On Nov. 13, Grade 3 students, along with some Grade 11 students, soaked up a memorable day of experiential learning about salmon at Goldstream Provincial Park. Upon arriving, students headed straight to the river to observe spawning salmon, the annual time where adult salmon migrate from the ocean up the freshwater river to lay and fertilize eggs. During this quiet observation time, students reflected on the salmon's incredible journey, their vital role in the ecosystem and as an essential food resource for the Indigenous people of the area for generations.
The rest of the morning was divided into three engaging activities: a scenic hike to a waterfall, a photo scavenger hunt and a fascinating salmon dissection that highlighted the remarkable adaptations of salmon anatomy.
During lunch, students gathered around a campfire and warmed up with hot chocolate. The warmth was short-lived, however, as the afternoon’s salmon run simulation was sure to get their blood pumping.
Starting as alevin—the first stage in the salmon life cycle—students navigated their way “downstream” (a pathway toward the nature house) while avoiding obstacles such as hydroelectric dams (represented by jump ropes) and predators represented by Grade 11 Outdoor Leadership students dressed as eagles, orca and bears.
Upon reaching the “ocean,” students collected tins of hidden sardines and faced further challenges like fishing nets and orcas (more Outdoor Leadership students). The simulation culminated in a dramatic reenactment of the salmon’s final journey upstream, ending with their symbolic “death” at the place of their birth.
As an educator, this was one of my favourite days of the year. The students were so engaged and fascinated by the salmon, and we were incredibly lucky to witness one of nature’s most amazing miracles so close to our school.
The day’s activities not only taught students about the salmon’s life cycle and anatomy but also fostered empathy for the species. The simulation was physically challenging, with many students feeling exhausted after having navigated the obstacles.
The Outdoor Leadership students from the Senior School were a big highlight of the day. They not only played the roles of predators and obstacles during the simulation, but also helped guide the Grade 3 students through the park’s activities. Some Grade 11 students even shared memories of their own experience doing the salmon run eight years ago, creating a sense of continuity and connection across the school community.
