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 grade(s) stated below each program name are strongly linked to the Ontario curriculum. Teachers who are interested in a particular program for a class outside of the grades stated are encouraged to contact the Environmental Education Program Coordinator about modifying the program to fit their needs.

Biodiversity
Grade 6 (spring/fall)
* full day program with half day option by special request only
In this two-part (same day) program, students will be exposed to classification systems and their use in categorizing and understanding living things in both an aquatic and terrestrial environment. Class discussion will focus on the meaning and importance of biodiversity and the impact of humans on wildlife populations today.
Part 1: As wildlife biologists, students examine pond life to identify and investigate the characteristics and adaptations of the main classes of vertebrates and several invertebrate groups.
Part 2: Using maps and identification keys, students act as foresters to locate and identify several tree species along a marked orienteering course.

Coureurs de Bois 
Grade 6 to 8 (all seasons)
* full day program with half day option by special request only
Step back in time with a program that introduces participants to the lifestyle of the Coureurs de Bois - early French settlers who traded with First Nation peoples for furs. This program begins with a presentation of their history followed by a simulated season; purchasing textiles and food items for survival while orienteering and problem solving. Teachers or adult volunteers will be required to assist and monitor this program.

Focus on Forests
Grades 3 & 4 (all seasons)
This program begins with students watching the animated Dr. Seuss classic film "The Lorax" which has a strong conservation message. Following that, students will investigate the structure, ecology and importance of trees through a variety of grade appropriate 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. 

Habitats and Communities
Grades 4 & 5 (spring/fall)
Students will explore a variety of habitats (i.e. forest, field, wetland) to investigate the dependency and adaptations of plants and animals to these specific habitats. Through hands-on activities and discussion, students will realize the importance of space for wildlife and recognize how human populations alter habitat.  Students will leave with a better understanding of the issue of habitat loss, our dependency on natural communities and how they may minimize their impact on the environment with daily personal choices. 

Instincts for Survival
Grades 4 to 8 (all seasons)
Students will discover many ecological principles by assuming the lives of wild animals in this active role-playing game. Participants will examine predator/prey relationships, the flow of energy through food chains/food webs and adaptations of various animals for survival. Students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the constant struggle wildlife endures and will evaluate strategies that they instinctively utilize to survive. Participants will also recognize the necessity of suitable habitat in meeting their survival needs as they experience first hand some of the ways in which human populations can influence natural communities and impact habitat loss.

Rocks and Minerals
Grades 4 & 5 (spring/fall)
Students become geologists as they examine, test and compare the physical properties of rocks and minerals.  Students will investigate the formation and characteristics of rocks and minerals as they travel through the "rock cycle" and will also gain a better understanding of the many uses of various rocks and minerals in their daily lives.  

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.

Team Dynamics & Low Ropes Challenge
Grades 6 to 8 (all seasons)
*half day or full day options
Students will be challenged to work together as a team through a progressive range of safe yet fun initiatives that aim to promote teamwork, leadership, trust, communication and problem solving. Once students have successfully completed a selection of team building activities they are then further challenged on our Low Ropes Challenge Course. 
* Please note that closed-toe shoes are required to participate in this program.

ORIENTEERING 

GPS Navigation 
Grades 6 to 8 (all seasons)
This program allows students to review and excel at basic mapping skills through an introduction to the functions of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Following a presentation that highlights the history and universal applications of GPS units, students use hand-held GPS units to navigate their way through a challenging course. The important relationship between map, compass, and GPS will be demonstrated throughout the program.

Junior "O"
Grades 4 to 6 (all seasons)
In this program, students review the concept of orienteering and expand their knowledge through a set of progressive orienteering courses. Students will use complex maps, compasses, and trail systems to challenge their cognitive and physical abilities.

Wilderness Skills
Grades 4 to 8 (spring/fall)

*half day or full day options
Students will learn to be better prepared for outdoor adventure, how to prevent becoming lost and what measures they can take if they are. Basic survival skills; including proper dress, safety precautions and the uses of survival kits, distress signals and map-reading skills will be emphasized. In small groups, student will then test their skills on the "Amazing Race" challenge course and shelter building.

Winter Survival
Grades 4 to 8 (winter)
*half day or full day options
Students will gain confidence while participating in outdoor winter activities as they discover basic survival skills including proper dress, shelter building and the uses of survival kits and distress signals. The first aid and preventative measures of frost bite, hypothermia and dehydration will be highlighted. Upon special request, this program can be a full-day program to include fire building and a campfire lunch. Students are required to bring their own lunch and reusable mug; hot chocolate provided.

Winter Wildlife
Grades 4 & 5 (winter)
This winter wildlife program focuses on the main groups of wildlife, 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 while trekking through the woods on snowshoes; weather permitting.

Wonderful Wetlands
Grades 4 to 6 (spring/fall)
Students will get their feet wet as environmental scientists as they explore a wetland habitat. Through indoor models and discussion, followed by an exploratory hike and various activities, students will better recognize the value of our most productive and threatened ecosystems, to both humans and wildlife. Students will be introduced to the role of Conservation Authorities in watershed management and wetland protection highlighting the Internationally-Significant recognized Minesing Wetland.

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