As the crisp air of September ushers in a new academic year, it also brings an exciting opportunity for students across Saskatchewan to dive deep into the wonders of science. From September 18-24, Science Literacy Week shines a spotlight on the importance of scientific understanding and encourages students to engage with the natural world in meaningful ways. This year, we’re exploring how Saskatchewan’s science curriculum supports this celebration, with hands-on activities that inspire curiosity and promote scientific literacy.
Embracing Science Literacy in the Classroom
Science Literacy Week offers a chance to invigorate the classroom with activities that make science both engaging and educational. The Saskatchewan science curriculum provides a comprehensive framework for exploring scientific concepts, and during this special week, teachers can align their lessons with this celebration. Here are some curriculum-related activities that can be incorporated into classroom instruction to honor Science Literacy Week:
Grades K-2: Exploring the Natural World
Activity 1: Sensory Nature Walk
Curriculum Link: Science K-2, Understanding the Environment
Description: Take your students on a sensory walk around the school grounds or a nearby park. Encourage them to use their senses to observe changes in their environment. Students can listen for different sounds, look for changes in plant life, and feel the textures of leaves and soil. After the walk, have students draw or describe their observations.
Learning Outcome: Students will develop an awareness of their environment and understand how living things interact with their surroundings.
Activity 2: Leaf Collection and Identification
Curriculum Link: Science 1, Plants and Animals
Description: Collect a variety of leaves from different types of trees and plants. In class, use a leaf identification guide to help students classify the leaves and discuss the different types of plants. Students can create a leaf collage and label each type.
Learning Outcome: Students will identify various types of plants and understand the basic needs of plants for survival.
Grades 3-5: Delving Deeper into Science Concepts
Activity 1: Weather Station Project
Curriculum Link: Science 3, Weather and Seasons
Description: Set up a simple weather station in the classroom or outdoors. Use tools like thermometers, rain gauges, and wind vanes to measure weather conditions. Have students record their observations over the course of the week and analyze the data to identify patterns.
Learning Outcome: Students will learn about weather patterns and develop skills in data collection and analysis.
Activity 2: Ecosystem Exploration
Curriculum Link: Science 4, Ecosystems and Interactions
Description: Create a model of a local ecosystem using materials such as cardboard, clay, and natural objects. Have students research the plants and animals native to their region and include these in their models. Discuss how each component of the ecosystem interacts with the others.
Learning Outcome: Students will understand the relationships between living organisms and their environments.
Grades 6-8: Advanced Scientific Inquiry
Activity 1: Scientific Method Investigation
Curriculum Link: Science 6, Scientific Inquiry
Description: Design a simple experiment based on a question or hypothesis that interests the students. Use the scientific method to guide the investigation, including forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. For example, students might test how different variables affect plant growth.
Learning Outcome: Students will apply the scientific method to conduct experiments and interpret data.
Activity 2: Environmental Impact Study
Curriculum Link: Science 8, Environmental Stewardship
Description: Have students research a local environmental issue, such as water pollution or habitat destruction. They can present their findings through a report or a presentation, proposing solutions or ways to mitigate the impact.
Learning Outcome: Students will analyze human impacts on the environment and explore potential solutions.
Integrating Science Literacy into Daily Learning
Science Literacy Week is not just about specific activities but about fostering a continuous curiosity for science in students. Incorporate science literacy into everyday learning by encouraging questions, conducting simple experiments, and discussing current scientific topics. Use available resources from the Saskatchewan science curriculum to guide and enhance students’ learning experiences.
Celebrating Science Literacy Week
Whether through outdoor explorations, hands-on experiments, or classroom discussions, Science Literacy Week is an excellent opportunity to inspire students and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for science. By aligning activities with the Saskatchewan science curriculum, educators can ensure that their students gain a robust understanding of scientific concepts while having fun. Let’s celebrate this week by igniting curiosity and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world!
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )
Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!
Support using Canada Helps
Support via a recycling bottle donation
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
- Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
- Make it your own
- Spread the word about the UN Decade
- Let’s Bring Back Forests
- Let’s Green Our Cities
““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 