The scientists of Division 8 have been working on answering the question, “Would a bat make a good pet?”  First, we asked LOTS of questions about bats.  Next, we looked for the answers to our questions.  Then, we organized the information that we learned on a ‘thinking web’.  

But what to do next?  We scratched our heads (figuratively).  Finally, one little scientist said, “Wait a minute.  Don’t we need to know what kind of bat lives here?” (smart cookie).  We found out that the Little Brown Bat is the most common bat in British Columbia.  The Little Brown Bat eats insects (600 per hour).  We also learned that they are nocturnal, use echolocation, live in colonies and fly.

We were ready to answer the question, “Would a bat make a good pet?”   

Division 8 has been working on sorting and graphing.  We can sort objects and pictures by one or more attributes and follow a sorting rule (colour, shape, size or type).  We can collect data using surveys and record the answers using tally marks.  We can collect, organize and display data on pictographs and bar graphs, and analyze and describe data on graphs.  We can also describe the probability of familiar events using such words as, always, sometimes, never, possible impossible. 

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Parkcrest School has chosen the book The Six Cedar Trees as a catalyst to incorporate indigenous worldviews and perspectives into our learning. The Six Cedar Trees features the core competencies, each represented by an animal (bear, beaver, orca, raven, salmon and wolf) from the Pacific Northwest Coast. As we explore each animal’s characteristics and habits, we learn about how we can develop the intellectual, personal, and social and emotional proficiencies that we need in order to engage in deep and life-long learning.   Each animal, and the corresponding core competency, will be introduced at a school-wide assembly throughout the year.

The first animal that we have learned about is Wolf.  Wolf is a good communicator.  Wolf reminds us to cooperate, listen with respect and share our ideas.  The children of Division 8 have completed a self-assessment of how they see themselves as a communicator; emerging, developing, proficient or extending.   Please visit your child’s blogfolio to view his/her response.