"Studies show that outdoor learning delivers many benefits - reducing stress, improving moods, boosting concentration, and increasing a child's engagement at school."
-Gwen Dewar, Ph.D.
On Friday, December 15th, with the support of some wonderful parent volunteers, we took our science curriculum outdoors. Along with our Grade 1 buddies, we spent a chilly morning in Fish Creek Provincial Park examining nature. We also used this learning opportunity to help us mark the Winter Solstice on December 21st. We were reminded by Elder Saa’kokoto’s teaching that this is a significant day in Blackfoot tradition as it represents the start of a new year.
Elder Saa’kokoto left us with some reflection questions that students in Room 12 will ponder and take up when learning both in the classroom and on the land throughout the remainder of the 2024 school year.
Reflection Questions:
- What have you learned from the challenges of the past year and how can you bring your learning into the new year?
- In what ways does Na’a (Mother Earth) embrace and protect us?
- How can we show appreciation and care for Na’s?
- Spend some time on the land to observe. What do you see, hear and feel?
Using a ‘Winter Scavenger Hunt’ put out by Alberta Parks, students created tally charts and recorded the number of each plant and animal species they were able to find. We had rich discussions trying to identify different natural objects while enjoying learning outdoors. Popular items for searching were:
- Camouflaged Animals
- Herbivore Kitchen
- Animal Tracks (Snowshoe Hare)
- Signs of an insect Winter Home
- Herbivore Scat
- Carnivore Scat
Learning Intentions:
- I can identify different food chains in local environments
- I understand that plants and animals may depend on each other and their environments for survival, such as for food and habitat
- I can demonstrate respectful and safe practices during observation of plants and animals in local environments
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