During the third week of the district’s Summer Investigations program at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School, students embarked on an exciting underwater adventure as they explored the theme “Under the Sea.”

Through hands-on lessons in literacy, math and science, students discovered the fascinating world of ocean ecosystems while strengthening academic skills in an engaging and interactive environment. In the library media center, they learned about the ocean’s three zones and the unique animals that inhabit each one. After reading “The Escape Artist,” students researched sea animals, uncovered interesting facts about octopuses and created layered ocean scenes depicting marine life found throughout the different ocean zones. 

Students also used the digital learning platform PebbleGo to research sea creatures of their choice and enjoyed a flashlight reading activity inspired by the ocean’s darker depths. Math lessons incorporated the week's theme through ocean-inspired games and activities, including fishing for math facts, math bingo and word problems featuring marine vocabulary.

In the STEM lab, students explored coral reefs, fossils and ocean habitats through a variety of hands-on investigations. They took a virtual field trip to Australia’s coral reefs, created their own sea animals and fossils using homemade salt dough, and practiced measurement skills by measuring their fossil creations.

Students also participated in interactive science stations that demonstrated how blubber helps protect marine animals from cold water and explored the environmental impact of oil spills by simulating a cleanup effort. The activities helped students gain a deeper understanding of marine conservation and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.

To conclude the week, students put their creativity to work by designing aquariums, sea animals, bridges and other ocean-themed creations using LEGO bricks and magnetic tiles. The week also featured a special visit from Ms. Carol of the West Islip Public Library, who shared the story “The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark.”