On Thursday 10 August, Room 17 headed to The Groynes to enjoy the 'Freshwater Frolicking' programme. The fog didn't stop us! We were set to learn!
We learnt that The Groynes got it's name from the walls of concrete blocks that are placed all around The Groynes. Groynes is apparently a French word that means pig's snout. Perhaps after the shape of the concrete blocks? Any French speakers to elaborate?
We learnt that The Groynes got it's name from the walls of concrete blocks that are placed all around The Groynes. Groynes is apparently a French word that means pig's snout. Perhaps after the shape of the concrete blocks? Any French speakers to elaborate?
Next we got into some invertebrate catching. Using our TDRs or Technical Retrieval Devices (sieves on sticks) we learnt how to catch and keep the little creatures in the water. Once we could find something, we used a chart to identify what the creatures were and then sort them into a separate tray. Some found backswimmers, water boatmen, damselfly nymphs, snails, and even a fish!
After we finished we had to get the critters back into the water which required quite a bit of teamwork!
Look closely and see what you can find. Ask your child if they remember the names of the discoveries.
There were many comments made about the different birds we came across. Were they big geese or swans? Can swans be black? What's a cow duck? What's in the tree?
After some morning tea it was time for a game. The game showed us how pollutants like general rubbish, soap and paint can affect our rivers and streams and the creatures that live in them. Luckily we were able to come up with some solutions. Ask your child what these are.
Vesper the water boatman
Michael the backswimmer.
The pollutants; Max and Thea were rubbish, Cairo was soap suds and Ruby was paint.
Just a couple of final shots to show the beauty that we were in for the morning. Just as we finished, the fog cleared but not before I snapped these.