Community Analysis Report
Laura Bosch 33525189
Sicamous (Questica News, 2020).
The Community: The District of Sicamous is a lakeside community situated between Mara and Shuswap lake and nestled in the mountains on the northern end of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. According to Statistics Canada (2016) Sicamous has a population of 2429, with approximately 10% of the population consisting of school aged children and 62% making up the working age group (15-64 years). Within the community of Sicamous, 120 community members identify as First Nations and 110 identify as Metis, while the visible minority populations make up less than 2% of the population (Townfolio, 2017). The majority of the population speaks a singular language, with 96.3% speaking only English (Townfolio, 2017). The median household income is $53, 990 (Townfolio, 2017) and the major industries consist of food services, retail, accommodations, and trade and construction (Shuswap Economic Development, 2014). Sicamous is regarded as a resort town, with many marine-based industries drawing in summer tourism, and is commonly referred to as the "Houseboat Capital of Canada" (Sicamous, 2021). It is also known for drawing in many visitors during the winter months, with an “evolving tourism market based around sledding (snowmobiling)" (Shuswap Economic Development, & Columbia Shuswap Regional District, 2014). The nearest university is UBC Okanagan, located 114km from Sicamous, while the nearest college is Okanagan College in Salmon Arm only 29km away (Trade and Invest British Columbia, 2016). Sicamous has a small public library affiliated with the Okanagan Regional Libraries, which is centrally located within the Sicamous Civic Centre and Municipal Hall. The library has established a partnership with the local elementary school to provide Kindergarten students with their first library card.
The School: Parkview Elementary School is part of School District No. 83 in the North Okanagan- Shuswap region. It is a Strong Start to Grade 6 school, with 191 students currently enrolled, with 34 Indigenous students and 24 students with special needs (Government of British Columbia, 2020). The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and it is reported that approximately 80% of students participate in organized activities outside of school hours (Human Early Learning Partnership, 2020, p. 40). According to the Fraser Institute School Performance (2020) report for Grade 4 students, Parkview ranked 598/931 schools in 2019 and was declared “fastest-improving elementary school in the province” in 2018 (Emes & Cowley, 2020;Elliot, 2018, para. 1). The Early Development Instrument (EDI) (2016) report for Kindergarten students in the Enderby-Sicamous area, reported that 41% of students were considered vulnerable according to one or more of the vulnerability scales in terms of physical, social, emotional, language and communication vulnerabilities (Human Early Learning Partnership, 2016). The Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) report for Grade 4 students in 2019 showed that in terms of well-being, 41% report they are thriving, 28% were medium, 31% were considered low, and 82% of students reported quality relationships with the adults they interact with at school (Human Early Learning Partnership, 2020).
The Library Learning Commons: The Library Learning Commons (LLC) at Parkview Elementary is staffed by a part-time teacher-librarian (TL) who also works as a part-time TL for the local middle school. The LLC is open every day during school hours, however, the TL is only present two full days a week and one afternoon. The library program runs on a fixed schedule during the days the TL is present, and has a flexible schedule on the remaining days. The LLC has both a print and digital collection, with the digital collection being accessible to students from both school and home through the OPAC system. In addition to housing the library collection, the LLC includes three computers and several student work stations. Students primarily use the LLC computers to find resources through the OPAC system and access digital resources, such as World Book Online, from their classrooms using Chromebooks or from home. The TL compiles relevant resources for teachers and students at the teachers request for upcoming units of study and inquiry projects.
Class Profile |
Grade Level: 3 | Number of Students: 28 | Special Needs: none |
Number of English Language Learners: 0
| Classroom Teachers Years of Experience: undisclosed
| Classroom Teachers Educational Background: Bachelor of Education |
The Grade 3 class will be learning about animal life cycles and animal adaptations to different environments. The class will engage in a whole class inquiry, looking into the life cycles and adaptations of an animal local to the area, prior to the students selecting an animal of their choosing to research in small groups. |
Curriculum |
Major Units of Study and Curriculum Objectives for the Alberta Grade 3 Science Program of Studies (See Appendix A) |
Grade Level: Grade 3 | Subject: Science
| Unit of Study: Animal Life Cycles |
Major Unit Objectives from the Alberta Program of Studies: General Learner Expectations: students will 3–10 Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments. 3–11 Identify requirements for animal care.
