Exploring Goldstream Park

4 November 2021Sophie H, Mack ‘23

Experiential learning is a key component of the Brentwood education model. This element of learning especially comes into play in the AP Environmental Science curriculum, where we venture into the great outdoors in order to further our learning through field work.

Last week, along with the kindergarten class from Mill Bay School, the students of Mr McCarthy’s AP Environmental Science class headed to Goldstream Park with the objective of experiencing what we had been learning about the life cycle of salmon. Goldstream Park is home to one of the richest spawning areas for salmon on Vancouver Island.

Sitting on the bus, the kindergarten students eagerly awaited the arrival of our Environmental Science class. When we piled onto the bus it was immediately filled with eager chatter. Brentwood students paired up with a kindergarten buddy for the 20 minute bus ride, over the Malahat, south to the park. This time was spent getting to know each other, discussing our favorite colors, and talking about possible halloween costumes.

After grabbing a quick snack, we got off the bus with our buddies and began to explore. Initially, we headed down to the stream that ran through the center of the park. There, we witnessed the salmon swimming upstream against the current with the power of natural instinct at their backs, encouraging them forward. All to spawn the next generation: what an example for parents everywhere! The kindergarteners of MBNS were amused by the sighting of the fish and their curiosity bloomed.

As AP Environmental Science students, we were tasked with explaining to the kids the life cycle of salmon and why they were swimming upstream. “It was a fun yet challenging experience trying to explain a complicated life cycle in more simple terms. It really tested my knowledge” reflected Gwynnie F, Mack ‘22.

Once we Brentwood students and our buddies had explored the creek, we continued down the trail that runs through the park. The MBNS students had a blast climbing on logs and touring the rest of the park. Once again, they experienced the life cycle first hand while observing birds preying on the salmon. Ainsley D, Alex ‘22 remarked that “We were presented with a unique opportunity to explore things that we have been learning about in class first-hand.”

Both the students from Brentwood and the MBNS had a blast exploring the outdoors and learning more about the life cycle of salmon. Willow, a student from Duncan Nature even exclaimed that, “Some teenagers are nice AND cool!” Bea, Mack ‘34 added “I really loved seeing the salmon jump in the river from between the trees. It was also really fun to meet Alex from Hope House. She was really nice and is my new friend.”

A special thanks to Mr McCarthy for organizing this fun and informative outing!

Sophie H, Mack ‘23

Where Students Choose To Be