In the fourth marking period, Lathrop Street 5th Graders participated in an activity called, “Who Polluted the Susquehanna?” We started with a container of clear water in the middle of the room representing a clean river hundreds of years ago. Students were each given a character role in our story and a mysterious sealed container with a variety of contents inside. As we read the story, students listened for their role and added the contents of their container into “the river” on their turn. Throughout the activity students saw how easily the river can become polluted. This opened up a great discussion on the importance of educating others on the things we can all do to keep our waterways healthy and clean.   

As a follow up and give back to the community, the students researched, designed and created beautiful messages and illustrations about the importance of protecting our Earth. They took their ideas and designs and displayed them on paper grocery bags from our local Price Chopper supermarket. These bags were shared in our classrooms and then returned to Price Chopper to be used to bag groceries and give out to the community.  We hope you enjoy looking at the incredible ideas, designs and messages! Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to receive one of our bags!  

~Mrs. Mooney and the Lathrop Street Fifth Graders