Clarkdale Elementary’s first-grade students are making a splash in the world of wildlife conservation! In a unique partnership with the Georgia Aquarium, these young ocean explorers embarked on an exciting learning journey to research and raise awareness about endangered species. Their hard work not only deepened their understanding of marine life but also earned them a special honor—seeing their projects displayed at one of the world’s most renowned aquariums. 

Diving Deep into Learning

With curiosity as their compass, Clarkdale’s first graders teamed up to investigate three endangered species: African Penguins, Beluga Whales, and Southern Sea Otters. Using the digital tool Book Creator, they transformed their research into vibrant informational books detailing each species’ habitat, diet, threats, and conservation efforts. They designed eye-catching infographics and created powerful PSA videos that showed what they learned while encouraging others to join the mission of protecting these endangered animals. 

A Voyage to the Aquarium 

The students’ conservation efforts caught the attention of the Georgia Aquarium’s education department, which displayed their work for thousands of visitors to see. These young Clarkdale conservationists recently set sail in one of Cobb’s big yellow buses for an unforgettable field trip to the aquarium, where they saw firsthand how, even at ages six and seven, they can make an impact. 

“Engaging in real-world problem-solving through this collaboration has sparked curiosity, fostered critical thinking, and empowered our students to see themselves as changemakers,” shared Clarkdale teachers Unique Duffy, Saysha Jackson, and Kaitlin Todaro. “Working on their endangered species projects has inspired them to take ownership of their learning and deepened their understanding of the importance of conservation and global responsibility.” 

Making a Lasting Impact 

From researching marine life to seeing their work displayed among the creatures they studied, Clarkdale’s first graders proved that even the youngest voices can make waves in conservation. Through partnerships like this, Clarkdale Elementary continues to provide hands-on, real-world learning experiences that fuel curiosity and empower students to make a difference—one ripple at a time.