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Category: Intermediate
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Grade 4/5 classes from University Highlands had the opportunity to bus to Barnet Marine Park and explore the plants and creatures we found there. We wondered how the plants and animals would be different from the ones we had been studying on Burnaby Mountain. Would different elevations influence who lived there? How does the proximity to the ocean change the landscape? With our field experience notebooks, our magnifying glasses, and our curiosity, we made observations and posed questions about what we found on the beach and in the forests. Even though many of us had been to the park a number of times, we noticed that we were able to explore it with a new lens and make exciting discoveries.
When planning your inquiries, consider including a field trip to the Vancouver Art Gallery. This past fall, classes explored the gallery created by Ayumi Goto and Peter Morin, and featuring 6 other celebrated artists who inspired and mentored them. In this exhibit, place and culture were explored and shared between the artists and with us. Experiencing their art and stories, helped us to understand their cultures, and explore important themes of Canadian history. Then, together, we created a collaborative art piece, in which we changed and reclaimed space in the art gallery, which previously had a been a court room. A final layer of performance art was added, as our process was filmed and then turned into a time-lapse video. Our experience at the art gallery was beautifully composed. This was one of many incredible exhibits that the Vancouver Art Gallery offers, so often exploring themes of place and diverse ways of knowing.
http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/
Canoeing at Deer Lake through the Burnaby Parks and Rec is an incredible opportunity for students. At Marlborough, several teachers trek over to the lake to participate in this program. There is an option for up to 4 lessons, building on each other in technique in canoeing, as well as knowledge of the surrounding area.
Although the program is suggested for grades 5 and up, one year, I took my grade 4/5 students and they had an amazing time. Because of the limited mobility of one of my students, we had parent drivers, but this would be an excellent opportunity for classes to walk here with enough time. And once you are there – take a look around! There are incredible opportunities for learning and exploring the forests and streams nearby. Bring a notebook, a magnifying glass, and your curiosity.
A great resource for connecting your canoeing to the science curriculum is Chapter 3 “Power from the Land” from the new FNESC Science First Peoples Teacher Resource Guide for grades 5 to 9.
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