Today we finished our recent math and art project. We focused on concepts of measurement, symmetry, patterning, and fractions. Initially students works to measure and cut the foam tiles, and to create a grid on their posterboard. Then they worked individually to create patterns that fulfilled a set of requirements. Once they had designed a pattern on their own boards, they then teamed up with another student and created entirely new patterns. Finally these pairs linked up with another pair of students to create a four panel piece of art. As you can imagine, this required considerable discussion and exchanging of ideas. The finished products are quite impressive. Stop ya and check them out in person.
We started our day with a bike rodeo to celebrate our bike to school day. There were only two people on each school bus today, and our bike racks were way over capacity. Every fence around the yard was filled with locked up bikes today. What a sight! Everyone in class participated in our series of cycling workshops. Even some who came without bikes and shared with classmates.
Our wetland trip was redirected away from the Ottawa River, for obvious reasons, given the current flood conditions. The drive out along the 174 allowed us to see the extent of the flooding, particularly as we looked across the river to the farms and communities in Quebec. It was eye opening. The wetland workshop was engaging and educational. We learned how competition for resources can effect populations of species, and how important the wetlands are for all species in our ecosystem. Hands on work in an ephemeral pond (ask your child what that means) helped us to develop a better understanding of how life starts in the water for so many creatures. The day was long, as could be seen on our quiet bus ride home.
