Our Grade Five Community

Blog Post 8

Oct. 17 - 21

Celebrations

Grade 5 Patrollers did an amazing job out there this week. We are so thankful for so many students who are willing to help keep our school safe. Our field trip was an amazing success. Our students made us proud!

Learning Outcomes

Science

Recognize and describe one or more examples of wetland ecosystems found in the local area

Understand that a wetland ecosystem involves interactions between living and nonliving things, both in and around water

Identify some plants and animals found at a wetland sit, both in and around the water

Identify human actions that can threaten the abundance or survival of living things in wetland ecosystems

What Did Students Do?

Students began the week by examining types of wetlands in Alberta and invertebrates commonly found in Alberta wetlands. In groups, students looked at 6 different invertebrates. They learned interesting facts about them as well as looking at their life cycles. On Tuesday afternoon we went on a field trip to Fish Creek Park. Students were given a bucket of water from the Fish Creek Wetlands. They used magnifying glasses, turkey basters and ice cube trays to isolate and observe different invertebrates in their water. Every student in grade five was engaged in this task. They were so excited to see the invertebrates they had learned about and discovered new ones as well. Students then gently returned their creatures to the buckets and they were safely put back in the water. The second part of our field trip was a visit to a storm drainage pond. At this wetland, students saw many wetland plants and animals. We were even fortunate enough to see three beavers swimming in the water. Students observed with their various senses and did a sketch of the wetlands. It was truly an amazing afternoon.

Back at school this week, we looked at why wetlands are important. We also looked at waste water and talked about where water goes from our homes and from sewer drains. We discussed the importance of using less water when possible as well as keeping pollutants out of our sewers and wetlands.

Family Connections

Ask your child:

-How is a balloon, sponge, umbrella, jar of salt, and and strainer like a wetland?

-Where does waste water from our houses go?

-What pollutants go into our outside sewage drains and what can we do to reduce these pollutants going directly into our rivers and wetlands?

-What was the best part of the field trip?

-Take a walk with your child to Fish Creek Park and see the various wetlands around us.

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