Minds On
Dress for the season and the weather!
It’s important to choose the right clothing for the season and the weather.
For example, summer clothing protects our bodies from the sun and keeps us cool.
Winter clothing keeps us warm and dry.
Action
The four seasons
A tree in the four seasons. In the spring the leaves are beginning to grow on the tree, in the summer the tree is in full bloom, in the fall the leaves turn orange and fall to the ground, in the winter the tree is bare and covered in snow.
Scientists do research through all the seasons, and in all types of settings. They need to do this to gather data about the world around them.
Research happens in water, on land, in snow, heat, rain, and in the deep cold of the Arctic.
Can you name some protective clothing and equipment that might keep scientists comfortable and safe when researching?
Explore these images of researchers who are working at the Polar Knowledge Canada research station, in the cold and snowy Arctic in Nunavut.
The researchers prepare for very cold weather when researching outside.
What protective equipment did you notice?
Which of the following did you notice in the Arctic research pictures?
Meet the Fishheads!
The Fishheads explore lakes and rivers in warmer temperatures to learn more about healthy environments and what we can do to protect them.
Today, they are learning about insects that live in the water. They want to learn what these insects can tell us… without speaking!
Safety first!
When exploring lakes and rivers with an adult, the Fishheads always think of safety first. Check out this video clip to learn more.
Check your understanding
Which of these safety rules did you notice the Fishheads followed?
Special equipment
Once they start investigating, the Fishheads use some special equipment to study the insects in the water. Check out this video clip to learn more.
Check your understanding
Select the correct answer, then press ‘Check Answer’ to see how you did.
Naming and counting
Once the scientists have collected the insects from the water, it is time to start naming and counting. Explore this video clip to learn more.
Check your understanding
Select the correct answer, then press ‘Check Answer’ to see how you did.
Consolidation
Planning ahead
Scientists need different clothing and equipment to keep themselves safe and comfortable in the different environments and seasons.
As the weather changes, scientists need to be ready.
Match the clothing and equipment to each scenario.
Let’s review!
This activity connects new and existing approaches for young scientists to create positive changes in their communities.
What do scientists in Canada have to think about before they do their research in different seasons and areas of Canada?
How can clothing help people who are spending time outside in different seasons?
How can equipment help people who are spending time outside in different seasons?
Use the pictures and information from this learning activity to help you.
Record your ideas on the computer, on paper, or share with a partner, if possible.
Helping scientists
Choose one of these stories. Help the scientist in each story do their research in a safe way. Share with them how they can stay safe.
- What could they wear?
- What equipment could help them?
Scenario #1
This child scientist is heading out into a snowy field to learn more about how deep the snow is in this area in the winter. They have a long pole with them. It is cold, very windy, and the snow is blowing.
Scenario #2
This young scientist would like to go into the canoe to collect insect samples from the river. It is hot outside, and the sun is shining.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.