Specific Learner Expectations (See Appendix B for a detailed list of specific learner expectations for the Animal Life Cycles unit) |
Community Resources and Partnerships |
Sicamous Library: the community librarian identified 73 titles related to animal life cycles at an elementary reading level available through the public library. Many of these titles are much more current than the LLC's collection and contain vibrant imagery and diagrams. The majority of these titles focus on general animal life cycles, caterpillars/butterflies, tadpoles/frogs, chickens, and salmon. There is one ebook available entitled A Spiders Life which can be accessed online with a public library card. |
Go Grants: GO Grants provide field trip grants for British Columbia K-12 classes and schools to help get students outdoors to learn about B.C.’s fish, wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity. They also provide a variety of workshops, and educational programs, as well as print and digital resources, lesson plans, and more. |
BC SPCA: The BC SPCA offers a variety of school programs designed to meet curricular outcomes and to “help your students gain a deeper understanding of their place in the world by exploring the connections that exist between animals, humans and the environment” (para. 1). There are a variety of virtual an in class programs available: https://spca.bc.ca/programs-services/leaders-in-our-field/professional-resources/for-teachers/presentations-lessons-and-activities/ |
BC Wildlife Park: Offers both virtual and outreach programs on animal life cycles: |
King Fisher Interpretive Centre: They offer a variety of resources for school teachers, including several virtual lessons on salmon and the life cycle of salmon. They also offer field trips, other educational resources, and facilitate the Stream to Sea Program. The Stream to Sea Program for schools involves students from Grades K to 12 throughout British Columbia. Students raise salmon eggs in classroom aquariums, and then transport and release the fry in nearby streams. The program is a project of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Habitat & Enhancement Branch. https://www.kingfishercentre.org/get_involved-689414.html |
Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Salmonids in the Classroom: A comprehensive unit plan guide and teacher’s resource for studying the biology, habitat, and stewardship of Pacific Salmon in the primary classroom. Includes specific curriculum connections, handouts, and activities centred on the Pacific Salmon life cycle. https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/40691172.pdf |
Teachers Pet: A virtual field trip based on the unit objectives from the Alberta Program of Studies: "Join Bitsy Butterfly, an Animal Reporter, as she interviews different wildlife in the Animal Kingdom. Through this virtual adventure, you will become an animal expert as you learn about the process of growth and change that animals go through and study the effects of humans on our world. Bitsy Butterfly will teach you how to classify animals into different categories and describe how their needs are met in their respective habitats. This unique experience will end off with you creating and decorating your very own 3D butterfly metamorphosis craft!" (para. 3). https://www.tpet.ca/fieldtrips/lifecycles/ |
Resources from the Library Learning Commons: |
Print Resources: The Parkview LLC has a collection of 42 books on animal life cycles, many of which focus on butterflies and insects, birds, frogs, salmon and other species (See Appendix C for a complete list). |
Digital Resources: (available via school library website or via links below) |
Conclusion:
Although there are many titles relevant to animal life cycles within the LLC collection, the majority of these titles are considerably outdated, with the most recent titles having a copyright date of 2009. According to Achieving Information Literacy: Standards for School Library Programs in Canada, a collection is considered "below standard" when less than 50% of the copyright dates are within the last 10 years (Asselin et al., 2006, p. 33). Thus, this area of the library collection needs to be evaluated for the de-selection of outdated and worn materials, and for the selection and acquisition of new materials. The Sicamous Library offers an extension collection of more recent and relevant titles that may be used as an alternative. The digital collection available through the LLC and the teacher-librarian reviewed websites also offer an excellent collection of relevant resources and materials. There are a wide variety of community and provincial resources and partnerships available, many of which directly relate to this area of the curriculum, and allow for engaging virtual and/or hands-on experiences for students.
