This term in science we are exploring solids, liquids, and gases.  In our first unit we studied solids and their properties.  We also used these properties to help us design and build structures.

The Science Fair was a huge success. Every student in the school spent several weeks studying a topic of their choice. Some of the students did studies and some did experiments. Most of the students in the primary class decided to share their animal studies.

In the morning each student got a chance to talk about their project with the judges and in the afternoon the community was invited to come and share in our learning.

Some of the students are already talking about what they would like to learn about next year!

Have you ever done a science project?

Hour of Code is a one hour introduction to coding designed to teach children of all ages the basics of computer science. This week children around the world are participating in coding activities. Today the K/1/2/3s completed the first 12 Frozen inspired challenges. They learned to make Anna and Elsa move forward, move backward, and turn. They also learned how to use repeat loops. Many of the students wanted a link to the challenges so that they can code at home as well. Click here to give the challenges a try yourself!

In science today we reviewed what plants need in preparation for a new science experiment. The students knew that plants need space to grow, air (Carbon Dioxide was mentioned specifically), sun, water, and nutrients from the soil. We then got busy preparing an experiment that will allow us to watch a seed as it grows into a seedling and then a plant.

Each day we will make observations, watching for signs of change. The students have estimated that it may take between 3 and 7 days before their seeds start to germinate.

We’ll keep you posted!

We have been continuing our study of plants. The students have learned about the parts of plants and their functions. Yesterday, we worked in groups to brainstorm the parts of plants we eat.

The students did a great job thinking of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruit you can eat.

Do you have any more ideas that we can add to our lists?

Today during our science inquiry we talked about how important it is to be a keen observer. Before heading to the forest for our investigation we discussed that people often think of a forest as mainly being brown and green. You can click on the thumbnails below to see all the different colours we found!

We wonder what kinds of colours people that live in other parts of the world might see in their forests?

What is a forest?

To begin our first science inquiry, we gave some thought to this question. After talking with an “elbow buddy” we shared some of their initial thoughts:

-I think a forest is a dried up field with trees. (Koa)
-It’s a place kind of like a jungle, but not the same. (Owain)
-I think a forest has lots of animals, and trees, and pinecones that fall. (Cherish)
-I think a forest is somewhere the grass dried up, roots grew through the ground, and seeds popped up through the ground and grew into trees and bushes. (Mya)
-Where there are lots of leaves that fell off the trees and lots of pinecones that fell on the ground. (Eli)
-A forest is different than a jungle because the trees are different. (Kaydan)
-Forests have bunnies and you can have a walk there with your dog and you can have fun. (Rose)
-I think it is a place with trees and branches and dirt. Pinecones fall from the trees and squirrels throw them. They also throw acorns too. (Sierra)
-A forest is a place with a lot of trees and the trees will fall when it is really windy. (Owen)
-It has lots of roots and ground. People play in it and you don’t eat the leaves, but you can eat the acorns. You can play and have lots of fun. (Zinnia)​

Next, we headed down into the forest and explored using our different senses. We worked together as we shared and described the things we heard, smelled, saw, and felt.

Using an inquiry approach to learning, the students will demonstrate curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world. They will make observations, ask questions, make predictions, test their ideas, take measurements, sort and classify information, make comparisons, identify patterns and connections, and communicate their learning.

The K/1/2/3s are full of wonder and are looking forward to all they will learn and discover this year!

Last week we took a trip on the bus to Rough Bay Creek to release our salmon. It was overcast and a little rainy, but we didn’t mind and we’re sure it was perfect weather for the salmon.

We each got to take two fry through the woods and down to the creek. We gently placed the salmon into the water and watched them quickly dart off into the rocks.

Here is a look at the release:

On Thursday, March 11 all the students in the school participated in the school science fair. The students spent several weeks working on their projects. They could chose to do a study, an experiment, or an innovation. The projects were fantastic. It was very interesting to see the wide variety of topics that they students chose to explore. In the morning each student was interviewed by the judges and in the afternoon we invited our families, friends, and the community to come share in our learning.

We would like to thank our families and teachers for their support, and the wonderful judges who volunteered their time to make this day such a great success!

Good luck to those students who will be moving on to the Regional Fair in April. We know you will represent our school well!