Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am excited to announce that Scientists in School will be visiting our class on Wednesday, May 8th. The ‘field trip that comes to us’ will be presenting a half-day session on soil. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our class to experience science and technology through fun and exciting “hands-on” activities and experiments.

Scientists in School was founded on the principle that students learn best when they get to be the scientists – doing science instead of just reading or hearing about science. In fact, the name Scientists in School does not refer to the science experts that are brought into the classroom; rather, it refers to the students themselves. During Scientists in School workshops, your child becomes a scientist in school.

The workshop the class will be participating in is Soil: It’s Too Important to be Treated Like Dirt.  This workshop is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of soil formation, soil components, soil life, soil nutrition, permeability and erosion. These concepts are taught through 5 interactive and “hands-on” activity centers where the students will set up experiments and observe and record their observations on worksheets that will be provided.

Our presenter has requested that we have four parent volunteers who are able to stay for the duration of the workshop to assist with the activities. No advance knowledge is required for this opportunity to share the thrill of discovery with your child. If you are able to volunteer, it would be greatly appreciated! Our session will take place in the morning on Wed., May 8th from 12:00pm to 3:30pm. Parent volunteers are asked to arrive at 11:30am on May 8th after signing in at the office to receive instructions from the presenter.

The cost of the activity is $9.00 per student payable through your School Cash Online account (https://ocdsb.schoolcashonline.com) or by check or cash. Payment is due by Monday, May 6th. Please fill out and detach the bottom portion of the parent letter that is being sent home today and indicate if you are able to volunteer.

Thank you,

Ms. Lewis