The fourth graders are studying the trees of Tennessee as part of their "All about Tennessee" naturalist program.
Since trees are an important part of the environment and improve our quality of life for decades and sometimes centuries, it seemed appropriate to spend time appreciating them.
Two of their early naturalist journeys this fall included drawing a map of the trees on USN's front lawn and doing a tree study at Long Hunter State Park, where each student researched a tree and taught their classmates during a hike as a part of their naturalist day.
In October, the students began a phenology study of trees on Peabody Green. Each student chose a tree to visit and then draw and write about each month as they note the natural phenomenon that occur with their tree using a phenology wheel. (A phenology wheel is a circular journal created by Anne Forbes to display observations over time.)
The fourth graders will not only draw what they see each month, but they will write stories, poems and note details of their tree as they study them throughout the year.
University of Virginia selected Margot Ross '24 to be a Jefferson Scholar. The highly selective scholarship includes the full cost of attending UVA for four years of study as well as numerous enrichment opportunities. It has been 16 years since a University School of Nashville senior last became a Jefferson Scholar.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.