Anthony J. Schmidt Elementary School

Fifth graders at A.J. Schmidt Elementary learned how nature keeps itself in balance during a hands-on science lesson led by Mrs. Alexandria Salansky.

Students explored why a fish tank needs cleaning but a pond does not, using an interactive card game to model how different organisms work together to maintain a healthy environment. Each group designed its own “fish tank ecosystem,” adding fish, plants, and decomposers to see how small changes affect the system.

“This activity helped students see how every organism has a purpose,” said Mrs. Salansky. “They had fun and came away with a stronger understanding of real-world science.”

The lesson was part of the district’s commitment to inquiry-based learning, connecting classroom concepts to the natural world.