Synopsis

Students learned about the importance of plant roots especially when it relates to areas close to water in our living systems unit. When discussing First Nations perspectives of land and animals, we discussed the use of plants to stop soil erosion and protect water. Students performed an experiment to gain first hand knowledge of how erosion works, building a stream and pouring water down the river. Students saw how the water ate away at the edges and were shocked. This led to the discussion of roots, and the importance of plants near water ways. 

Students were so excited to learn more about how we can respect earth, so we played a land reclamation game from the Land Reclamation International Graduate School. Students learned about the various steps in land reclamation, including soil remediation and revegetation. 

We discussed the various types of plants that could revegetate an area, including native, invasive and introduced species. We practiced identifying the various kinds of plants in the areas and how they got here. 

Synopsis 

Learning Fractions was primarily spent outdoors. This was such an amazing opportunity for students to learn the skills and apply them in a variety of environments. From snow, the mud, and animals in between. We talked about fractions in so many different ways. Below you will find a series of lessons taught to students to learn fractions up to denominators to 10. 

Snow Fractions

To introduce fractions, we went outdoors and drew rectangles in the snow to demonstrate a whole. After drawing a whole, students split them into equal parts. We then colored in the different sections of the whole using water and food coloring.

Egg Fractions

Using the empty egg cartons, students were tasked with filling in "eggs" (snow) with different fractions. Discussing halves, quarters and thirds.

Animal Fractions

Animals in the barynard are an amazing source for developing an understanding of fractions. We discussed the fractions of lambs that are boys, the fractions of animals in the barnyard that have hooves, the fractions of ducks that are black etc. 

Fraction Art

Utilizing fractions in a circle, students were tasked with creatin an animal of their choice.

Hula Hooping Fractions

One final learning opportunity to experience was hula hoop fractions. Students utilized natural materials to divide their hula hoops into sections, covering fractions of the whole.

Synopsis

In the Social Studies Unit; Time and Place students learn about the regions of Canada. We explored the climate, geography, natural resources, plants and animals, and goods and services found in each region. Through  various tasks explained below, students grasped the concepts of various regions with ease. 

Climate

Each morning we check the weather as class discussing weather changes across Canada and the regions. Students noted that the coast lines are relatively warm, with the coldest places being in the north. 

Natural Resources

Students were tasked with gathering resources and creating a map of Canada. 

• Cordillera: branches for the forestry

• Prairies: straw for the grain farms

• Arctic: Cotton balls representing snow

• Canadian Shield: Soil for the rich soil in the area

• Great Lakes: Sand that surrounds the beaches of the Great Lakes

• Appalachian Mountains: Rocks for the old mountains. 

Geography

Next students were tasked with using air dry clay to demonstrate the varied landforms across Canada's great space.

Plants and Animals 

Finally students created a poster of a region of choice showcasing the plants and animals found in their region. 

Land Use 

Creation of art related to First Nations view of land as treated equally and what land could look like in 10 years without change in human behaviour. 

Guest Speaker 

To complete this project, we had a guest speaker come in to discuss her role in the natural resources in Canada. She is an agronomist and serves many local farmers in the area.