References:
Alberta Education. (1996). Alberta Program of Studies: Science (K-6). Alberta: Alberta Education. Retrieved from https://education.alberta.ca/media/159711/elemsci.pdf
Asselin, M., Branch, J., & Oberg, D. (2006). Achieving Information Literacy: Standards for School Library Programs in Canada [Ebook]. Canadian Association for School Libraries. Retrieved from: http://accessola2.com/SLIC-Site/slic/ail110217.pdf.
Elliot, J. (2018). Parkview Elementary shows rapid improvement - Salmon Arm Observer. Salmon Arm Observer. Retrieved, from https://www.saobserver.net/news/parkview-elementary-shows-rapid-improvement/
Emes, J., & Cowley, P. (2020). Report Card on British Columbia’s Elementary Schools 2020 [PDF file]. Fraser Institute. Retrieved, from https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/bc-elementary-school-rankings-2020-13771.pdf.
Government of British Columbia. (2020). B.C. Education System Performance - Parkview Elementary School: Contextual Information. British Columbia. Retrieved, from https://studentsuccess.gov.bc.ca/school/08389032/report/contextual-information.
Human Early Learning Partnership. (2016). EDI (Early Years Development Instrument) report. Wave 6 Community Profile, 2016. North Okanagan - Shuswap (SD83). [Ebook]. University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health. Retrieved from http://earlylearning.ubc.ca/media/edi_w6_communityprofiles/edi_w6_communityprofile_sd_83.pdf.
Human Early Learning Partnership. (2020). Middle Years Development Instrument [MDI] Grade 4 report. School District & Community Results, 2019-2020. North Okanagan-Shuswap (SD83). [Ebook]. University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health. Retrieved from http://earlylearning.ubc.ca/media/mdi/g4/mdi-sdcommunityreport-2019-20-sd83-g4-en-v200526.pdf.
Teacher’s Pet. (2021). Lifecycles - Science & Environment In-School Field Trips. Retrieved, from https://www.tpet.ca/fieldtrips/lifecycles/.
Parkview Elementary School. (2021) Parkview Elementary School. Retrieved from https://par.sd83.bc.ca/
Questica News. (2020). Sicamous [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.questica.com/news/district-sicamous-bc-chooses-questica-budget/.
Shuswap Economic Development, & Columbia Shuswap Regional District. (2014). Community Profile: District of Sicamous [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://shuswapecdev.ca/sites/default/files/SHUS_02232_district_of_Sicamous_0.pdf.
Statistics Canada. (2016). Census Profile, 2016 Census: Sicamous, District municipality, British Columbia and Columbia-Shuswap, Regional district, British Columbia. Retrieved from https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5939045&Geo2=CD&Code2=5939&SearchText=sicamous&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&TABID=1&type=0
Townfolio. (2017). Sicamous, BC - Demographics. Retrieved from https://townfolio.co/bc/sicamous/demographics.
Trade and Invest British Columbia. (2016). Investing in Sicamous, British Columbia. Retrieved, from https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/invest/communities/british-columbia/thompson-okanagan/columbia-shuswap/sicamous/.
