Classroom science teaching resources
Teaching about the Hunts Point Slave Burial Ground is more than history. Many science concepts can be centered on HPSBG concepts and the Joseph Rodman Drake Park.
Science materials are available for use in these lessons. Visit the P.S. 48 library to look at the Science Resources Binder to determine which materials you need. Then visit the science room (507) to sign out and borrow the materials from Mrs. Connolly. Additionally check out available hard copy resources in the PS 48 Hunts Point Slave Burial Ground Learning Center. Get creative and hands on by aligning the themes of the New York City Science Scope and Sequence to activities related the Hunts Point Slave Burial Ground Project (HPSBG) and Drake Park! What is the theme? How can you get students outside investigating?
Always in development, here are some exemplary science-related resources and activities collected:
Return to HPSBG Curriculum Homepage.
Science materials are available for use in these lessons. Visit the P.S. 48 library to look at the Science Resources Binder to determine which materials you need. Then visit the science room (507) to sign out and borrow the materials from Mrs. Connolly. Additionally check out available hard copy resources in the PS 48 Hunts Point Slave Burial Ground Learning Center. Get creative and hands on by aligning the themes of the New York City Science Scope and Sequence to activities related the Hunts Point Slave Burial Ground Project (HPSBG) and Drake Park! What is the theme? How can you get students outside investigating?
Always in development, here are some exemplary science-related resources and activities collected:
- Compass and Mapping Activities Introduce the use of a compass for directions, a clinometer for slope of land, and how to make a map.
- Drake Park Tree and Plant Leaf Identification (ID) Guide Use this guide to identify the different plant species in Drake Park based on characteristics of the plant's leaves. (credit: Ms. Connolly)
- Drake Park Nature Observation This observation sheet serves as a template that allows students to utilize scientific tools, including thermometers, compasses, and hand lens to observe and write about the natural world in Drake Park. It should be adapted based on the science content being learned in your class setting. You can also modify the Grades K-1 Garden Field Journal and the Grades 2-5 PS 48 Garden Field Journal.
- Hands Behind the Back Leaf Identification Lesson This lesson provides a fun sensory way of showing students the differences in tree species at Drake Park and elsewhere! (credit: Ms. Connolly)
- Leaf Pressing Teach about preserving leaves through the process of leaf pressing.
- Leaf Rubbing Teach students how to analyze and learn about the varied, special characteristics of leaves through the hands on, artistic process of making leaf rubbings.
- Leaf and Plant Mounting Teach students how to preserve leaves that they collect on a field experience in Hunts Point through the hands on process of leaf mounting.
- Plant Species at Drake Park Develop a plant-based scavenger hunt.
- Plant Species at Drake Park and Cemetery Use this video to get an overview (students and adults) about the variety of plant life in Hunts Point, along with the various materials you can use with your class on a field trip.
- Science Resources Binder This binder of available materials is held in the P.S. 48 library. Use it to determine the materials you will need for a science field trip at Drake Park. (credit: Ms. Brown and Ms. Connolly)
- Tree Census Collect data for a long term tree census of trees in the PS 48 school garden and Drake Park. Use the web form to record notes on the trees and see how they change over the years. A paper copy of the data collection sheet is currently being developed.
- Tree Species at Drake Park Identify tree species with this field guide.
Return to HPSBG Curriculum Homepage.