This spring, the fifth grade science class was treated to a unique lesson that culminated in three community murals now located on Elmwood Avenue for all to see!
Science teacher Alyssa Wood worked with the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center and artist Katie Gui to teach students about water quality, runoff, and stormwater science through a series of virtual workshops, with the support of additional partners: The Audubon Society of RI, Partnership for Providence Parks, and Ximedica.
After learning about natural water filtration systems, their importance, and the animals that call Narragansett Bay home, the fifth grade flexed their artistic muscles. They discussed how they can make an individual impact on improving the local water cycle as they worked with Ms. Katie to apply their new knowledge to design three public murals. You can view these murals on Elmwood Avenue at the intersections of Adelaide Ave, Reservoir Ave, and Atlantic Ave.
Fifth grader Jo-Liyah reflected on the project, saying: “Art is one of my favorite subjects, and I really had fun with Ms. Katie and my classmates. It was pretty fun to see all of our drawings in the mural and how they came together. All the stuff we learned about water, Narragansett Bay, rain, impervious and pervious surfaces – that’s pretty cool to know...and I can share it with the community outside of Sophia!”
The mural project will be celebrated at the Rain Harvest Arts Festival in Roger Williams Park on June 12, where our students will be featured in a video highlighting their work.
Pictured left to right: 5th graders Azmyralda, Megan, Jaylyn, Tehillah, Aliana and artist Katie Gui with one of their finished murals along Elmwood Avenue.