Appendix A: Alberta Grade 3 Science Units of Study and Curriculum Objectives
General Learner Expectations: Students will: 3–1 Investigate the nature of things, demonstrating purposeful action that leads to observations and inferences. 3–2 Identify patterns and order in objects and events studied; and, with guidance, record observations, using pictures, words and charts; and make predictions and generalizations, based on observations. 3–3 Investigate a practical problem, and develop a possible solution. 3–4 Demonstrate positive attitudes for the study of science and for the application of science in responsible ways. |
Unit of Study: | Major Curriculum Objectives (General Learner Expectation): |
Rocks and Minerals
| 3-5 Demonstrate knowledge of materials that comprise Earth’s crust, and demonstrate skill in classifying these materials. |
Building with a Variety of Materials
| 3–6 Use, safely, a variety of tools, techniques and materials in construction activities. 3–7 Construct structures, using a variety of materials and designs, and compare the effectiveness of the various materials and designs for their intended purposes. |
Testing Materials and Designs
| 3–8 Evaluate the suitability of different materials and designs for their use in a building task. |
Hearing and Sound
| 3–9 Describe the nature of sound, and demonstrate methods for producing and controlling sound. |
Animal Life Cycles
| 3–10 Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments. 3–11 Identify requirements for animal care. |
Source: Alberta Program of Studies: Science: Grade 3: Pages B.11-B.16: https://education.alberta.ca/media/159711/elemsci.pdf |
Appendix B: Alberta Grade 3 Science Animal Life Cycles Unit Objectives
Topic E: Animal Life Cycles |
Overview: Students learn about the growth and development of animals and discover that different animals have different life cycles. By observing the life cycle of one small animal from its earliest stage to adulthood, students acquire a reference point for the study of other animals and come to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life. Students learn that the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages that are characteristic of many insects represent a different life story from that of the egg, young, and adult life cycle that is common to most vertebrate animals. In studying these animals, students learn about the changes in needs of the young as they grow and develop and about the changing relationship between these animals and their environment. |
General Learner Expectations: Students will: 3–10 Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments. 3–11 Identify requirements for animal care.
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Specific Learner Expectations Students will: 1. Classify a variety of animals, based on observable characteristics; e.g., limbs, teeth, body covering, overall shape, backbone. 2. Observe and describe the growth and development of at least one living animal, as the animal develops from early to more advanced stages. The animal(s) should be from one or more of the following groups: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects. Suggested examples include: gerbils, guppies, mealworms, tadpoles, worms, butterflies/moths. Additional examples from other animal groups might also be included: brine shrimp, isopods, spiders. 3. Predict the next stages in the growth and development of at least one animal from each of the following groups: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects; and identify similarities and differences in their developmental sequences. 4. Identify the food needs of at least one animal from each of the following groups: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects; and describe changes in how each animal obtains food through different stages of its life. 5. Demonstrate awareness that parental care is characteristic of some animals and not of others, and identify examples of different forms of parental care. 6. Demonstrate awareness that animals require different habitats in order to meet their basic needs of food, water, shelter, and space. 7. Recognize adaptations of a young animal to its environment, and identify changes in its relationship to its environment as it goes through life; e.g., tadpoles are adapted for life in an aquatic environment; adult frogs show adaptations to both terrestrial and aquatic environments. 8. Identify examples of environmental conditions that may threaten animal survival, and identify examples of extinct animals. 9. Recognize that habitat preservation can help maintain animal populations, and identify ways that student actions can assist habitat preservation. 10. Demonstrate knowledge of the needs of animals studied, and demonstrate skills for their care. |
Source: Alberta Education Program of Studies for Science pages B.15-B.16: https://education.alberta.ca/media/159711/elemsci.pdf |
Appendix C: List of Print Resources on Animal Life Cycles from the LLC
Print Resources on Animal Life Cycles from the LLC: |
Butterflies & Insects: Kalman, Bobbie.. The Life Cycle of a Butterfly. Aloian, Molly. The life cycle of a beetle. 2003 Terry, Trevor. The life cycle of a butterfly. 1991, c1988. Includes glossary and index. Schwartz, David M.. Jumping spider. 1999. Schwartz, David M.. Ladybug. 1999. Schwartz, David M.. Monarch Butterfly. 1999. Carr, Aaron. Butterflies. 2014. What is the life cycle of a butterfly? de la Bedoyere, Camilla. Caterpillar to butterfly. 2009. Packed with fascinating facts about life cycles, amazing photographs and labeled diagrams to explain growth and development your students will enjoy these easy-to-read books. Hewitt, Sally. Life cycles from caterpillar to butterfly. 2004. Easy reader. Learn all about the life cycle of a butterfly. |
Birds: Kalman, Bobbie. The life cycle of an emperor penguin. 2007 Kalman, Bobbie.. The life cycle of a bird. 2002. Describes how birds develop from eggs to adults, explains differences between bird species, and tells why some birds are endangered and what individuals can do to help protect them. Includes index. Thornhill, Jan. I found a dead bird : the kids' guide to the cycle of life & death. 2006. Explores the cycle of life and death, and how the princess is necessary in nature, while also commenting on how death affects people personally, and the skills they use to cope with such a trauma when it occurs. Schwartz, David M.. Hummingbird. 1999. Morgan, Sally.. Ducks and other birds. 2001. Includes index. Schwartz, David M. Chicken. 1999. Pictures show the life cycle of a chicken. Daigle, Evelyne. The world of penguins. 2007. Life cycles of penguins. Contains bibliography Morgan, Sally. From egg to duck. 2002. Describes the life cycle of a duck. Contains index and glossary. Magloff, Lisa. Watch me grow duckling. 2003. Learn about the life cycle of a duck. Easy to read format, Excellent photographs.de la Bedoyere, Camilla. Egg to chicken. 2009. Packed with fascinating facts about life cycles, amazing photographs and labeled diagrams to explain growth and development your students will enjoy these easy-to-read books.
