Third graders in Ms. Neems’ and Ms. Barnes’ class at Dickinson Avenue recently became Amazon explorers and took an in-depth look at the wonders of the world’s rainforest. After learning about the unique ecosystem and how it is shrinking by the year, students were each assigned a unique species of animal to research. After sufficient research, students created a replica of their animal in its natural habitat and presented, museum-style, to teachers, classmates, and visiting parents. Animals presented included the poison dart frog, the spectacled bear, the amazon dolphin, and many more.

Additionally, various classes visited to view and listen to all of the students demonstrate a firm understanding of their animal based on facts they pulled from their research to present. Visiting students were delighted by the life-like appearance the projects and all the fun facts they learned.

“50% of the world’s animals live in the rainforest, and only 7% of the world is rainforest,” said student Katelyn Voorhees. “We may never get to see any of these animals in person, but we got to learn all about them, the importance of their role in the ecosystem, and why we should protect what’s left of the rainforest.”