Primary programs
Programs are half-day unless indicated otherwise. Select two programs that complement your classroom study for a rewarding full day of fun and learning. The grades below are suggested guidelines. Teachers who are interested in a particular program for a class outside of the suggested range can contact the Environmental Education Program Coordinator about modifying the program to fit their needs.
A Cub's Life
Kindergarten & Grade 1 (all seasons)
In this modified survival game, animal groups (lead by an adult or an older student), must meet their survival needs while eluding predators and human influences. As students role-play a specific wild animal in a natural setting, they are introduced to many ecological principles such as predator/prey relationships, food chains and the concept of energy flow within an ecosystem. Afterward, students become wildlife biologists as they investigate characteristics of animals through various wildlife artifacts, displays and hands-on activities.
Air and Water in the Environment
Grade 2 & 3 (spring/fall)
In this interactive program, students will develop a greater awareness of the importance of clean air and water to all life, as well as the dependence on air and water by humans. Through experimentation, hands-on activities and role playing exercises, young scientists will identify the forms in which air and water are present in the environment, investigate the characteristics of air and water, identify sources of water in the natural environment and learn the role air and water play in our weather and energy systems. Students will also assess the impact of human activities on our environment and will be exposed to the efforts of a Conservation Authority in watershed management and conservation.
Birds, Beavers and Bugs
Grades 2 & 3 (spring/fall)
Through hands on investigation and exploration of natural habitats at Tiffin (e.g. pond and forest), students will identify the characteristics of the main groups of wildlife and examine the behavioural and physical adaptations of different animals. Young biologists will examine various life cycles and will also explore how animals adapt to their environment and/or changes in their environment - including seasonal responses. Participants will recognize the survival needs of wildlife and gain a better understanding of the ways in which people can help or harm other living things.
Early Settler Life - NEW for 2009/10
Grade 3 (winter/spring)
Looking at various roles within a pioneer village, students will gain an understanding of how early settlers created their own food, shelter and clothing using resources from the natural environment. On a guided hike, students will learn the dependence of pioneer settlements on plants and wildlife populations. A snowshoe hike is available weather depending.
Focus on Forests
Grades 3 & 4 (all seasons)
Students will investigate the structure ecology and importance of trees through a variety of activities. A thorough examination of the components of the forest ecosystem will give students a deeper appreciation of the significance of the forest as wildlife habitat. Activities will focus on aspects of curriculum for the particular grade.
Life in the Pond
Kindergarten to Grade 2 (spring/fall)
Following an interactive introduction to the pond ecosystem, students will explore the fascinating world of the pond as they dip-net and search for aquatic life. Through hands-on discovery and other age-appropriate activities, students will investigate and compare common characteristics and life cycles of various pond plants and animals. In the Tiffin "Zoo," pond creatures will be classified and grouped for students to examine the amazing adaptations they have for life under water. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic needs of living things and will be encouraged to share their thoughts on how individuals can help to maintain a healthy environment. It is strongly recommended that students bring rubber boots.
Lost in the Woods
Grades 1 to 3 (all seasons)
Based on a book and movie of the same title, this program introduces young explorers to basic wilderness survival/life skills. Students will learn to be better prepared for outdoor adventure, how to prevent becoming lost and what measures they can take if they are. This program emphasizes the importance of survival kits and how to stay warm and dry through appropriate dress and shelter building. Both indoor and outdoor activities are involved.
Maple Syrup
Kindergarten to Grade 4 (offered from Monday March 22nd until Friday, April 9th, 2010)
As a half-day program, this modified "Focus on Forests" program focuses on the ecology of the maple tree and the production of maple syrup. A tour of a working sugar bush demonstrates the First Nations, pioneer and modern-day methods of making maple syrup. There is also a one-hour tour option for a cost of $5 per person.
Nature Discovery Hike
Kindergarten & Grade 1 (all seasons)
After identifying the location and function of their sense organs, children will explore nature through experiential activities aimed to heighten awareness of the world around them. Students will also compare the use of senses in various animals and investigate ways in which animals respond and adapt to their environment and seasonal changes.
Nature's Art Room
Grades 1 to 3 (spring/fall)
On a guided hike, students will gather appropriate natural materials that they can incorporate into their own artistic creation, in combination with a variety of human-made supplies available to them at the Learning Centre. This program aims to instill an appreciation of the natural world while further developing age-appropriate skills in the Visual Arts. The theme of the young artists’ final product may be tied in with complementary subject matter of their Tiffin visit (e.g. characteristics of plants and animals, habitat, human influences on nature, etc).
Seeds, Weeds and Wildflowers
Grades 3 & 4 (spring/fall)
Students will explore the world of plants and their incredible adaptations to various habitats, including woodlands, open fields and wetlands. Participants will learn to identify the major parts of plants, how to classify plants and the importance of plants to wildlife and humans.
Soils in the Environment
Grade 3 (spring/fall)
Students become soil specialists as they investigate soil ‘hands in.’ Through first-hand observation and exploration, students will identify and compare physical characteristics of various soil types found in different habitats (e.g. forest, field). Young scientists will examine the various biotic and abiotic components of a soil ecosystem and will observe and record information on plant and animal life. The importance of soil and the dependency of all living things on soil will be reinforced.
Splash - Water in the Environment
Grade 2 (all seasons)
Following a short, animated movie that details the life of a water droplet, students embark on their own journey through the water cycle. Through this active, role-playing exercise, students will identify the forms in which water is present in the environment, realize the importance of water in their daily lives and better understand how water becomes contaminated. Students will be exposed to the efforts of a Conservation Authority in watershed management and conservation.
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Wayfaring (Primary Orienteering)
Animal Amble
Kindergarten & Grade 1 (all seasons)
Students are divided into groups to travel with a leader to find markers with animal pictures along a well-marked interpretive trail. Children will match and record symbols on the markers and verbally respond to questions related to the animal highlighted at each station. This fun, scavenger-hunt like exercise further develops students' understanding of wildlife and their habitats while introducing them to basic map work.
Bird - O
Grades 2 & 3 (all seasons)
Students are introduced to basic map-reading skills through a series of progressive map-reading activities. Students will progress from an orienteering exercise in and/or around the Tiffin Learning Centre to locating markers in a well-defined area using their own maps. Each marker location will highlight characteristics of various birds, therefore the information gathered will reinforce the Grade 2 Life Systems strand.
Bug a Boo
Grades 1 & 2 (all seasons)
Students are introduced to basic map-reading skills through a series of progressive map-reading activities in a well-defined area. Students will progress from an orienteering exercise in the Tiffin Learning Centre to locating markers along a trail in small groups with a leader. As each marker location will highlight characteristics of various insects and their life cycles, information gathered will reinforce Life Systems strands for both Grades 1 and 2.
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Winter Wildlife
Grades 1 to 3 (winter)
This program focuses on the categories of wild animals, their characteristics, habitats and traces. Students will become wildlife detectives to seek out signs of wildlife in their natural habitats. Adaptations of wildlife to survive the winter will be emphasized. Students will use snowshoes when conditions are suitable.
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