An interview with...

Isaac Lahm, a researcher & a fisherman

If, in the words of Maria Montessori, the goal of early childhood education is to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn, then clearly there is much to celebrate within the Year 1/2 learning space.

Drawing another triumphant unit of inquiry to a close, students recently showcased not only their learning in response to the big idea, Sharing the Planet but also delved deep into questions about living things, their needs and where they live.

With a myriad of dioramas, posters, eBooks and more on display, the students shared facts about their chosen ‘living creature’ amongst their peers and in so doing, provided the perfect opportunity to interview a budding researcher.

Beginning his interview, as all bona fide fisherman should, with a grand tale of how one got away, Year 2 student Isaac Lahm has an abundance of captivating facts to share about his chosen topic, the mighty Murray Cod.

Beginning in earnest while proudly presenting his own research booklet, Isaac said,

‘You must respect the Murray Cod’s habitat, or they won’t survive.

‘Cod are usually brown and black if they are healthy but if they’re not healthy some will go all green and others will go brown.’

When asked how people can respect the species’ habitat, Isaac said, ‘You shouldn’t throw rubbish outside because it could get into waterways, and then you wouldn’t be able to have any fresh water. If there were rubbish in rivers, it would make me sad because I wouldn’t be able to catch any more fish.’

Compiling a list of needs and features attributed to the sizeable angle, Isaac said he had used his learner assets as a self-manager and researcher during his investigations while  additionally putting his good listening skills to use.

When asked to share his discoveries regarding the freshwater fish’s features, habitat and needs, the budding young scientist eagerly shared his perfectly typed research:

Murray Cod features:scales, gills, body, eyes and mouth. 

What Murray Cod eat: carp, ducks and frogs.

Where Murray Cod sleep: hollow logs.

Where Murray Cod have babies: hollow logs.

Where do Murray Cod live: In freshwater rivers. 

Where are Murray Cod mostly found in Australia:  Victoria

What is something that eats Murray Cod: People and snakes.

Having clearly enjoyed his research, Isaac also  shared his additional findings about the native’s life cycle as well as the most effective bait to use when fishing them. 

'Yabbies or a piece of cheese make the best bait,' Isaac declared while stretching his arms wide, "And they grow about this big and can live up to 75 years old, sometimes 110 years old.'

When asked how heavy the fish can get, Isaac took a moment to consider the question before admitting he wasn't entirely sure, but like all natural researchers he said, ‘…but I could go and check, if you like.’