Underwater Deep Dive
In reading last session’s survey results one message was consistent, Español was an immersive experience that the entire family enjoyed exploring. Latin dance, culture, food, and language were all fun but the best fun was going on this adventure together. As we straddle a session end and beginning I’d like to offer some ideas on how your family can deep dive into the world of Marine Science and go on a water adventure together.
One thing that we are confident about at Acton is that learning is not confined to one place, one way, or one moment. Learning is everywhere, all at once, all the time. This concept is called open-walled learning which simply means that deep learning is not confined to a place or a person. Fellow learners, neighbors, community members, friends, parents, Guides, and even those younger siblings provide aha’s on the learning journey. Because of this well known fact at Acton I’d like to encourage you to dip your toe into this session’s topic. Whether you haven’t a lot of time, energy, or if you have a bunch there is at least one dive you can take a stroke at.
Here’s a few ideas.
Get cozy and get curious with these 4 Netflix ocean documentaries. Once you start you’ll find more but here are some great ones for all ages and attention spans: Mission Blue, My Octopus Teacher, Chasing Coral, Puff Wonders of the Reef.
Take a trip to a local pet store to peruse aquatic life or feel the zen at Sanctuary Aquatics. Perhaps even adopt a fish to observe it’s daily habits.
Take a walk or a swim in Lake Winnebago. Explore concepts of waves, currents, freshwater vs. saltwater, marine life, and pollution with your learner. For a deeper adventure explore different perspectives of our area’s lake from different city borders. What is the same and different?
Have a boat or have a friend? Take trips on the water and sail or tube! Try renting a kayak or something else fun at Midwest Rental Company in Oshkosh.
Hang out on the water or at a dock and practice the thrill of fishing. New to this sport? I’ve heard many stories about new fishing poles so ask around, I’m sure learners and families would love to share their passion as mentors.
Venture to our local yacht club at The Waters to enjoy the lake view or learn to be a pro-sailor by signing yourself or your learner up for OYC sailing lessons (youth sailing starts at 2nd grade and adult classes are offered).
Venture to Milwaukee’s Discovery World and explore the Reiman Aquarium or drive a bit longer to experience Chicago’s amazing Shedd Aquarium, home of the endangered beluga whales. The visit is well worth the trip!
Every week your learner will be exploring the world of water at school and will have so much information to share. If your learner is more tight-lipped try a deep dive option above to crack their chatterbox!
It’s only been a week but so far learners are loving the adventure and are practicing their scientific skills with daily experiments and adventures. An overwhelming majority of learners shared in a Launch discussion that they prefer to explore the unknown rather than travel a known path. So, it’s your turn to decide, will you jump into the unknown and dive in to the Quest world with your learner this session? What will you learn about yourself, your child, or about our world? Open your eyes to the open sea and jump in!