Sointula Science

Over the last couple of weeks we've taken a bit of time off from house building to enjoy Seedy Saturday, two garage sales and the local Science Fair.  You've got to stop and smell the roses sometimes!

Seedy Saturday was a chance to purchase seeds and seedlings already started by local gardeners.  An educational booth was set up and local farmers sold earthy delights and fine herbs for cooking.  Homemade lunch rounded out the event.  A documentary on GMO foods was presented in the evening before things wrapped up.  Next year we'll be in a better position to purchase seeds and seedlings.

We also attended two garage sales, one of them in an old net loft built over the water.  There are only a few old lofts but they're always locked up.  This one was open for the sale.  It was a hugh empty space, except for the garage sale items and we found some great bargains. We sure had fun looking at the breezy historic building inside and out. It smelled a bit musty but we loved it anyway.

Earlier in March everyone on Malcolm Island was invited to attend the annual Science Fair at the A J Elliot Elementary School.  There are 36 kids at the school split into 3 classes.  The teachers and student started their science fair research in October.

Doors opened at 1:00 and we could hardly find parking when we arrived a few minutes later.

See Mr. Lion?

Every student participates from the youngest in Kindergarten to the oldest in Grade 7. Next year the big kids start taking the school bus ferry to Port McNeill to attend high school.  What a change for them going from a small local school to a larger high school where kids from Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Sointula join together!

For the science fair each kid was given an outline to follow.  They used the library and internet for research.  The young kids chose an animal to study while the older kids studied much more complicated subjects.  Each student had a script summarizing their findings so they could chat knowledgeably with those of us wandering about.  We stopped and talked with most of the kids, teacher hovering closely if needed.  Learned lots and saw many neighbours and friends supporting the school.

Ruby, our very cute next door neighbour, is 5 and she decided to do her presentation on the Sea Turtle.

Ruby the Sea Turtle

Ruby was dressed with a sea turtle backpack and a turtle clip in her hair and colourful stuffed sea turtles hanging around her pictures.  Her neighbour's presentation was on horses.  

Kids did presentations on everything from pulleys to friction, acidulation of shells to the impact of tidal waves, DNA research, microplastic in the ocean, Vancouver Island marmots and even the forensics of finger printing.  The entire gym was humming and it was a fun afternoon for all.  We can hardly wait til next year!