Teacher Collaboration at Washington Primary School

It’s all about collaboration at Washington Primary School where third grade teacher Katie Kalkau and art teacher Nicholas Matarazzo worked together to provide students with an enrichment experience combining science and art.”

“After finishing up our science unit on adaptations and survival, students did a culminating project on an animal of their choice,” Ms. Kalkau explained. “They researched their animal’s habitat, predators, prey and adaptations. Students also created a poster using Google Slides in which they specifically focused on their animal’s physical and behavioral adaptations.”

Ms. Kalkau said she collaborated with Mr. Matarazzo so students could also utilize their art talents while working on their projects.

“They each designed and created a body part from their animal, which helps it survive,” Ms. Kalkau said. “They used Model Magic to form their animal’s part and then painted and used Modge Podge to complete the project. For example, the quills of a porcupine are used for defense; when a predator encounters, the quills will detach. We also learned from a classmate that sharks have several rows of teeth because when a tooth breaks off, another one will move up to take its place.”

The third graders had fun during the unit and with their projects. “The students especially loved taking their knowledge that they learned in the classroom and sharing it with Mr. Matarazzo so he could guide them in their art projects,” Ms. Kalkau said.