Presumpscot’s environmental literacy teacher, Natasha Vandegrift-Martinez collaborated with teaching artist Cat LaBarre on a Side x Side program for fifth graders that integrated a phenology and scientific research unit with drawing, design, and painting. Students began the school year with field journals to collect information on how our environment changes over time. Working with Cat, they considered light, color, and texture as they returned to the same spot several times over the course of the year. After collecting data through observation and research, students worked with Cat to select information and drawings from their journals to combine into a mural. They then transferred this work to the school walls, detailing the phenology of their environment.

We would like to thank Coffee By Design’s Rebel Blend Fund for making this project possible and our generous sponsor, MA Builders.