ASPIRE (Authentic Science Partnership Inquiry Research Experience)

In January, ASPIRE’s lead scientist,  Matt Gilbert visited RL Angus to talked about the wide variety of research tools, methods, and skills he and his research team use to investigate questions they have in the field, and in their lab at UBC.

R.L Angus students participated in an authentic science research experience through a school-wide inquiry into the heart and respiration.

Biology: Using their dissection skills and provided chicken hearts, students discovered the parts of the heart and how the heart and lungs worked to pump nutrients to all parts of the body.

Physics: Using a centrifuge and simulated blood, students investigated density and learned about the components that make up blood.

Chemistry: Using a “Red Cabbage pH indicator” and their newly acquired knowledge of acids and bases, students proved the presence of CO2 (a weak acid) in the breath they exhaled.

Physiology:  Employing stethoscopes and heart rate monitors, students recorded heart rate data, before and after exercising.  Observing the change in heart rate allowed students to make a connection to their own life which led to a discussion on the overall importance of exercise to a healthy heart.  ECP students, using Google Sheets graphed the heart rate data for the whole school to see. See Heart Rate graphs below:

Below are collages of all the classes participating in ASPIRE 2018
Grade 5, Ms. Armitage 

Grade 5, Ms. Bailey 
Grade 6, Ms. Dekaneas 
Grade 6, Ms. Virginillo 
Grade 7, Ms. Forsyth
Grade 7, Ms. Clark

Grade 7 ASPIRE 2018

Grade 6 ASPIRE 2018

Grade 5/6 ASPIRE 2018