Trout Release Field Trip
/Our trout release at Hagg Lake yesterday was a great success! Mr. Mark planned and led this field trip. Before we left on our trip he shared a slideshow presentation that included videos, photos, and diagrams about rainbow trout; scientifically known as Oncorhynchus mykiss. We learned that rainbow trout and steelhead are different ecotypes of the same species. We discussed the differences between the Chinook salmon we raised in the fall and the rainbow trout we raised this winter. One of the most notable differences is that the Chinook salmon we released will migrate a great distance- all the way to the Pacific Ocean! The rainbow trout, on the other hand, will live their entire lives in freshwater streams and in Hagg Lake. We learned a little about the Kalapuya tribe that lived, and still live, in the region around Hagg Lake. On the field trip students had an opportunity to release rainbow trout in Scoggins Creek, examine macro-invertebrates from the creek (some of which the trout will eventually eat), and go on a snowy nature walk.
Snowy bus ride
Scoggins Creek
This week we also launched our States of Matter and Chemistry unit. We've had some fantastic scientific discussions about the different states of matter. Here are some interesting statements from students that came up during our investigations:
The water bottle container isn't solid because it's squishy.
Play dough is none of the states of matter because it's squishy.
The silk scarf is liquid AND a solid because it moves but also stays in the same shape.
Nutella is a liquid because it spreads
These common student misconceptions will provide an excellent jumping off point for next week's investigations during which students will explore these ideas in greater depth. Along the way they will be refining their definitions and developing a deeper understanding of the characteristics of each state of matter.
Here are some more photos from our explorations this week…
