2009 - 2010 OUTDOOR EDUCATION ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS: PRIMARY / JUNIOR
Recommended for: Grades 2 - 8
LOCATONS:
Dundas Valley Conservation Area; 650 Governors Road, Dundas
Christie Lake Outdoor Education Centre; 343 Cramer Road, Greensville
NOTE:
Each session is approximately 2 hours.
COST:
$200 per session. Based on a maximum class size of 30 students. Prices are subject to change
CLOTHING:
Suitable clothing & footwear for an outdoor program.
OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems:
Life & Space Systems: Gr. 2-8
- Growth & Changes in Animals
- Growth & Changes in Plants
- Habitats & Communities
- Biodiversity (Gr. 6)
- Interactions in the Environment (Gr. 7)
- Water Systems (Gr. 8)
Nature Appreciation: Gr. 2-6
- Birds & Winter Birds
- Birds of Prey
- Eco Games
- Nature Walk
Birds & Winter Birds
There are over 160 species of birds in the Dundas Valley. Students will discover how to identify some of the more common species by noting; size, shape, colour, behaviour, habitats, and sound. We will investigate sources of food, water and shelter that are necessary for their survival. Curriculum Links: Growth & Changes in Animals. Fall, Winter, Spring.
Birds of Prey
Discover what makes these birds such fascinating and effective predators! Following an introduction about the behaviours and characteristics of these birds, we will explore the Dundas Valley in search of these birds of prey. Curriculum Links: Growth & Changes in Animals. Fall, Winter or Spring.
Biodiversity
Students will work in small groups to observe and record information regarding the diversity of local plants & animal species while studying a variety of habitats. We will discuss the limiting factors that influence plant & animal populations and their distribution. Curriculum Links: Biodiversity. Fall, Winter or Spring.
Get Tracking!
Discover how to track down clues to the secretive wildlife of the Dundas Valley. Learn how to recognize and identify the tracks, feeding marks, runways, bedding areas, dens and scats of animals living in the valley. Curriculum Links: Habitats & Communities. Winter.
Growth & Changes in Plants
Plants are amazing. They can live almost anywhere and they come in all different shapes, sizes and colours! Students will observe a wide variety of native plants (mosses, fungus, ferns, wildflowers and trees) in their natural environment. Using identification guides they will learn how to classify plants according to their physical characteristics. Curriculum Links: Growth & Changes in Plants. Fall / Spring
Habitats & Communities
Working in small groups, students will explore the different characteristics of fields and forests. We will examine the interdependency of plants and animals within these habitats and explore the relationships between predator and prey, producers, consumers and decomposers. Curriculum Links: Habitats & Communities. Fall, Winter or Spring.
In Search of Small Creatures
This is an opportunity for students to explore first hand the techniques of observation, identification and classification of insects, spiders and other small creatures found in our fields and forests. Curriculum Links: Growth & Changes in Animals. Fall / Spring.
Nature Walk:
The Nature Walk is a great program for all elementary students. This seasonally based walk focuses on local plants and animals and is a great introduction to the natural world. Along the way students will participate in hands-on activities and games. Curriculum Links: Habitats & Communities. Fall, Winter or Spring.
Soils , Getting Down To Earth
Following a discussion on the importance of soils for plants, animals and humans, students will head out on a hike through the fields and forests of the Dundas Valley to investigate the characteristics of soil: colour, texture, temperature, and moisture. Curriculum Links: Soils in the Environment. Fall / Spring.
The Oldest Things Here are the Rocks
The Dundas Valley has a rich geological past. Come and discover how glaciers were responsible for shaping the valley. Find out about the “Giant’s Rib”! Students will have an opportunity to investigate our rock collection to find out more about the characteristics of rocks and fossils. Curriculum Links: Rocks & Minerals. Fall, Winter or Spring.
Weather Wise
Students will conduct measurements outdoors using simple weather instruments and record their findings. Following their investigations, they will have fun playing “weather wise” games and activities. Curriculum Links: Air & Water in the Environment. Fall, Winter or Spring.
Who Goes There?
This program investigates the unique habitats of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area including, forests and fields, valleys and streams. Students will explore ways in which animals respond and adapt to their environment. Curriculum Links: Growth & Changes in Animals. Fall, Winter Spring.
OUTDOOR ACTIVE PROGRAMS:
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation
Co-operative Games (Recommended for Grade 6)
We offer a variety of active, outdoor games that emphasize participation, co-operation, challenge and fun. The goal of these activities is to challenge each participant’s ability to work together as a group. The activities stress co-operation as opposed to competition. Fall, Winter or Spring
Eco Games (Recommended for Grades 2 - 6)
A series of age appropriate games and activities highlighting a variety of ecological concepts including food chains and animal adaptations. Activities will include a combination of running games, blindfold activities and quiet stalking games. Fall, Winter & Spring
Introduction to Hiking: (Recommended for Grade 4 and up)
This is a guided introductory level hike for beginners. The trail winds through mature deciduous forests, hemlock groves, open fields and meadows, across small streams and through valleys. Fall, Winter or Spring
Survival of the Fittest (Recommended for Grade 4 and up)
Experience the challenge of survival with this active, outdoor simulation game. The search is on for the basic necessities of food, water and shelter. The challenge , to avoid predators & survive! Fall, Winter/Spring
Snowshoeing (Recommended for Grade 4 and up)
Explore the natural beauty of the Dundas Valley during one of the most magnificent, yet challenging seasons of the year. Discover the history and learn the basics of snowshoeing, then head out on the trails to experience the hills and valleys of this environmentally significant area. Winter , Weather Permitting.














