2009 Lambton “Spring Days” Report
Lambton Spring Days Pilot Project: June 2, 3, 4, 5, 2009
Background:
This project has its roots in the amalgamation of the two counties
Agriculture in the Classroom committees’ resources in 2005. The committee sponsored
the pilot program for Lambton County grade four students which is a similar program
compliment to the “Harvest Days” program that has been offered to Chatham-Kent
grade three students for many years.
Location: Children’s Animal Farm Canatara Park Sarnia
A very successful pilot program entitled Lambton “Spring Days” took place under the
sponsorship of the Lambton and Kent Agriculture in the Classroom Action Committee.
Children’s Animal Farm in Canatara Park in Sarnia offered a variety of farm animals,
(beef, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, and a variety of poultry) in one location, ample
buildings for station sites for all weather conditions, barn structures and was provided
without cost to the Ag in the Classroom program by the City of Sarnia. Shelly Erwin,
Recreation Co-ordinator for the City of Sarnia, provided support and approval of the
project location within the park. Staff members at the Children’s Animal Farm were
also very helpful, co-operative and accommodated our program with a minimum of
disruption to their own ongoing education program. Park staff commented that
“Lambton Spring Days was supervised, organized and well disciplined in regard to
respect for the park.”
The four presenters and stations were:
Brittany Boyle - Farm Foods for Healthy Living listed the many farm crops and farm
products from Lambton County and demonstrated how students can make healthy
food choices. Students chose their food selections from examples of a rainbow of foods
choices and an alphabet of vitamin rich foods from Lambton County.
Lauren Donald - Rocks into Food students experienced the effects of wind and water
erosion and how minerals necessary for plant growth are taken up by the plant.
Students were encouraged to break down rocks for plants to utilize and examine soil to
determine its makeup. Lauren explained solutions used by farmers to enhance land
stewardship and plant quality which result in nutrient rich crops.
Judy Krall - Pulleys and Levers demonstrated the principals of levers and pulleys and
how simple machines make work easier. Students participated in activities using
pulleys to lift grain bags. They tested different working pulley models to determine the
least force with the maximum work. Students experimented with centre of gravity and
lever models to prove lever principals and demonstrate these laws in a physical way.
Robin Bruton – Living with Animals toured the livestock paddocks and compared and
contrasted the growth cycles, gender and species specific terminology, and products
produced between different livestock species. Examples of feed rations and basic tools
gave students lots of hands on activities. Explanations of how animals can eat foods
humans cannot digest and why farmers specialize was especially interesting to
students.
Statistics:
The statistics for the pilot reveal participation from both boards and Christian schools.
Eight schools registered 12 classes with a total of 275 students 12 teacher and 32 parent
volunteers took part for a total of 323. Parents and teachers totals have been included as
invariably they too have received an education from the program. This was proven by
positive parent’s comments at the end of the program that “I even learned something.”
The program was coordinated by Ag Business Centre staff, Luanne Brien and Mary
Margaret McDonald.
