Session 2 - What's Growing at Stephen's Creek?

This week the students explored the Stephen’s Creek Nature Park (SW Bertha Blvd. and SW Chestnut St). Today was the first day of native plant identification and they were able to sample a few of our native berries (not collected from Stephen’s Creek as it is a Nature Park). Today they students saw Oregon Grape, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Large-leaf Avens, Nootka Rose, Snowberries, Thimbleberry, Hazelnut, Sword Fern, Bracken Fern, Vine Maple, and Big-leaf Maple. Take a moment to download our ‘Test your leaf knowledge’ pdf and see how many plants your child can identify!

Test your leaf knowledge

Stephen’s Creek Nature Park Information

Tryon Creek HIKEO (a bingo adventure)

Photos from week 1 and 2

Green and Growing - Session 1

This week the students learned about the basic tool of field scientists - observation. They became aware that sometimes we miss important details when only using our eyes, missing the smell of the Japanese Glorybower leaf or the texture of the fringecup leaves. As you notice leaves together this week, ask your child to describe the leaf’s texture, shape, edges, and thickness to you. If you don’t have time outside, try to explore your house using your senses with your kids - a field scientist can make observations anywhere! I have uploaded three observation forms to Google Docs that you can use with your young scientists:

1. Leaf Observation.pdf - table to record sight, touch, hearing, and smell observations of leaves
2. Leaf Observation Venn Diagram.pdf - compare and contract observations of two leaves
3. Observation game.pdf - similar to the ‘phone call’ game played in class; use descriptive language to get your partner to match your pattern

The students also heard the story of Dr. Geerat Vermeij, a man who was blind by the age of four and is now a world-renowned professor of marine ecology and paleobiology through his study of shells using mostly his sense of touch. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Vermeji you can find his biography ‘Privileged Hands: A Scientific Life’ at the local library or go to this kid-friendly site:

http://www.pbs.org/kcet/shapeoflife/explorations/bio_vermeij.html

Next week we be walking to Stephen’s Creek Natural Area for our first outdoor field study. We will go rain or shine so please have your child dress appropriately. They will be learning to identify native plants, which ones produce nuts/fruit that are safe to eat, and which ones not to touch!

For more information about this fall's EcoThink Science Enrichment course, please see the class permission form:

Fall 2011 permission form (pdf)

Introducing the EcoThink Science Enrichment Program

Are you interested in learning how a field scientist works? Do you know which plants in our neighborhood are native, which are invasive, and which are safe to eat or touch? What is ‘Growing and Green in Oregon”? To find out, sign up for Rieke’s fall after-school science enrichment program. We will meet on Monday afternoons - Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 24, Oct 31, and Nov 7 (no class Oct 17). Two optional field trips have been planned to learn about ethnobotany (Tryon Creek State Park) and sustainable forestry (Hopkins Tree Farm).

This is a six week, hands-on unit where each week builds on knowledge and experiences from the previous week as we explore science topics in our theme ‘Growing and Green in Oregon’. The program does involve several hands-on projects that require adult supervision. We encourage parents or grandparent participation so if you are available for one or more of the sessions and would like to contribute your time, please let us know. There will be a 20 student limit so sign up today! For more information, contact jamie.repasky@gmail.com

Rieke EcoThink is Evolving!

Starting this fall, the EcoThink Club will be changing into the EcoThink Science Enrichment program! The theme for the fall term is:

'Growing and Green in Oregon'

and will explore topics such as forestry, organic farming, native plants, riverbed restoration, and ethnobotany. During the Monday meetings there will be speakers, hands-on activities, and games to learn more about each topic. We are planning field trips to Bella Organic Farms, Tryon Creek State Park, a local native restoration site, and a sustainable logging site. This program has been designed to be fun and enriching to students and parents alike. If you would like to be involved or want to take part in this science enrichment, please contact jamie.repasky@gmail.com

Here's a short slideshow of the club's activities this spring:

Rieke EcoThink Club Spring 2011 from Jamie Repasky on Vimeo.

Recycling part II - Composting

Today the students learned how to recycle food waste in worm bins and compost piles. The club took a field trip to the Seker's house to experience the steps to composting. The students started their adventure by collected and assessed compostable items from around the house. They added the food waste and shredded paper to the compost pile and had a chance to dig and search for worms. After passing the compost quiz the students had time to meet some chickens and discover three eggs in the coop - Seker souvenirs! Special thanks to Mark Seker, aka the Tutor Doctor, for a wonderful experience for the club.

Composting field trip photos