The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

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School Yard Program

Let us come to you! 

Download NVCA's Outreach Program Flyer

We offer a variety of environmental education programs that can be delivered in your classroom, gymnasium, school yard or any natural area!

Outreach programs are approximately one-and-a-half hours in duration (adjusted to school programming blocks) and are geared to accommodate one class at a time.

Programs

Nature Discovery – Kindergarten and Grade 1 
After learning about the five senses, children will explore the natural world through experiential activities aimed to heighten awareness of the outdoor environment. 
 
Splash! Water in the Environment – Grade 2 
Follow the travels of Splash the water droplet! Students embark on their own journey through the water cycle. Through this active, role-playing exercise, students will better understand the importance of water and will be introduced to the efforts of conservation authorities in watershed management and conservation.
 
Birds of a Feather – Grades 1, 2 and 3 
 
Students investigate the amazing characteristics of our feathered friends while taking a close look at structural and behavioural adaptations of birds – focusing on winter survival strategies. Young birders learn to identify birds through the ‘5–S’ system of classification and then using a checklist, head outside to complete a bird count, the largest and longest form of citizen science in the world.  
 
Rocks and Minerals – Grades 4 and 5
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 through a “rock cycle” scavenger hunt and participation in a variety of hands-on activities. They will also gain a better understanding of the many uses of various rocks and minerals in their daily lives.  
 
Endangered Species – Grades 4 to 6 
 

This dynamic role-playing exercise introduces students to some of Ontario’s ‘Species at Risk’ and the reasons for their decline. Students will learn firsthand the devastating impact of habitat loss, climate change, pollution, etc. on these animals. Students discuss how they can minimize their impact on wildlife and will be introduced to a variety of monitoring programs in Ontario.

Predator-Prey – Kindergarten to Grade 8
Students investigate the characteristics and needs of animals through indoor discussion and wildlife artifacts followed by the age appropriate ‘Survival Game’ outside. These role playing exercises help students learn about predator/prey relationships as they seek out their survival needs and manage human influences.

Natural Area Nearby?

Do you have permission to access a nearby naturalized area or green space? If so, have your students participated in the same outdoor curriculum-based programs offered at the Tiffin Centre while saving bus transportation costs.

Programs might include:

  • Nature’s Art Room – JK/SK to Grade 2
  • Nature Photography – Grades 4 to 8
  • Living Landscape – JK/SK to Grade 8
  • Lost in the Woods – Grades 1 to 3
  • Habitats and Communities: You choose the focus — forest, wetland and/or pond ecosystem – JK/SK to Grade 5
  • Interactions in the Environment: You choose the focus — forest, wetland and/or pond ecosystem – Grades 6 to 8

Take your Program to the Next Level

Four-Day “Habitats in Your Community” Workshops

NVCA educators will work with your students from Grade 3 to 8 to develop a customized workshop focused on learning about and then enhancing the habitats in your school neighbourhood.  Hands-on learning at its best!

Contact us to learn more!

​Yellow Fish Road

Trout Unlimited Canada’s Yellow Fish Road​™ Program is a national conservation education initiative.

This hands-on environmental program teaches students how to protect their local watershed and make a difference in their community’s water quality.

Through the use of interactive models and displays, students will better realize the sources and pathways of contamination and the importance of clean water to all living things.

Students will then paint yellow fish next to storm drains in their neighbourhood to signify that only rainwater should flow down them.

Contact us to book a program, or receive a free self-directed teacher’s kit for your classroom!

yellow fish road

Booking a Visit

Step 1:  Email us at outdoored@nvca.on.ca or call 705-424-1479 ext. 280 to speak with our environmental education staff and select a date and discuss program availability.

Step 2:  Once your date has been selected and confirmed, you will receive a booking form.

Step 3:  Complete, save and return the booking form to outdoored@nvca.on.ca.

Step 4:  You will be sent an email confirming your booking!

Program Fees

  • One 100 minute program: 10.60 per student + mileage.
  • One 120 minute program: $13.00 per student + mileage.
  • Two 100 minute programs: 14.60 per student + mileage. Both programs must be booked for the same day. 
  • Two 120 programs: $17.80 per student + mileage. Both programs must be booked for the same day. 

Mileage: Round trip at current rate + HST

Minimum: 20 students or a fee of $260 for one program or $356 for two programs. Whole school rates available.

Cancellation Policy

There is no charge for cancellation if notice is given at least two weeks before your schedules visit. If a cancellation is received with less than two weeks’ notice, the following fees apply:

  • One 100 minute program: $106
  • One 120 minute program: $130
  • Two 100 minute programs: $146
  • Two 120 programs: $178
Special consideration is given when school buses are cancelled due to inclement weather.

phone icon   Who to Contact

person icon Education Team
phone icon 705-424-1479 x 280
email icon outdoored@nvca.on.ca

 

events icon Environmental Education

Camp Tiffin
Tiffin Nature School
Home School Program
School Yard Program
Field Trips for Schools
Field Trips for Other Organizations​
Kid’s Birthday Parties

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