In this immersive outdoor learning experience, Ms. Banack, Ms. Carlbeck, and Ms. Lautamus guided Grade 6 students through a day of connection with the land, with learning, and with each other. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, the activity emphasized respect for the natural world, seasonal awareness, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Students harvested fresh ingredients from the school garden, crafted their salad dressings, and prepared vibrant, nourishing salads. They then ventured into the forest for a poetry-themed scavenger hunt, where they explored figurative language, imagery, and sensory inspiration drawn from the natural world.
Through the lens of MYP Science Criterion B, students engaged in scientific inquiry by observing plant life cycles, measuring ingredients, and investigating the role of biodiversity in sustainable ecosystems. Simultaneously, MYP Language and Literature Criteria C and D were brought to life as students analyzed and created poetry, expressing their reflections in creative and meaningful written forms.
This interdisciplinary approach not only strengthened students’ practical life skills but also deepened their appreciation for the environment and the cultural teachings it holds. Students left with full bellies, inspired words, and a stronger sense of connection to place, community, and curriculum.
