Science Co-op # 4 Ecosystems

Henri learned how plants and animals live together in various environments. The group used different objects such as clothes pins, spoons and toothpicks to demonstrate how different birds use their beaks to help them to pick up food.


Everyone enjoyed taking turns holding the mice.


They conducted an experiment to compare how yeast reacted with cold, warm and hot water.

College Royal

We spent most of Sunday at the University of Guelph. College Royal is the largest university open house event of its kind in North America. We wandered through the campus taking part in hands-on science experiments and enjoyed interactive club displays.

The Neuroscience Club tested Henri's brain activity (which turns out to be very active).


Henri's steady hand carefully maneuvered through the wire maze.


Henri extracted DNA from a banana.


Henri looks through the microscope at amoebae living in a drop of river water.


Henri applied a lotion and placed his hands under the UV light to detect any residual microorganisms after hand washing.




Henri touched a Sea Urchin at the Marine and Freshwater Biology Club exhibit.


We also got a glimpse of an octopus and many other types of sea creatures.


Holy Cow! A cow with a window into its stomach.


A veterinary student explains a cow's digestive system.

March Break Activities

Henri took part in many of the local events offered during March Break starting on Monday with 'the great train ride' at the Hillsburgh Library. On Thursday, Henri went to the Reptilia show at the Grand Valley Community Centre. On Saturday morning we went outside to enjoy the slightly warmer weather (3 degrees) and look for signs of spring. We ended the week with a visit to the University of Guelph College Royal event (photos in a separate post).







American Aligators are found mostly in Florida. This one's mouth was taped shut during the demonstration because even though it was a baby, its jaws would be strong enough to cut fingers off!


Sign of Spring....swans return home


...out playing ball with Bonnie


...some little critter waking and digging up the lawn (maybe moles)

Bronte Creek Maple Sugar Festival

Henri enjoyed his first visit at the Bronte Creek conservation area with his cousins during their annual Maple sugar festival. In addition to the the traditional activities (wagon ride, pancake lunch, hay bale maze and Maple taffy), we also attended a short guided tour where we learned about the different roles and levels of importance Maple sugar has played throughout Canada's history. Although today Maple sugar/syrup is considered a tasty treat, in the past it was essential for survival and rationed throughout the year. The early settlers would make 12 loaves of Maple sugar to stretch from month to month. They relied on the sugar's energy during the late winter season when food was scarce. During the early days when 'exotic' cane sugar became available, it was an expensive alternative used as a 'status symbol', thus relegating Maple sugar as a substitute sweetener for the 'poor'. Quite a paradox...

Woodbine Fantasy Fair

We purchased a great deal a few months ago off WagJag for a $20 family pass to Fantasy Fair. It's an indoor amusement park in the Woodbine Shopping Centre. Henri invited his friend Peter to join us and today we finally got there just a day before the March break crowds.

Science Co-op # 4 (Biome in a bottle)

Henri learned about the plant life cycle and its natural habitat. They used a plastic bottle to create a self contained biome with all the essentials to grow their seeds (soil, water, sunlight). It will be interesting to watch the beans grow over the next few weeks. Henri was impressed with his abilities when during a group game of 'hangman' he found the solutions to a few of the puzzles including the word habitat.

Unexpected Snow Fall

Henri was so thrilled when he woke up and saw the snow. After the rain yesterday this was a pleasant surprise. We spent the entire morning outside with our neighbours, Patrick & Jessica, and he insisted on going out again right after lunch (so much for cleaning the house).

Ice Fishing

Despite it being only a few days after leaving the warm Atlantic shores of Florida, Henri loves winter so much that he didn't need any convincing to spend half-a-day on a frozen lake in Orangeville to try ice-fishing for the first time with his cousin. The lake was buzzing with activity from at least 30 other 'regulars' who came prepared with their own elaborate equipment. We opted to rent the 'luxury' accommodation which included wood benches and pre-drilled holes in the ice in a propane-heated hut. Sound boring? Even the fish stayed well away. At least Henri and his cousin had a lots of fun playing in the great outdoors (which Henri consistently demonstrates is all he needs to enjoy himself).



The only fish we saw were Minnows (the bait).