Students Learn about Nature and Wildlife

Dr. A.R. Lord students had the opportunity to see wildlife up close at a recent presentation from Biologist, Darren Colello of the Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society. In class demonstrations were accompanied by observation of habitat in the natural environment at the nearby Hastings Park Sanctuary. They also learned about skunks, raccoons, great blue herons, eagles and coyotes which can often be found nearby.  Students spotted Mallard Ducks, Mergansers, Cormorants and Crows on their outing and ice and snow covered much of park. Lessons for older students included scientific studies and testing of the temperature, pH and water quality.       http://northwestwildlife.com            http://www.hastingspark.ca

Outdoor Education

Older students at A.R. Lord recently accompanied younger students on a nature walk at near by Hastings Park. Over 130 species of birds have been spotted in this tranquil urban setting park and is just steps away from the school. It is also the home and habitat to many aquatic species, trees, plants, flowers, insects and small animals. 

The excursion included making observations in the park, using binoculars and other tools from the "Outdoor Education Bin". This kit was funded by a grant application prepared in collaboration between A.R. Lord Elementary and Franklin Elementary Teachers and shared between the two schools. 

Each Student group collected materials from their trip and carried out further inspection and drawings back in the classroom. The final activity included taking pictures, displaying them on the school smart board screen and discussing as a group. 

For more information on the Hastings Park Sanctuary: http://www.hastingspark.ca

Compost Social at the School Garden Saturday Sept 24th

Did you know A.R. Lord has two dedicated areas for school learning gardens?  These green spaces are community gardens and give students an opportunity to learn about environmental stewardship, growing food, science and nature through classroom lessons. 

Come and connect with other parents, kids and neighbours over some cheese, crackers, wine and layered compost!

This Saturday, September 24, we will meet at the Dr. A.R.Lord garden from 2:30 - 4 or 4:30 pm and give our compost some nice brown and green layers to get it going.

We could use your help or just your cheerful company while we work. If you want to help and have garden gloves and/or pruners, please bring them. We will have some available but not enough for all.
Kids are welcome (to play or help)!       Hope to see you on Saturday.

Dr. A.R. Lord School Garden

The school community garden is a place of learning, sharing, collaborating and even some tasting!  Dr. A.R. Lord Teachers extend lessons beyond the classroom boundaries.  How do you define capacity? Outdoor learning gives kids a chance to learn about gardening, where food comes from, ecology and sustainability.

Students also love getting their hands dirty! 

Some additional benefits of school gardens include: 

• Physical activity
• Environmental stewardship and connection with nature
• Lifestyle and nutrition
• Active learning and student engagement
• School pride

Staff, Teachers and Parent Volunteers - Lynn Canyon

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre educators brought the rain forest habitat and forest creatures to life on a recent field trip. These Gr 1 & 2 students  were also accompanied by parent volunteers and teachers on a self guided hike through the park, collected specimens & learned about science & nature.

Marker Recycling for Earth Day This Week

Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary has been participating in a program to recycle used markers (any felt tip marker pens, sharpies, highlighters, etc.) over the school year.  We have collected almost 400 markers! With Earth day upon us, please bring in your used markers from home or work this week to the school. An orange collection bin is located in the downstairs hallway.
Next week they will be packaged up and sent to a facility that will turn them into alternative clean fuel.
To find out more: http://www.crayola.com/colorcycle.aspx

Earth Day Activities at A.R. Lord

A.R. Lord Elementary school will be celebrating Earth Day this Friday, April 22nd. 

We will be having an Earth Day assembly at 11:00 am and from 3:00-4:00 pm, an after school event with seed planting, games and snacks.

We hope that family/caregivers can join us! 

Forest and Wildlife Field Trip

Students learned about animals and habitats at a recent field trip to the Capilano River.  Darren of www.northwestwildlife.com led students on a guided walk and described characteristics of different animals. The young kindergarten and grade 1 students were able to get up close and touch bones, skulls and pelts of deer, bears, and birds. Activities such as this provide children with the opportunity to appreciate our natural environment and become future stewards of these precious ecosystems.

crayola

Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary is participating in a program to recycle used markers (not just Crayola brand, but any felt tip marker pens) which will be collected and then sent to a facility that will turn them into alternative clean fuel.  Teachers will be putting collection bins in their classrooms and they will be emptied into a central repository.  Starting next month, bring your old markers from work and home to the school and add to our program!

To find out more:
http://www.crayola.com/colorcycle.aspx

National Tree Day at A.R. Lord

Wednesday September 23rd was National Tree Day and our school held a tree planting ceremony, activities, and presentations.  The students learned about the importance of trees in our ecosystem.