UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Oxford-on-Rideau Public School Students Dive into Yearlong Environmental Inquiry Project

Students at Oxford-on-Rideau Public School are turning a nearby tributary into their very own outdoor classroom through the Kemptville Creek Inquiry Project. The immersive project has the Grade 1/2 class exploring the waterway with biweekly visits, where they investigate seasonal changes, study the habitat, and observe and document the array of living things that call the creek home.

"We're lucky enough to have the creek within walking distance so it's great exercise for the kids, but it's also tying the kids into the local environment," said Teacher Kari Marceau. "They've all grown up here, they know what the Kemptville Creek is, so we decided to go down and see what's actually in there!"

The Kemptville Creek Inquiry Project integrates multiple subjects - science, social studies, literacy, art, and math - through meaningful Real-World Learning. Each visit is carefully planned, beginning with classroom lessons that introduce key concepts. During their time at the creek, students collect samples such as moss and wild rice, conduct water testing, and help record observations. Back at school they examine their findings under microscopes and reflect on what they've discovered by logging it in their nature journal. They've even made clay imprints of some of the flora they've collected during their visits.

"I thought about how I could get the creek into every aspect of our learning," adds Marceau. "The kids don't even realize they're learning, and it just fills my heart to see the joy and excitement as we're walking down and they're just vibrating."

A unique feature of the initiative is the collaboration with local naturalists and environmental researchers Fred Schueler and Aleta Karstad, who share their ecological expertise and guide students in exploring the creek's biodiversity and environmental significance.

"I like coming down to the creek to look at the animals and to test the water," said student Willow Christensen.

Marceau also hopes to expand the project to include older grades, who would help track and analyze data over time using graphs and mathematical modeling. The long-term goal is to build a legacy program that deepens the school community's connection to the local ecosystem for years to come.