Discovering Nature Through Inquiry

As part of their Investigative Research (science and social studies) curriculum, Grade 4 students explore habitats and communities, considering how living things interact with their environment and one another. For this project, they began by learning about amphibians. Guided by curiosity and classroom discussion, they asked, “What does a frog need to survive?” Together, they identified a frog’s essential needs (such as water, oxygen, food and shelter) before forming a research question: “Is the creek in the nearby ravine a good habitat for frogs?”

At the ravine, students worked in small groups to collect data and record their observations. They tested the creek’s temperature, noted the flow of the water and described its turbidity, surroundings and signs of life. Their exploration revealed a thriving ecosystem filled with mosquitoes, potato bugs, midges and other small creatures. They also reflected on the importance of respecting natural habitats by taking only what was needed and minimizing disruption to wildlife.

Back in the classroom, students continued their investigation through six interactive science stations. Using microscopes, proscopes, pH strips and digital Merge Cubes, they compared creek water with tap water, analyzed mud samples, tested the chemical health of the water and explored the life cycle of a frog in 3D.

This immersive project allowed the students to meet learning goals by following their innate curiosity about the natural world, deepening their understanding of ecosystems, water quality and environmental stewardship through authentic scientific discovery.