Grade Level: Primary School
Discipline: Science
Language: English
Task
Every year, Kathy Oviatt took her Southern Alberta Grade 4 class to the local pond to observe, test and sample the water. Class data was meticulously recorded and saved. By the 4th year, analysis of the water included comparing past data. Results of the class’ longitudinal analysis revealed that the pond was dying. How and why the pond was dying launched a new inquiry. By learning about run-off and watersheds, the class learned that the fertilizer and herbicide chemicals from new local golf course were responsible. Their findings prompted the students to campaign and petition the town council, which lead to chemical restrictions being imposed on the golf course. Future Grade 4 classes were able to establish that the health of the pond was restored. Kathy’s students were agents of change.