December 16-20

 I can discuss how water and other components of the earth support life.
I can identify landforms and bodies of water that are found locally. 
(Grade 2 Science)

I can investigate science topics through two-eyed seeing.

I can participate in land-based learning experiences at Fish Creek Park.

(Andrew Sibbald Committment to Truth and Reconciliation)

I can make shapes using a variety of techniques including cutting, drawing, and tearing.

I can experiment with recreating forms and objects found in nature.

I can use art to document activities, people, and discoveries. 

(Grade 2 Art)

December 21 marks the Winter Solstice. Did you know there will only be 8 hours of daylight in Calgary on the Winter Solstice!? We learned that there was 16 1/2 hours of daylight in Calgary on June 21, the Summer Solstice.

In grade 2, we read Mouse Celebrates the Winter Solstice and listened to Waubgshig Rice, a member of the Anishinaabe Nation, talk about the importance of the Winter Solstice. We learned that in many Indigenous cultures, the Winter Solstice is a time to come together in celebration, the joy of belonging in a community, a time of change, and the beginning of a storytelling season. 

When we went to Fish Creek Park, we learned that we can find many signs of water...even in winter! Did you know that all water on the earth eventually flows into the oceans? Fish Creek flows to the Bow River and eventually finds its way to Hudson Bay. 

Yup! Animal tracks and scat are both signs of water! Animals can't live in a place where there is no access to water!

We learned that all snowflakes are unique but they all have 6 points! After looking closely at snowflakes outside and in pictures, we made snowflakes out of twigs that won't melt.

Ms. Hersche taught us about blending cool colours with oil pastels to create these adorable snowmen from a bird's eye view perspective.

Our artists and scientists had a busy week learning about the magic of winter. I hope you all have a safe and happy break with your families! Thank you for sharing your amazing children with me! I will see you all in the New Year!