Day Programs
Polaris School and Centre is excited to continue to offer programming for those who are homeschooling in the area. Currently offering programming for grades 5 and 6 and partnering with North Star microschool for high school programming.
Stay tuned for more offerings, including seasonal workshops throughout the school year.
Polaris School and Centre is excited to continue to offer programming for those who are homeschooling in the area. Currently offering programming for grades 5 and 6 and partnering with North Star microschool for high school programming.
Stay tuned for more offerings, including seasonal workshops throughout the school year.
Polaris programming for Grades 5 & 6 - Winter Session 2023
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Grade 5/6 Learning Block - Wednesdays
with Jennifer Neate Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm January 18th to March 8th 2023 Winter Ecology Here in Ottawa, we get to enjoy winter for several months of the year. As humans, we have winter coats, heated houses and imported food to keep us warm and fed through the chill of winter. But how do organisms living outdoors like the Black-capped Chickadee, Wood Frog and Sugar Maple weather the freezing temperatures and meet their survival needs? In this course, we will learn about the challenges that winter presents to plants and animals including cold temperatures, limited food and the physical properties of frozen water. Together we will explore three main strategies that organisms use to face the challenges of: cold evasion (migration), cold avoidance (hibernation or torpor) and cold resistance (staying active). We will discover, through inquiry, hands-on exploration and classroom study, some of the amazing winter adaptations that exist in the plant and animal world and how these allow them to maintain a positive energy budget. Our learning will include field study time outdoors where children will have the opportunity to develop their observation and identification skills as they learn to recognize local animal tracks as well as the defining features of some common coniferous and deciduous trees. Come discover the wonderful world of winter with us! Cost: $440 – 8 weeks/sessions Please note that part of the class will be held outdoors and students will be going offsite to various green spaces within walking distance of the school. |
Grade 5 & 6 Learning Block - Thursdays
with Kate Punnett Thursdays, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm January 11th to March 1st 2023 History of Ancient Greece, Greek Mythology; Geometry & French The heroes were to teach man How to become an individual Through the gifts of freedom. Ralph Waldo Emerson We will begin with a deep study on the gods and beliefs that originated with the Archaic Greeks. By studying the landscapes and maps of the Aegean and its environs, we will lay down a framework for understanding Greek mythology, history and culture. Stories of Odysseus, Jason and the Argonauts, the 12 Labours of Hercules and Theseus will be studied with extension exercises in drawing, clay work, small plays and recitations. This all leads us to a brief introduction to the history of Classical Greek city-states, their conquest by the Persians, and finally the rise of Alexander the Great, who spread Greek culture into Asia and Africa and on into the medieval and Renaissance worlds. ... all nature and the graceful sky are symbolized in the art of Geometria... from Tertius Interveniens Our unit of Geometry will highlight Greek contributions to that field (eg Pythagorean theorem), as we slowly build an appreciation by moving from freehand geometry to drawing shapes with a straightedge and compass. Our study looks deeper at the idea of symmetry, perpendicular bisectors, bisecting lines and creating angles. Geometry will be taught through an artistic lens and we will look to nature to guide us through the beauty and reverence of the geometric forms we create in class. Join us as we learn, draw, create and play together. Cost: $360 – 8 weeks/sessions Archery Grades 4 to 8
with Mariann Hegedus Date and Times: TBD This beginner archery class will demonstrate and teach the fundamentals of traditional archery. Children will learn about the history of archery, proper archery etiquette, and the flow of the instinctive shooting style. They will practice diverse shooting exercises on the ground using a recurve bow. Archery will be done kneeling, standing, walking, jumping and running, among other positions. Nature Connect Fridays for Grades 1 to 8
with Cole Mclaughlin Learn more about our unique urban outdoor program, Nature Connect, for those in grades 1 to 8. Registration for the Fall Session is now open. Limited spots available. |
Scroll down for high school programs.
The North Star microschool - two day high school programming in the Ottawa area.
Polaris is happy to partner with The North Star micorschool to provide a space where alternative learning can take place. The following programs, although not offered through Polaris, will be held on site. Please reach out to info@thenorthstarmicroschool.com for more information.
Polaris is happy to partner with The North Star micorschool to provide a space where alternative learning can take place. The following programs, although not offered through Polaris, will be held on site. Please reach out to info@thenorthstarmicroschool.com for more information.
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Wednesdays:
PERIOD 1 Seeing is Believing - Understanding Chemical Reactions Gordon Kubenak PERIOD 2 The Incredible History of India Gordon Kubenak PERIOD 3 An Introduction to Shakespeare & his comedy, Twelfth Night Peter Haworth |
Thursdays:
PERIOD 1 Geology: The World of Minerals and Gems - 6 weeks Simon McMillan Physics: Light and Sound - 6 weeks Simon McMillan PERIOD 2 Interdisciplinary Art - 6 weeks Sylvie Richard Science Fair: Project Based Learning - Ongoing Simon McMillan Silkscreen and Printmaking - 4 weeks Kate Punnett PERIOD 3 Everything Trees - 4 weeks Trevor Bennett Urban Bushcrafting - 6 weeks Helene Cadieux Outdoor Recreation - 2 weeks KATE PUNNET |
