Grades K-2

Put on your boots and grab your magnifying glass—we are going on a year-long adventure! As Forest Detectives, we will explore our very own town forest to see how it changes from month to month. In the Fall, we’ll hunt for the brightest leaves and crunch through the woods. In the Winter, we’ll look for secret animal tracks in the snow. When Spring arrives, we’ll listen for bird songs and watch tiny seeds wake up and grow. Finally, we’ll see the forest in its Summer coat of deep green. By the end of the year, you’ll be an expert on nature’s secrets and help create a giant mural to show everyone what we discovered! 

Grades 3-4

Are you ready to become a Citizen Scientist? This year, our Grade 3–4 classes are launching a deep-dive investigation into phenology—the study of how plants and animals respond to the changing seasons. Each student will "adopt" a specific tree in our town forest, acting as its personal biographer. We won’t just be looking at the trees; we’ll be measuring their growth, recording the exact dates of "bud burst," and tracking how temperature and daylight hours affect the forest's life cycle.

Throughout the year, you will maintain a professional Forest Journal to sketch your observations and log sightings of local birds and mammals. We will even contribute our findings to national projects like Project BudBurst, helping real scientists understand our local environment. To wrap up the year, you’ll use your data to build a Phenology Timeline, comparing your early predictions with the actual evidence you gathered in the field. Get ready to see the forest through the eyes of a researcher!

Grades 5-6

Analyzing the Past to Protect the Future

Welcome to the front lines of local environmental science. This year, Grade 5–6 students are moving beyond basic observation to conduct a comprehensive ecological audit of our town forest. By synthesizing historical climate data with real-time field research, our students are investigating the forest's health and how it is being tested by a changing climate.

The Scientific Mission

Our "Lead Researchers" are tasked with two primary objectives:

• Climate Correlation: Using advanced data analysis, students will graph trends in local temperature and precipitation. They will compare our forest’s current "biological clock"—such as earlier bud burst or later frosts—against decades of historical regional data to identify shifting patterns.

• Ecological Advocacy: Understanding the data is only the first step. Students will research how shifting seasonal patterns affect our local flora and fauna, then brainstorm community-led solutions to support long-term forest resilience.

Bath Students Shine at NH State Board of Education Meeting

On February 12, three of our talented 6th-grade students took their learning beyond the classroom and into the state spotlight. Accompanied by Mrs. Bellidoro and Mrs. Jones, the students presented a comprehensive look at our year-long Outdoor Place-Based Education initiative.

Working in close partnership with Judy Tumosa and Bruce Barnum of the Conservation Commission, our students have spent the year using the Bath Town Forest as a living laboratory. Their presentation highlighted how this hands-on approach to science and stewardship has enriched their education and connected them to our local environment.

We are incredibly proud of our students for representing our school with such professionalism and passion!

Our 5th and 6th graders are diving into an exciting hands-on study of New Hampshire wildlife through the Trout in the Classroom program, with a special focus on the brook trout, a species of concern in our state. This year, students will monitor and raise trout from eggs to fingerlings while learning about their life cycle, habitat, and the importance of conservation. Their fieldwork will center on Bedell Brook and its watershed within the Bath Town Forest, where they’ll explore local ecosystems and investigate the health of this critical habitat. It’s a unique opportunity for our students to connect with nature and contribute to preserving our state's natural resources! 

Our 3rd and 4th grade students are embarking on an exciting exploration of New Hampshire wildlife habitats in the Bath Town Forest.  Students will choose a species to study in depth, learning about its habitat, behavior, and role in the ecosystem. Animals they may investigate include the barred owl, beaver, deer, bobcat, moose, red and gray squirrels, hairy woodpecker, porcupine, raccoon, and turkey. Through hands-on learning and field observations, students will deepen their understanding of local wildlife and the diverse habitats that make up our natural surroundings. It’s a fun and educational adventure into the world of New Hampshire's native species! 

Our kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders are beginning an exciting journey into the world of wildlife in the Bath Town Forest. Through fun and engaging activities, they will learn about the animals that call the forest home, discovering what makes each species unique and how they live in their natural habitat. Whether learning about birds, mammals, or woodland creatures, students will explore the forest ecosystem, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the wildlife around them. This hands-on learning experience introduces our youngest learners to the beauty of nature right in their own backyard!