Classroom Without Walls: Families: 2nd grade: Matarredonda

Matarredonda

The second grade GUARDIANS OF THE PARAMO AND WATER visit Parque Ecologico Matarredonda (27 km; approx 50 minutes from CNG) where students explore the unique paramo habitat. During the exploration ,they will have a variety of stops to participate in meaningful educational activities such as practicing proportions in quadrats; drawing the landscape, understanding the water cycle and the importance of Colombia's paramos, building a water filter and they will of course meet the spirit of the paramo in front of a beautiful waterfall. 

🎬 Sneak Preview: Matarredonda's Excursion 

Discover all the details about this program:

FLIER (English version)

Learn more about Kajuyali, the company we collaborate with for this CWW program.

Introductory Video                               

Webpage

Scope and Sequence

• In second grade science class, there is a strong focus on the plant life cycle, plant structure and diversity in different habitats. Choachi's closeness to Bogotá gives an opportunity to see the diversity of plants and animals and understand their interdependence. There is of course a focus on the importance of the frailejon and its support of the entire habitat. The zoom in (quadrat) and zoom out (drawing) scale activities, that in the case of the quadrats replicates university investigation, that we walk by but simplified within the space of a hula hoop, give us the opportunity to imitate real research about plant diversity and apply our mathematical proportion skills. This also connects to number corner activities previously investigated on campus where students investigate the diversity of vegetables in an area. The spirit of the paramo  and the sacred brew activity (agua de panela with herbs) allow us to explore and support the unit on folk tales, fairy tales and fables which are an important section of the second grade literacy unit. The ritual connected to the water from the waterfall is a beautiful way to bring this unit to life. 
• We are going to focus on being community builders for their learner profile as this will support their work on the importance of working together in second grade with the perfect example of how different animals support plants and vice versa for the environment to function in a balanced way.  
• In terms of outdoor skills, students will be going on their first longer hike. The hike is broken up with many opportunities to rest and is relatively flat, which will give them the chance to be successful in completing an exciting and challenging experience for them. 
• The core values focus will be on caring (how we need to care for each other but also for other species) and a success skill focus will be on collaboration. There will also be a focus on learning to look and listen to your surroundings.
• As they explore SDG 13 (sustainable development goal), they will be discussing about climate action which is very relevant in the paramo ecosystem.