Author: YHS

The Junior School had a special presentation this week on the endangered Oregon spotted frog. The presentation was arranged by parent Andy Wright, and his two daughters Sophie and Zoe (Grade 4).

Zoe has gone out in the field to assist SFU Graduate Student, Amanda Kissel, with her research project on the spotted frog. The Oregon spotted frog is the most endangered amphibian in Canada and is at risk of local extinction within the next 10 years

As part of her research, Amanda and her field crew trapped frogs in amphibian traps, and marked them with a “transponder” tag (like a microchip). This allows her to determine the size of the entire population. So far they have only been able to estimate the number of breeding females, but this tag will now allow them to get a more accurate estimate of the males.

Amanda talked a little about frogs in general, her study and how following these little guys can help identify problems in the environment. She also talked about becoming a field biologist – perhaps inspiring some of our budding young scientists!

For more information on the Oregon spotted frog and what you can do help, visit Wildlife Preservation Canada: http://wildlifepreservation.ca/species-in-need/canadian-species/oregon-spotted-frog/

Junior School students are exercising their green thumbs by participating in a planting project.

Classroom windowsills are adorned with special planters shipped in from Australia by facilities assistant Francis Junkeer. Francis’ brother-in-law has a company called GreenSmart Pots. These self-watering planters are a low maintenance way of growing your own organic produce and herbs.

The classes are planting different vegetables, such as tomatoes, red beans, onions and potatoes. The plants will eventually be moved outside, and once the veggies are ready to be harvested, the students might gather together to make a salad or give the veggies to the cafeteria so Cecil can whip up something delicious.

The girls have fun planting, and they learn all about soil, seeds and transplanting (and the science in-between!), while watching their vegetable gardens grow.