We had a lot to talk about this week, but one new science concept was soil respiration. I have a gas monitor that can measure the amount of carbon dioxide coming out of a patch of earth.
Why is this interesting? Because its a way to measure soil activity and soil health- all those little microbes are breathing out CO2, and it’s a way to estimate their abundance. For those interested in this process, we got cozy on the thick bed of pine needles, set up our instrument, and began to collect data. It takes a while to get accurate results, so there’s a bit of waiting. The above picture captures one of my favorite things about doing field science with kids- spontaneous moments for nature connection.
New this year, before we wrap up our science work and head to lunch, everyone gets their field notebooks back out and adds to the entry they started that morning. I encourage them to write about what they did, what they learned, and anything they noticed. This week, the group was quiet and focused for a few long moments, even with our tummies rumbling.
After lunch, we finished constructing our covered area at the Plot #3 basecamp. Then I did the safety talk on hatchets and axes. After, three students wanted to try for hatchet competency.
Competency is a term we use at BCE, which means a student has established trust with me that they can use a tool safely and effectively. This applies to dangerous tools like knives and hatchets, but also to scientific tools where I need to trust the numbers they report. For example, only those with rain gauge competency measure the rain gauge (on their own) because we need accurate long-term rainfall data.
Hatchets are one of the more dangerous tools we use, and before they are allowed to go it alone, I spend 10-15 minutes watching them demonstrate a variety of techniques. I’m watching for anything that looks unsafe and could lead to injury, as well as offering tips and tricks to make the job easier.
This week Gavin, Terran and Juniper were checked off for hatchet competency!
Building off two-ply reverse-wrap cordage from last week, those who were interested practiced the essential skill of adding new fibers. It’s both easier and harder than you would think!
I like the picture above because it captured a peaceful moment towards the end of the day. Most of us were spinning cordage, Terran was practicing knife skills, and Gavin and Ru were chopping away in the background on their bow projects. And our rain cover is up and ready (we hope) for the coming storm.
Very interesting! I’m so glad you share so I can peek into what’s happening with Bear Creek explorers. Keep up the good work.