Edmonton Riverhawks Inquiry School Built by Qualico is a Homerun for Students!

2023-10-26

Inquiry School Is Coming Back for Year 3!

After another successful baseball season in the West Coast League, the Edmonton Riverhawks have once again transitioned their ballpark into an interactive classroom experience for local elementary classes. With the continued support of Qualico, the Riverhawks Inquiry School is back for year three!

The Inquiry School program was first launched in 2022 by Edmonton teachers Terri Elliott, Kathy Gregg, and Lori Bosworth. They recognized the benefits of an inquiry-based school where students would learn about baseball, history, and careers while making connections in the Rossdale community in the river valley.

Inquiring Minds Site Schools is a concept pioneered by Dr. Gillian Kydd, an educator from Calgary, Alberta. The premise of Inquiring Minds focuses on “learning by doing” and encourages classes to enhance their educational experience by visiting unique and enriching locations to supplement traditional learning in a classroom setting.

The Riverhawks Inquiry School, led by experienced Inquiry-based teacher Terri Elliott, has been designed to cover all the bases, both literally and figuratively! Terri explains that “the time the classes spend at RE/MAX Field itself and with the experts who work in and around it, allow students to see how the curriculum (science, math, social studies, reading and writing, art, physical education etc.) all work in the real world.”

The Riverhawk site school runs from September to May, with four individual classes attending “school” at RE/MAX Field: two days in the fall and then two more days in the spring. While on site, lessons are designed to be engaging and hands-on so that meaningful connections can be made between the curriculum and the real world. On-going journal writing is an essential component that allows the students to reflect on their learning and new experiences. In addition, during the winter months, seven rotating curricular bins and monthly newsletters have been created to further enhance student learning in their own classrooms and allow them to stay connected during the “off-season”. Through the generous support of Qualico, each student receives a journal, a Riverhawks t-shirt and ball cap.

A hands-on learning experience at the ballpark wouldn't be complete without playing some ball! Edmonton Riverhawks coaching staff lead students through four training sessions where students practice the baseball skills of running, throwing and catching, as well as the ins and outs of the game. They put their skills to the test with an on-field scrimmage, a unique experience for many students who have never had the opportunity to play the game of baseball!

The students get a sneak peek into what goes on behind the scenes of a baseball organization, including a tour of RE/MAX Field and the chance to learn about different career paths in the sports industry from many of the staff, including Riverhawks General Manager Steve Hogle and Managing Director Dr. Randy Gregg. Other popular guests are the two lovable hawks who rule the roost at RE/MAX Field, River and Kid, the official Riverhawks mascots! Students also have the chance to meet a real, live hawk and its handler from the Strathcona Raptor Shelter and learn all about the species from an expert.

Students also get the opportunity to learn more about the valuable history of the Treaty 6 Territory on which RE/MAX Field is located. This location allows opportunities for the students to visit nearby historical sites: Rossdale Sacred Burial Grounds, Donald Ross School, Beaver Hill Road and the Indigenous Art Park: ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ in Queen Elizabeth Park.

When asked about the overall importance of offering an Inquiry School Program, instructor Terri Elliott explained why a community initiative of this nature is so valuable to the Riverhawks organization. “The Inquiry School program allows the Riverhawks to expand upon their efforts to engage the community, specifically students, teachers and their families. It contributes to their goal to make Edmonton an even greater place to live, work and play.” A goal that could not be achieved without the support of like-minded partners who support these community-building initiatives, specifically the sponsor of our Inquiry School, Qualico!

Qualico is one of Western Canada’s leading integrated real estate companies. Both the Riverhawks and Qualico share a common guiding principle of striving to build community. “It’s always been a commitment of our shareholders to participate in initiatives like this that will move our community forward,” Qualico’s Regional Vice President of Northern Alberta, Shane Erickson, explained. When Shane stopped by the ballpark to visit an Inquiry School class in session, he got the chance to see the positive impact that the program is having on the students. “Lifelong learning is something that we like to support at Qualico, and the Inquiry School certainly meets that initiative,” he proudly added. Shane left the young students of Inquiry School with a few words of wisdom, telling them to “take advantage of these opportunities and explore their creativity” and to “bring their best to their learning experience every day.”

Thanks in part to the support of Qualico, the Inquiry School has been garnering positive reviews from students, parents and teachers. One mother of a student told Terri that the Inquiry School had been such an amazing learning opportunity. “I am leaving here a wiser woman. All Edmontonians should experience this venue,” she stated.

With the continuing support of Qualico, the Edmonton Riverhawks are looking forward to hosting more teachers and enthusiastic students at the ballpark for years to come!

For more information on how your class can become involved in the Riverhawks Inquiry School, please go to the Inquiring Minds website.