GRID Glenbow Ranch Inquiry Day May 29, 2013

Our desire was to create a day revolving around inquiry-based field study in a natural setting. Grade nine students from Cochrane High and grade four students from Glenbow worked together at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park to inquire about real scientific issues.

Each group of young scientists worked with an expert. They were involved in authentic field study revolving around an inquiry question. Experts included:

photographer invasive species expert artist chemical engineer biologists archeologist park conservation officers edible wilds expert Alberta Tomorrow director hydro-geologist environmental advisors rancher plant taxonomist hydrologist

It poured rain!

It was fantastic

Students were inspired by scientific work and the importance of taking learning outside.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The energy upon returning to our schools was powerful.

“I would change nothing if I could” “I think they should continue with this field trip because it has potential to really teach a lot.” “There was nothing I didn’t like..he (my expert) was great.”

“The grade fours made the trip more interesting. They asked lots of questions that we didn't think of.” - a grade nine student

Feedback from experts: "The kids were electric. They asked a lot of questions and were polite. All the adults I talked to want to come back next year."

"I can't thank you enough for including me in this project and giving us "experts" the opportunity to participate in what you have created. We should all be able to imagine how successful this endeavor could be under better weather conditions." Gerald Kvill

We are currently documenting the project. We hope to reflect on this pilot year and plan for many future "GRIDs"