Our Day On The Island...

We had an amazing time on Fighting Island!  The students were very excited in the weeks leading up to the trip, and they arrived at school ready to go.  Once we arrived at the dock, life jackets were the first priority, and then on to the boat -- the kids were ecstatic!

Once on the island, we headed right to the pond.  Students worked in pairs to collect water samples, and pond critters. 

While at the pond, the students saw deer tracks, a water snake and some turtles.  We also got to see a family of Canadian Geese going for a walk and a swim!

After collecting pond samples, it was off to the Flats to find animal tracks.  Even though the ground was quite wet from all the rain, we were able to find quite a few deer tracks, and even some raccoon tracks.  The students used plaster of Paris to make a copy of their animal track.

Next we headed up to the classroom for lunch. 

 After lunch, we did something very special.  We went for a short nature hike, and then the students worked in partners to plant both dogwood bushes and cedar trees.  No grade one class had ever planted trees on Fighting Island before!

After the planting was complete, we headed to the classroom again.  This time, the students had a chance to see up close what was in the pond water they collected.  All kinds of creatures and natural elements were found.  The students used high power microscopes, and saw lots of interesting things.

Take a peek inside the microscope...

The weather was perfect for our trip, and with the sun shining, it was time to head home.  Back into the life jackets, and back on the boat.  

This field trip was an amazing learning experience for the students.  What an incredible opportunity to step right into nature and try new things.  This trip would not have been possible without the help and support of our many parent and adult volunteers.  A big THANK YOU to all of you for taking the time to travel with us.  What a wonderful day it was!