April 29-May 3

Learning Outcomes

Science

Recognize and describe one or more examples of wetland ecosystems found in the local area; e.g., pond, slough, marsh, bog, fen.

Understand that a wetland ecosystem involves interactions between living and nonliving things, both in and around the water. 

Understand and appreciate that all animals and plants, not just the large ones, have an important role in a wetland community. 

Identify the roles of different organisms in the food web of a pond: • producers—green plants that make their own food, using sunlight • consumers—animals that eat living plants and/or animals • decomposers—organisms, such as molds, fungi, insects and worms, that reuse and recycle materials that were formerly living. 

Identify human actions that can threaten the abundance or survival of living things in wetland ecosystems; e.g., adding pollutants, changing the flow of water, trapping or hunting pond wildlife.

What Did Students Do?

Students went on a field trip to Bow Habitat Station and had a great experience learning on the land. We learned so much and had great hands-on activities to learn about wetlands. Our educators had a wealth of knowledge to share with us about the science of wetlands, its beauty and the role they play in our environment. 

Students did a trail trek to observe plants, animals and organisms that play a role in wetlands. We saw birds, plants and even earthworms busy at work! Spring truly has sprung - even though our weather didn't necessarily agree!

Then, students did a marsh dip where they collected and observed various examples of invertebrates. They used reference sheets to identify and name their findings! Many students shared that this was their favourite part of our field trip.

After lunch, students had a chance to check out the aquariums before starting our afternoon activities. 

In the afternoon, students looked closely at dragonfly samples at various life stages. They drew and labelled each life stage. They learned how to make scientific sketches by making them Accurate, Big, Colourful, Detailed and Explained (ABCDE!). Then students had an opportunity to look even more closely at invertebrates found in our wetlands through a microscope. This allowed them to see the features and characteristics of each specimen in order to identify them.

Students then explored the Discovery Centre. They went on a Scavenger Hunt and jotted down important info about wetlands across Canada. One station was a Jenga game. This was a way to highlight the interconnectedness of decomposers, producers and consumers in a wetland. Students learned that human interactions and development in wetland areas are causing these areas to be out of balance and that they are being destroyed. 

What a day we had! Ask your child to tell you more about their day. They will be bringing home a reflection about their field trip. 

A big thank you to our educators, Megan and Ellen, for leading us through such engaging activities and for sharing their expertise and knowledge with us. 

A HUGE thank you to our parent volunteers for making our day possible! Thank you!

Ask Your Child About:
-static electricity - What is the science behind this?

-our Novel Study - A Rover's Story

-digital citizenship