Successful Schoolyard Long-term Ecological Research: Studies of Deadman's Slough by Successive Classes of 4th Grade Students in Fairbanks, Alaska

We report on an inquiry-based long-term study of Deadman's Slough by successive classes of fourth grade students at University Park Elementary School in Fairbanks, Alaska. Since 2000 successive classes of fourth graders have studied the ecology of Deadman's Slough, off the Chena River and located by the school. Students have focused on (1) identification of the fish, insects, other aquatic animals, and plants that live in the slough, (2) the life histories and seasonal changes of those plants and animals, (3) the physical characteristics of snow and the microclimate below the snowpack, and (4) the history of the slough and the origin of its unusual name. The students have made physical measurements at the slough, set up and maintained an aquarium with netted fish and other aquatic animals, made sketches of snowflake and ice patterns, and produced a large mural showing slough life. The work on the slough has been incorporated into the classroom curriculum throughout the year. Success of the Deadman's Slough project has been demonstrated by the effective inquiry-based teaching of basic science and math concepts, the appreciation the students have gained for the value of long-term scientific studies, and the pure excitement and enthusiasm for science sustained by the students through the year.