Becoming Salmon: Grade 3 Students Dive Into Learning at Goldstream Park

What does it feel like to be a salmon fighting its way home? That question drove this year's Grade 3 field trip to Goldstream Provincial Park, a day of exploration and hands-on discovery where students stepped directly into the story.

Led by Junior School Outdoor Education teacher Jamie Pope, Grade 3 teachers Jeremy Bell and Roxanne Kingsbury and several volunteers — with support from Grade 11 Outdoor Leadership students — the experience brought to life the interconnectedness of local ecosystems, the core focus of the Grade 3 science unit.

Exploring the River Ecosystem

The visit to Goldstream completed the class's study, which earlier included PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) and Chikawich (McNeil Bay). Here, the focus was the river and the species that depend on it.

As they walked the trails, students took in the cool air, the rustling of wildlife and the distant rush of the river while listening to Mr. Bell read Salmon Forest by David Suzuki. The story helped them understand how salmon feed insects and alevins, carry nutrients into the forest via bears, enrich the soil through decomposers and support the trees that shade and cool the river for the next generation.

Inside the Salmon

A highlight of the day was a salmon dissection facilitated by Mr. Pope, supported by tools from Fisheries and Oceans. The activity aligned with Language Arts work on local animals and their adaptations.

Students examined organs and features that help salmon survive. There were moments of surprise: learning that a salmon's heart can continue beating briefly once removed, or that some salmon have teeth on their tongue. These details helped students connect Salmon Forest to real-world biology.

Cedar, Fire and Hands-On Learning

Students learned about the many uses of cedar and watched a friction fire-making demonstration using wasp nest fibres and cedar shavings. As Mr. Pope worked the sticks, students rubbed their hands together to create friction themselves, then joined in a discussion about heat, energy and traditional learning from the land while water boiled for hot chocolate.

Becoming Salmon

The most memorable part was the salmon run simulation designed by Mr. Pope. After learning about the salmon life cycle, students became salmon themselves. They ran from river to ocean, “fed” by searching for hidden sardine cans, and then made the tiring run back upstream to complete their life cycle.

Along the way, they evaded "predators" played by Grade 11 students dressed as bears, whales and eagles. The shouts, laughter and speed captured the challenge, determination and resilience of salmon overcoming extraordinary obstacles. By embodying the salmon's journey, students gained a deeper understanding of how animals adapt and survive within ecosystems.

Applying the Learning

Grade 3 students will carry this experience into upcoming classroom work, where they will design and build their own creatures out of recycled materials, ensuring they can survive in one of the three ecosystems the class explored this fall.

The trip to Goldstream moved beyond observing nature and became an opportunity for students to experience their learning in action. This type of experiential education stays with students: the excitement of the chase, the surprise of scientific discovery, the quiet moments in the forest and the sense of connection with nature.

For a moment, they didn’t just learn about salmon. They understood what it might feel like to be one.