The Wonder of Looking – Donovan - 13 November 2019
A class of years 1 &2s from Donovan School spent the day at the Southland Community Nursery engaging their senses in the natural world. In the orchard and edible gardens areas we used touch to feel the different textures of leaves, bark and flowers of different plants, and the icky food waste being recycled by the worms; smelling the different flowers and leaves, and the worm farm; listening to the birds, wind and fellow classmates; and seeing all that was around us.
The pest traps started questions galore and we were impressed by the curiosity communicated. In the plant nursery the number of plants produced every year was guessed very quickly and where all these plants go to was thoughtfully pondered. Both the pond and bush tracks were explored while searching for native tree leaves and flowers, and we learnt the names of many trees. Damsel fly larva and water boatmen were netted from the pond.
After refuelling with lunch and a run in the paddock maze we looked even closer at our collection of leaves and other plant parts from the ngahere, becoming botanists (scientists that study plants) drawing and writing about the plants, and potting up seedlings ready to grow. Puzzle fun and books, a look at the pests we trap for and singing “oh no Mr Possum” completed a fantastic day with a great class of learners. Donovan - you rocked!!
Bronwyn and Chris
Posted: 15 November 2019