Thanks to a NEF Teacher Innovation Grant, Jennifer Allen’s third-grade students at Mansfield Elementary experienced hands-on learning that brought science to life! The funding made it possible to conduct engaging experiments and take a field trip to the local water reclamation facility, helping students see real-world connections to what they were reading in The Ripples. This opportunity inspired curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how we can all make a difference in protecting our water resources.
The unit began in the classroom, where students read engaging fiction and nonfiction texts, including The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks and articles on water conservation, to build background knowledge about pollution and the importance of protecting Earth’s resources. Students kept “Reading the Ripples” journals filled with vocabulary, reflections, data collection, and written responses.
Students also conducted experiments such as building water‑filtration systems, simulating wastewater treatment, and tackling an “oil spill cleanup challenge,” all designed to help them understand how pollution affects waterways and what people can do to help. In October, the project culminated in a field trip to the S. Emmons Water Reclamation Center, where students were able to connect their classroom lessons to the complex systems that keep local water safe.
Reading The Ripples has helped the students grow as readers and thinkers. Through engaging stories, hands-on experiments, and a field trip to the water reclamation facility, they’ve deepened their understanding of how water impacts our world. They’ve learned to make connections between what they read and real-life science, strengthened their comprehension and vocabulary, and developed a genuine love for reading and learning!
–Jennifer Allen
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