Whale Museum. They assembled a gray whale skeleton and learned, through a forensic investigation, how it died. At the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, the class met with a scientist who studies orca whale vocalization. They listened to the sounds of orcas using echolocation as well as the sounds of them greeting one another. They also learned about the impact of sound on cetaceans by listening to a motorboat and the US Navy testing a sonar device used for detecting underwater mines. (See Letters to Legislators, below).

In conducting a research project on cetaceans, students learned how to

Locate facts by reading nonfiction material.
Use the worldwide web.
Categorize facts.
Use technology to communicate their findings.

Working primarily in teams of two, the students developed PowerPoint slide shows that tell the story of their chosen cetaceans in a well-organized combination of written descriptions, artwork, maps, diagrams and bibliographic references. A website, http://www.seattleschools.org/schools/ae2/classrooms/
room2/room2.htm, now avails this rich information to others interested in cetaceans. The students’ cetacean drawings were also used to produce T-shirts for the Bazaar and a batik quilt for the school auction. In the next phase, students used a "Rocks and Minerals" science kit to discover how to identify rocks and minerals using geologic tests. They also learned about three ways rocks are formed. A trip to the Burke Museum added to their studies of fossils and geologic time.

Room 2’s study of Northwest Coastal indigenous people, their culture and legends was another theme woven in and out of the other units. Students read and charted the structure of NW Coast legends. Mim Turnbull, a room parent, led drama games and activities, immersing them further into the oral tradition. They interpreted legends through plays and performed them for their families. Finally, the students wrote their own legends featuring marine animals. Examples include: “Why the Jellyfish has a Stinger” and “How the Sea Urchin Got Its Spikes.”

An overnight trip to the Seattle Aquarium and a low tide beach walk helped to broaden the study of the animals in the Salish Sea. The year will culminate with a final project and possible service to other children. The students will create a board game that teaches conservation and preservation concepts to others.

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