Oxford-on-Rideau students turn Kemptville Creek into outdoor classroom

Students at Oxford-on-Rideau Public School are transforming a nearby tributary into a hands-on learning space through the Kemptville Creek Inquiry Project. The Grade 1/2 class makes biweekly visits to the creek to study seasonal changes, explore habitats and document the plants and animals that live there.

“We’re lucky enough to have the creek within walking distance so it’s great exercise for the kids, but it’s also tying the kids into the local environment,” said teacher Kari Marceau in a media release. “They’ve all grown up here, they know what the Kemptville Creek is, so we decided to go down and see what’s actually in there.”

The project blends science, social studies, literacy, art and math through real-world learning. Each trip begins with classroom lessons before students collect samples, test water quality and make observations along the creek. Back at school, they examine their findings under microscopes, record their results in nature journals and create clay imprints of the plants they’ve studied.

“I thought about how I could get the creek into every aspect of our learning,” said Marceau. “The kids don’t even realize they’re learning, and it just fills my heart to see the joy and excitement as we’re walking down and they’re just vibrating.”

Local naturalists Fred Schueler and Aleta Karstad have joined the initiative, helping students identify species and understand the creek’s biodiversity.

“I like coming down to the creek to look at the animals and to test the water,” said student Willow Christensen.

Marceau hopes to expand the project to include older grades, who would track and analyze data over time. The long-term goal is to create a legacy program that strengthens the school community’s connection to the local ecosystem.

Taken from a media release from the Upper Canada District School Board