About The School
Totem is a natural science program for children ages 5-9 years of age. Totem is located on 34 acres including an old growth forest, an eight-acre designated wetlands, a greenhouse and growing gardens in Carnation. Totem has a mile and a half of groomed hiking trails for exploration.
Our students participate in exercises to enhance their use of 5 senses for investigating, while using Inquisitive Science (who, what, when, where, why and how) for discovery. The combination of the two scientific strategies while incorporating seeking evidence such as tracks enhances the students to reason and form conclusions.
Students need to bring a backpack, water bottle and lunch. Dress for the weather; layers of clothing, shoes for outdoor activities and bring boots each day. We provide all materials for the classes.
Activities
Each class or camp includes activities and observations in our 3 areas
- Old Growth Forest: Activities to gain knowledge in forestry, eco-system, trees, plant/fungi classification and animal tracks
- Wetlands: Life cycles, organisms, biology, climate, weather, seasons
- Horticulture: Seeds/plants-Greenhouse gardening, urban garden design, planning and implication. Fall and spring sessions, each student will have their own 4'x6' urban garden in our spring and fall sessions.
Our program is 100% active! Each student will be physically and mentally stretched. We meet in our Longhouse for the daily objectives and again to wrap up our activities. Our day is spent outside engaging in hands-on learning! Totem’s program includes all the natural science requirements for Common Core Standard for grades K-5 plus…much, much more!
Class activities encourage teamwork and cooperation through mental and physical challenges. Each group will develop and strengthen their sense of community and cooperation in harmony with their environment.