TRC and IB Connections — Issue 5

On Wednesday, September 24, the Grade 11 IB science students completed their Collaborative Science Project (formerly known as the Group 4 Project).

The Collaborative Science Project is a mandatory, collaborative activity in the IB Diploma Programme where students from different science subjects work together on a focused, real-world scientific or technological problem. The project emphasizes interdisciplinary cooperation, practical application of scientific principles, and understanding the broader implications of science, rather than just the final product.

 

This year, the students focused on Windsor’s aboiteau. They were presented with a brief history of the aboiteau before delving into the CBWES and St. Mary’s 2019 study, Pre-Construction Monitoring (Baseline) for the Avon River Aboiteau and Causeway Upgrades Project, which was presented to the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

 

Through their investigation of the data, students explored aspects of the aboiteau and its impacts on the surrounding environment, a tidal river and its flora and fauna, ecosystem stability and adaptability, and the impact of human behaviour on ecosystems. These topics aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, and several Theory of Knowledge concepts.

Students reflected on the day and felt it was a meaningful and valuable experience. Most of them were able to work on practical skills such as summarizing data, reading and synthesizing scientific information, presentation skills, and the value of working with others. Some commented on the new experience of integrating sciences and seeing the value of using different sciences as a lens. Beyond this, students gained specific knowledge of the history of the Acadian and Indigenous local population, an appreciation for the controversy surrounding the Windsor Salt Marsh, and an understanding of how science relates to the real world.

 

Many thanks go to Mrs. Hannah Maguire, Ms. Meghan Keoughan, Mrs. Susie DeCoste, and Mr. DJ DeCoste for their time and effort in planning this day.