Science and Nature Lessons Update

Learning in Full Swing

We are now halfway through the school year, and have led the Mayne School students on six field trips across the island. We’ve explored intertidal ecosystems, wetlands, and forests. At each learning site, we find new plants and animals to observe. Dragonflies in the twilight of summer, flying above a pond. Crusty barnacles tentatively extending their feet out of their shells to filter food from the frigid water. Young Douglas fir, racing their neighbours to the sky for a share of sunlight, and ancient western red cedars so old, their stories have been forgotten.

Using the plants and animals we find as living examples, we learn about evolution, nutrient cycles, and energy flow in biological systems. Being introduced to these complex ideas at a young age using real-world examples will help students succeed in their learning in the years to come.

Coming up in the Spring

We are already planning an exciting series of learning experiences for next spring. Low tide events will start coinciding with afternoon lessons, allowing for opportunity to explore a number of intertidal beaches. But first, a trip back through time to learn about 4 billion years of life on earth!