From little learners to big leaders: École Fox Run’s annual science day inspires all ages!

One step inside École Fox Run School recently, and you would have seen and heard a happy beehive of activity underway!  Throughout the front gathering area, adjoining hallways, and nearby classrooms, you would have observed a variety of stations and activities happening, led by Grade 8 students, and an engaged audience of Grade 2 students taking it all in. 

In total, there were about 150 Grade 8 students and 130 Grade 2 students from C.P. Blakely Elementary School and Beacon Hill School. This is the first year Beacon Hill has participated.

The event happens annually and has become a tradition at Fox Run School that students eagerly anticipate.

“It gets us out of class and learning new things,” says Arianna A., a Grade 8 Fox Run student.

“It’s fun for the Grade 2 students to engage in more learning,” says Branson L., a Grade 8 Fox Run student. “I liked giving them a good day, and that we got to do fun and exciting experiments.”

The idea started more than a decade ago with Fox Run teacher Sonia Martinek and C.P. Blakely teachers Tara Ireland and Nicole Wasson. 

At that time there were overlaps in the science curriculum in Grade 8 and Grade 2, specifically with mix and flow and states of matter. Martinek came up with the idea of having the Grade 8 students show what they were learning about in science to Grade 2 students, using hands-on experiments. 

Although the curriculum has changed over the years, the value of having students in different grades working together has kept the annual tradition going.

“It’s great to see the connection between the older and younger students,” says Ireland. 

“It brings students together, focused on the positive, and the Grade 8 students are successful as leaders,” says Martinek. 

Martinek explains, “This year the Grade 8 students chose a science experiment or math game that they wanted to share, and then planned and organized it, and brought all of the supplies. The responsibility is good for them. It builds their confidence and accountability.”

A highlight for Branson L. was “seeing the kids get excited when the experiment went right. It makes it fun for me. I liked seeing their happy faces.” 

Arianna A., says “I liked seeing the tough guys [in my grade] become soft guys to the Grade 2s.” 

Molly S. a Grade 2 student at C.P. Blakely enjoyed the day. “It was so cool. There was a lot of stuff to do,” she says. “It’s fun because I never knew what was going to happen. The Grade 8s are really smart and they worked hard for this, and they probably had fun teaching us.” 

Because the event has gone on for many years now, some students who once enjoyed the activity when they were in Grade 2 are now experiencing the activity as Grade 8 students. 

“They remember it and love doing it again,” says Martinek. 

“And I love seeing the kids I taught in Grade 2,” says Ireland. “It’s great to see their growth.” 

“We are very proud of how the Grade 8 students responded to the challenge,” says Tracey Lynn, Vice-Principal, Fox Run. “This activity is so good for them. Also, we love the opportunity to make connections within our school community. Building strength in our community is good for everyone.”