Solar Science
Grade 7 - Earth and Space Systems - Heat in the Environment
From particle theory to solar ovens - science you can see and taste! Students begin the workshop by participating in a scavenger hunt that tests their knowledge on conduction, convection, and radiation. We will discuss particle theory, how heat is generated, and how heat changes in volume. Students will play a game, Matter Morph, where they will transform like matter - solid, liquid, or gas. To conclude our discussions we will discuss greenhouse gases, the causes and how humans can reduce emissions of these gases, whether it be at school or at home. To conclude the workshop students will be designing and creating pizza box solar ovens in groups and test out their ovens by cooking marshmallows.
*Allergy Alert: Marshmallows are used in this workshop but if there are any allergies or restrictions, chocolate can be provided instead for those students.
Curriculum Connections:
E2.1 use particle theory to explain how heat affects the motion of particles in a solid, a liquid, and a gas
E2.2 demonstrate an understanding of various ways in which heat is generated
E2.3 use particle theory to explain the effects of heat on volume in solids, liquids, and gases, including during changes of states of matter
E2.4 explain how heat is transmitted through conduction, and describe natural processes that are affected by conduction
E2.5 explain how heat is transmitted in liquids and gases through convection, and describe natural processes that depend on convection
E2.6 explain how heat is transmitted through radiation, and describe the effects of radiation from the Sun on different kinds of surfaces
E2.7 describe the role of radiation in heating and cooling Earth, and explain how greenhouse gases affect the transmission of radiated heat through the atmosphere
E2.8 identify common sources of greenhouse gases, including sources resulting from human activity, and describe how humans can reduce emissions of these gases
Nature's Clean Up Crew
Grade 7 - Life Systems - Interactions in the Environment
Brief Overview: The workshop kicks off with a food web game, allowing students to explore how multiple food chains interconnect within an ecosystem to form a food web. This activity demonstrates the impact of environmental changes on these systems. Students will also delve into the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem and their interactions. The workshop highlights the vital role of decomposers in nutrient cycling, featuring case studies on fungi, earthworms, and bacteria. To reinforce their learning, students will create a quick fact sheet about these decomposers to share with their peers.
Curriculum Connections:
B2.1: explain that an ecosystem is a network of interactions among living organisms and their environment
B2.2: identify biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem, and describe the interactions between them
B2.3: describe roles and relationships between producers, consumers, and decomposers within an ecosystem
B2.4: describe the transfer of energy in a food chain, and explain the effects of altering any part
of the chain
B2.5: describe how matter is cycled within the environment, and explain how the cycling of matter
promotes sustainability
Simple Systems, Smart Solutions
Grade 8 - Structures and Mechanisms - Systems in Action
Brief Overview: In Simple Systems, Smart Solutions, students head outside to explore real-world systems in action, while designing their own efficient mini-machines and reflecting on their social and environmental impacts. The workshop begins with a systems scavenger hunt with students racing to identify and analyze systems that they could find in a schoolyard. Then students will take on the Move the Marble challenge. Using natural and upcycled materials, teams design a small-scale transport system to move a marble 1–2 meters using at least one simple machine. Through guided reflection, students explore how their systems could be automated or scaled up in real life. They’ll consider how mechanical systems evolve through technology, and assess their impact on people and the planet.
Curriculum Connections
D1.1: assess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of automating systems D2.1: identify various types of systems D2.2: describe the purpose, inputs, and outputs of various systems D2.4: use the scientific terms displacement, force, work, energy, and efficiency to describe everyday experiences D2.6: explain the relationship between input and output forces and determine the mechanical advantage of various mechanical systems, including simple machines D2.9: describe technological innovations involving mechanical systems that have increased productivity in various industries D2.10: identify social factors that influence the evolution of a system
Marine Mess: Tackling Oil Spills
Grade 8 - Matter and Energy - Fluids
Brief Overview: Students will get to hear the story and see pictures of the “Oiled Goose,” a goose that Haley helped to clean and rehabilitate while she was an intern at Le Nichoir. Students learn about different Canadian and world fluid spills and the environmental damage that they can cause. Students will then get into groups to complete the Oil Spill Activity. Acting as interns themselves, they must create a plan to clean an oil spill and put it to the test. Afterwards students will complete a self-assessment to see how their group did at 1) cleaning up the mess, 2) staying within the parameters provided. This challenge will encourage teamwork and foster an interest in the challenges of conservation.
*Recommend at least 100 minutes for this workshop.
*Allergy alert: vegetable oil and cocoa powder.
Curriculum Connections:
C1.1: assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of various innovations and technologies that are based on the properties of fluids
C1.2: assess the environmental and social impacts of fluid spills, including impacts on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, and including the cost and technical challenges related to cleanup and remediation efforts
Conservation Concerns
Junior/Intermediate - Science/Drama
Brief Overview: The workshop begins with an exercise where students are given a dilemma card and they share their thoughts about what should be done in their scenario. Students will then share in small groups and have the chance to hear their peers’ opinions on their scenario. Students will then be given a task where they are to role-play a public meeting debate to demonstrate differing perspectives and concerns related to a complex issue. Three debate scenarios are available: 1) Deer Dilemma, 2) Dam Development, 3) Highway Construction
Curriculum Connections:
Science
B1: assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the environment, and analyse ways to mitigate negative impacts and contribute to environmental sustainability
Drama
B1.1: engage actively in drama exploration and role play, with a focus on examining issues and themes in fiction and non-fiction sources from diverse communities, times, and places
Relevant elements of Drama: role/character, relationship, focus and emphasis
Careers in Conservation *Coming Soon*
Intermediate - Science/Language
Wild Poetry
Primary/Junior/Intermediate - Language/Science
Brief Overview: The workshop begins with a rainbow walk around the schoolyard where students can appreciate the colours in the natural world around them. Each student will get a pair of binoculars to help them notice small details that they normally wouldn’t be able to see. Students will listen to some poetry relating to nature and animals. Students will learn about different types of poetry and brainstorm what they could write about. Students will then get a chance to write their own poem. Students will be invited to share their poems at the end of the workshop.
Curriculum Connections:
Science Big Ideas
Organisms have unique characteristics and adaptations that allow them to survive in their habitat.
Plants and animals go through changes during their life cycle.
Air, water, and rocks in the local environment.
Taking care of the land through sustainability and stewardship.
Language
Writing: 1.1: identify the topic, purpose, and audience for a variety of writing forms
2.1 write short texts using a few simple forms
Reading: 1.1 read a variety of texts from diverse cultures, including literary texts
Wild Words
Primary/Junior/Intermediate - Science/Language
Brief Overview: The workshop begins with a walk around the schoolyard with binoculars. Students will compare their view with binoculars compared to just their eyes. This leads into our next activity where students use “soft” and “hard” eyes. Students can bring out their writing journals (or paper will be provided) and will spend some time journaling about what they see. We will discuss what makes a good short story and brainstorm some ideas for ones about nature. Students will then find a sit spot and draft a short story. Students are invited to share their stories at the end of the workshop.
Curriculum Connections:
Science Big Ideas
Organisms have unique characteristics and adaptations that allow them to survive in their habitat.
Plants and animals go through changes during their life cycle.
Air, water, and rocks in the local environment.
Taking care of the land through sustainability and stewardship.
Language
Writing: 1.1: identify the topic, purpose, and audience for a variety of writing forms
2.1 write short texts using a few simple forms
2.4 write simple but complete sentences that make sense
Reading: 1.1 read a variety of texts from diverse cultures, including literary texts