Science & History meet at Thea Foss Waterway

       Our field trip this week was a visit to the Foss Waterway Seaport, a unique organization dedicated to celebrating Tacoma's maritime heritage. They describe their educational programs as being designed to allow “young scientists to immerse themselves in scientific inquiry," "to explore marine wildlife and conduct hands-on marine science activities," and to "experience learning activities that involve hands-on data collection and use of scientific tools." 
      What this meant to us was a wonderful way to combine our studies of Washington state history, ecosystems, and animal science all into one fun day on a boat! We learned a little local history, acting out highlights of the lives of colorful local characters from the Puget Sound's past ranging from George Vancouver to Thea Foss herself. We collected a water sample and looked through microscopes to identify different types of phyto- and zoo-plankton. We learned a bit about sea stars (no longer called StarFISH, we now understand, because they are not fish, but invertebrates), which are echinoderms, closely related to sea urchins and sand dollars. Finally, we participated in a project where we created a model of our watershed and discussed pollutants and environmental problems in the Puget Sound.

 Suited up in our life jackets and headed for a morning of classes on "My Girl."

 Poring over old maps and learning a little about local history.

Students got a chance to play different characters who have had a role in Puget Sound history.

 We acted out the train trip from eastern Washington, blowing a train whistle and carrying loads of wheat back to the port.

 Just a couple of local characters ...

Learning about watersheds,

                                                               
                                                                     making a watershed,

and adding pollutants such as fertilizer and motor oil that wash into the Sound.

                        Simulating a bird trying to "eat" with plastic caught around it's beak:
          

Then heading out on deck to collect a water sample

and examining the water to identify different types of plankton.

Learning about Sea Stars

Examining them closely

Singing a sea star songs for a grand finale,

                                                                    and heading home.

Fraction Pie - Yum!

      To begin our study of fractions, I wanted to focus on the fact that fractions are equal shares of a whole. I brought in a Marionberry pie and asked the students in the group to figure out how we could divide it fairly so that everyone got a piece. The students then discussed how many people we had, did a little figuring to subtract the people who did not want any, and then to add a few people (like our aide, who loves Marionberry pie), who we had not initially considered. 

      Then each student drew a picture to show how they thought we should slice the pie. We compared the pictures, discussed which ones accurately represented what we needed (12 equal pieces), and then talked about how to slice the pie to get that (i.e. deciding first to slice it into halves and quarters, then to divide each quarter into three equal pieces so there were six pieces in each half, or twelve equal pieces total.) I then sliced the pie according to the agreed upon instructions, and we all enjoyed some pie. 

      The next day we compared our pictures to the pictures below showing how we actually sliced the pie, and I asked the students to reflect on whether their original drawings had been accurate, and if not, what changes they would make. The resulting comments showed real understanding of the concept of fair shares: 

"I got 11 pieces, not equal."

"I made 12 pieces but my pie was not even. Some slices (were) too small."

"I divided my pie into 10 pieces. I needed 2 more."

"I did it wrong because the slices are not equal. And I drew 14 slices."

      I really knew the pie was worth it the next day on a field trip, when one of the parents told me he had heard ALL ABOUT his daughter having pie the day before. We both turned to her and asked her: "How much pie did you have?" She thought for only a moment before replying: "One twelfth!"

Now that's what I call yummy!

Washington State History Museum Field Trip

What better place to start learning about our state's history than at the Washington State History Museum?! This is such a great resource, and right downtown! It's dark inside, so these are not the greatest pictures, but just to give you an idea:

The museum provided some great resources for our exploration - each group had a mission to explore a certain area, conduct a scavenger hunt and answer questions about that particular exhibit and time period.

Level I Worksheets

Natural Settings 

Native Heritage 

Euro-American and Native Encounters

Cities and Towns 

Wageworker's Frontier 

Hard Times and Homefront 

Modern Washington 

If your child was interested, there is a lot more available in the museum's field guide:
http://www.washingtonhistory.org/education/curriculum/fieldguide/

Thanks to the many parents and friends who joined us on this trip!