Rain forest study inspires pupils FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Fifthgrade science students at the MarshallW. Errickson School, Elton-Adelphia Road, recently completed studying the six major biomes of the world. As an extension of their study, students created their own rain forest animal to be displayed in the hallway and also took part in sponsoring two endangered animals through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). As evident in a display outside the science classroom, study of the rain forest inspired each student to depict an animal colorfully and creatively. The hallway is adorned with a background of the rain forest with the artwork of animals created by each student. According to Rachel Pope, science teacher, the rain forest lends itself well as an extension of study due to the wealth of information available, the link to past studies of the water cycle and carbon dioxide/ oxygen cycle, as well as study of the animals. "It is a project that the entire fifth grade takes part in each year and it always produces a fantastic result," Pope said. "The students are very motivated to participate." Each year, the drawings are a way to offer an extension activity that motivates students to actively learn more about what they are studying, according to a press release from the school district. This year, the fifth-graders took their learning one step further by sponsoring endangered animals through the World Wildlife Fund. Students gathered more than $115 and voted classwide to sponsor a penguin and a gorilla. "It was fun to learn more about the animals and be able to do something to save them," said Russell Romano, a fifth-grade student. According to WWF organizers, every donation helps save endangered animals from extinction and supports conservation efforts. Upon receipt of the donation, the WWF will send two plush animals and certificates to display in the fifth-grade science classroom as a thank you and reminder of the sponsorship, according to the press release.