Last week, we went on a trip out to Fanshawe Conservation area to kick-start our upcoming Plants and Soils science unit. The weather cooperated nicely and we learned a lot of information through fun activities.

We rotated through 3 stations during our visit. 

First, we played some interactive games about how plants absorb water and nutrients through their root systems into the stems and then into the leaves. The larger the plant, the longer it will take and the more water and nutrients it will need.

Next, we learned about how to use a flow chart to figure out what type of coniferous tree we were looking at. We needed to inspect the tree carefully. Were the needles individual or in bunches? Were there pinecones, and if so, how long were they? 

Finally, we went into the forest and played a game which taught us about the enemies of the forest such as fire, disease, drought, insects, human impact, and so on. We learned how quickly these things can spread and how they can impact different ages and types of trees. 

What was your favourite activity and why?