Kids for the Bay

Continuing their study of the Bay, the second graders were joined by the fourth graders Thursday December, 20th , in a hands on exploration of the San Francisco Bay. Shefali Shah, with Kids for the Bay, spent almost 4 hours helping Archway students practice good scientific method and explore the Bay without leaving the classroom. Click on the video clip below for more information about the Kids for the Bay program in general and specifically their classroom program. You can also visit their website at kidsforthebay.org.

After discussing the traits of a good scientist, students began their exploration of the bay by studying a satellite map. They identified bodies of water and important landmarks including bridges and islands.

In their first experiment, students placed an egg in containers of fresh and salt water to compare the density of the two. Those who hypothesized that the salt water was more dense proved to be correct. As Maya said, the fresh water is lighter than the egg and the salt water is heavier than the egg.
Following an exploration of the relative density of salt water vs fresh water, students built clay models of the bay inside tubs. They then added blue water to the Pacific Ocean and clear water to the Sacramento River. The two mixed to create a light blue San Fransisco Bay.

The final portion of the program provided an opportunity to explore some bay organisms. First, students used all five senses to develop scientific descriptors of seaweed. They also examined dugeness crab and striped bass up close. Finally, they watched a video, "kids by the bay" that helped them explore how we can help the bay stay healthy.

Aquarium of the Bay Field Trip

Mr. Barry's 2nd grade class took a day to visit the Aquarium of the Bay on San Francisco's Pier 39. The enthusiastic group of students, parents and Archway staff got an early start as we enjoyed a ferry ride from Oakland's Jack London Square.

Aquarium of the Bay is unique in that it focuses exclusively on the marine life and habitats of the San Francisco Bay. Two long tunnels surrounded by 700,000 gallons of water set the pathway for the class, while countless numbers of animals including rays, leopard and sevengill sharks, sturgeon, rock fish, stars and anemones swam(or just hung out) and took turns racing over our heads (How many anchovies were there in the school that circled above us, thousands?). Also on display were developing skate embryos we could see inside, and moon jellies from egg to full grown.

Then it was off to the extremely popular touch pools for some hands-on learning. The very friendly smooth-skinned rays and skates popped their noses out at the kids and spent lots of time visiting. The leopard sharks did not show the same enthusiasm, but did stay still long enough for everyone to get a chance to feel their rougher skin. Finally the multi color stars, and prickly sea urchins offered a marked contrast to the squishy sea cucumbers set in a pool with fresh bay water being piped in every few minutes. (Yes, we did check, the water is run through at least 3 filters and no animals were harmed by the recent oil spill).

After lunch near the pier and some time spent admiring, laughing at and imitating the sounds of the local sea lions, it was time to catch the ferry back home.

The study of aquatic life is ever present in Mr. Barry's class. Everyone on the trip appreciated the opportunity to experience it up close.

Photos and story contributed by Lisa Sturges, mom of Jared, 2nd grade.

Student's From Pacific Boychoir Academy Vist Archway

The Archway Lower School was thrilled to welcome 15 of the Pacific Boychoir Academy students to come sing for us on Thursday, November 29th. Another East Bay Independent School, Pacific Boychoir Academy is a small middle school but has an extensive after school program.

They are now auditioning for boys age 5-9, so please check out their website at http://www.blogger.com/www.pacificboychoiracademy.org. Not only did they share their incredible voices and wonderful spirit, but they taught us about voices and also talked about all the different states and countries they have traveled to on tour. What a remarkable group!