Botany and Zoology

The youngest elementary children were given their first introduction to the zoology curriculum today. This follows the presentation of the Six Kingdoms of Life which introduces them to the idea of classification by characteristics. Called the First Knowledge, it establishes in the child’s mind the idea of identifying various animals by a list of characteristics read to them. It also allows the guide to assess each child’s readiness for more formal lessons. The second stage presentation follows on the characteristics of different types of animals (how they move, reproduce, care for their young, eat, breathe and are covered). Then we do a survey of the classes of vertebrates and phyla of invertebrates to establish in depth the functions and characteristics that identify them.

There is a parallel presentation on the parts and functions of plants. We begin to look at the life cycle and adaptions of different plants from the perspective of the functions of their parts, beginning with the roots and finishing with the fruit. In botany studies, we use real samples as much as possible.

From here, our work branches off into establishing connections between the tree of life, the biomes, and classification of living things. We look at evolution, adaptation and the interdependence of living things along the way. In upper elementary, students do dissections to obtain a better appreciation of the anatomy of vertebrates and invertebrates and then begin to study in depth the anatomy and body systems of human beings. Finally, this ties into The Story of the Great River wherein both the earth and a human body are characterised as a civilisation growing up around a river. This is the sixth (and final) Great Lesson.

Our work in botany and zoology is supported by bi-weekly trips to High Park to do field work in conjunction with the High Park Nature Centre.