This coming Friday, October 4th, the Creative Arts and Sciences Committee is bringing in Professor Eric Olson to visit our 3rd graders.  As the “canopy guy” Eric puts on his tree-climbing gear and uses props and puppets to give a “tour” of the New England and Costa Rican treetops.

Key topics developed during this presentation include how trees make a living from soil, air, and light, how trees consist of both below ground and above ground parts, and how different trees carry their seeds far away with either winged or fleshy fruits. This last topic, fruit dispersal, is taught with the use of several different types of wind dispersed fruits, burrs which are fur dispersed, and an apple, an example of a fruit meant to be ingested by wildlife.  Dr. Olson also shows students how he studies life at the treetops by accomplishing a spectacular schoolyard demonstration of a tree climb.

This is one of the great curriculum-based enrichment programs that is funded by your support of the PTO!  If you would like to help organize these programs or if you’d like to volunteer to attend this program or others, please reach out to the Creative Arts and Sciences Committee via secretary@lepto.org.