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Frogs: Kalman, Bobbie. The life cycle of a frog. 2002. Describes how frogs develop from eggs to adult frogs and tells why some frogs are endangered and what individuals can do to protect them. : Includes index. Schwartz, David M. Wood frog. 1999. Crewe, Sabrina. The frog. 1997. Describes the habitat, eating habits and life cycle of frogs. Includes index. Carr, Aaron. Frogs. 2014. What is the life cycle of a frog? Can baby frogs breathe underwater? Dickmann, Nancy.. A frog's life. 2010. Photographs and easy-to-follow text explain the life cycle of a frog, describing how it hatches from an egg and grows from a tadpole into a frog. : Includes index. de la Bedoyere, Camilla. Tadpole to Frog. 2009. Packed with fascinating facts about life cycles, amazing photographs and labeled diagrams to explain growth and development your students will enjoy these easy-to-read books. Magloff, Lisa. Watch me grow frog. 2003. The life cycle of a frog in an easy to read format. Excellent photographs. The life cycle of a frog in an easy to read format. Excellent photographs. |
Salmon: Kalman, Bobbie. The life cycle of a salmon. 2007. Suzuki, David. Salmon forest. 2003. During a walk in the woods with her father, Kate learns about the life cycle of the sockeye salmon, as well as its place in the larger circle of life. |
Other: Kalman, Bobbie.. The Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle. Wallace, Holly. Life cycles. 2000. Includes bibliographical references and Index. Kalman, Bobbie. The life cycle of a wolf. 2002. An introduction to the wolf, including some of the different types, pack structure, reproduction, hunting, and dangers faced by wolves in the wild. : Includes index. Schwartz, David M.. Green snake. 1999. Crewe, Sabrina. The mountain lion. 1998. Describes the physical characteristics, behaviour and life cycle of the puma Crewe, Sabrina. The bear. 1997. Describes the habitat, food and life cycle of the black bear. Includes index. Crewe, Sabrina. The alligator. 1998. Provides an introduction to the life cycle, physical characteristics, behaviour and habitat of the American alligator. : Includes index. Crewe, Sabrina. The buffalo. 1998. Provides an introduction to the life cycle, physical characteristics, behaviour and habitat of a plains bison. : Includes index. Ganeri, Anita. The hunt for food. : Describes the interdependence among plants and animals living in a meadow environment, from spring to winter. Crewe, Sabrina. The prairie dog. Describes the habitat, behaviour and life cycle of members of the squirrel family that live in underground burrows. : Includes index. Carr, Aaron. Cows. 2014. What is the life cycle of a cow? When are calves old enough to live with the rest of the herd? Young readers will discover these facts and more in Cows. : de la Bedoyere, Camilla. Pup to shark. 2009. Packed with fascinating facts about life cycles, amazing photographs and labeled diagrams to explain growth and development your students will enjoy these easy-to-read books. de la Bedoyere, Camilla. Joey to kangaroo. 2009. Packed with fascinating facts about life cycles, amazing photographs and labeled diagrams to explain growth and development your students will enjoy these easy-to-read books. |
