From the Bottom Up
Week of March 15, 2026 – March 21, 2026
by Amelia Gross, Environmental Educator
The culminating Nature in the City lesson for 4th graders, “From the Bottom Up”, integrates the topics of energy, interactions within ecosystems, and the equally important subject of historic female scientists. Classes investigate how energy moves through food chains by focusing on top predators in Syracuse, like the Cooper’s Hawk. They also look at the real-world example of what happened when the pesticide DDT was introduced into the environment, through a hands-on game. This lesson is not only an introduction to complex topics, like biomagnification, but it also incorporates the story of Rachel Carson and her fight for environmental protections.
When DDT was introduced, it was a groundbreaking pesticide with a unique ability to target a wide range of pests. DDT did not only impact insects, but the animals that ate them, and as we discuss with the 4th graders, the animals even higher up the food chain, eventually reaching larger animals, such as birds of prey, who accumulated higher concentrations of the chemical in their tissue. The consequences were grave, as DDT caused reproductive issues so severe that numerous bird populations declined. As a result, bald eagles and peregrine falcons were classified as endangered species.
This discussion would not be complete without highlighting scientist Rachel Carson’s 1962 novel, Silent Spring*. Detailing the impact of DDT on animals and humans, Carson’s work was quickly targeted by chemical companies who wanted to continue widespread use of the pesticide. Despite the scientific validity of her work, Carson’s integrity and sanity were viciously attacked. Being a woman in the 1960’s didn’t make it any easier and scathing comments were published calling her hysterical, overly emotional, and generally unscientific.
While we don’t get into all these details with eight and nine year-olds, introducing students to the story of Silent Spring and Carson’s lasting impact is incredibly meaningful as an educator. Historically exclusionary to women, the STEM field has come a long way in reducing barriers for women, but ensuring young girls feel empowered to enjoy science remains critically important. As children reach middle school it is common for female students’ interest in science to decline, so establishing a connection in the influential elementary years is essential. Introducing historic female role models and sharing the hardships they faced allows all students to see STEM careers as a reality for themselves.
Education about women in history, especially in the sciences, is not only meaningful for elementary school students. We can all take the time to learn more about women, and others in historically underrepresented groups, who have contributed to our understanding of the world around us.
*It just so happens that Silent Spring is the next book being read by our Literature and Nature Group, which meets monthly! The group has read several other great books featuring stories of scientific discovery, and you can find the whole list on our website. If you’re interested in learning more about the fight to ban DDT and discussing it with fellow nature and book lovers, register for the meeting on Saturday, April 4.
We invite our members to enjoy a weekly blog written by our naturalists. Every blog will be uniquely different but always inspired by nature. We may share a memory from a recent hike at The Woods or teach you about an animal or plant that lives on the preserve. No matter the topic, we will be sharing with you our passion for nature and celebrating the connections we all have to the natural world. Each blog will be connected to a weekly set of activities and ideas to help you put nature in your hands, even if you’re at home!