Back to Projects

Vernal Pool Life Posters

School: Reading Memorial High School

City/State: Reading, MA

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Format(s): Poster: Informational

Subject(s): Science and Technology

Project Overview

These informational posters were created for elementary students, over the span of several years, by high school students from the Reading Memorial High School, as part of a study of vernal pools. They are laminated, and are intended to be displayed in elementary classrooms and hallways, and have a professional look to the production.

Students did original research and writing about the plant and animal life of vernal pools, and human impact on these unique springtime occurrences. Using stock digital images, students created text appropriate to young readers and then designed the graphic layout of the text and images into appealing and clever posters for young children.

Unlike many products in this collection, this one represents the work of students across multiple classes and multiple years. Each year a new group of students brought fresh perspectives and research to the revision of these posters.

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • Highlights a product with an authentic audience – younger students – in a format that could be genuinely useful in an elementary school; similar posters could be done in a range of disciplines addressing a variety of topics.
  • A strong format for service learning.
  • Highlights a product that was revised and updated by several years of students.
  • Though the photographic images are not the original work of students, the text and graphic design work allow for student creativity and quality work.
  • Each poster has unique and engaging graphic design features. For example, notice the way the text is embedded next to the image of the leech, cascading along the diagonal orientation of the animal.
  • Provides an example of combing factual information about vernal pools along with awareness of the impact of human behavior.

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.9-10.5
  • I can use the writing process to focus on what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
W.9-10.6
  • I can use technology to produce, publish, and update writing products that link to information and display information flexibily and dynamically.
L.9-10.1
  • I can use correct grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.9-10.2
  • I can use correct capitalization, punctuation and spelling to send a clear message to my reader.
L.9-10.6
  • I can use resources to build my vocabulary.
WHST.9-10.5
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.6
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
Back to Projects