Wildlife Programs
The Natural Classroom
Teachers & EducatorsEndangered Species
Grades 4 to 8 / All Seasons / 90 min
This role playing game is a variation of the "Survival Game", which introduces the students to endangered species and the reasons for their declining populations. Students learn the devastating impact of pollution, pesticides and introduced species on these animals. To complement the game, a bat slide show looks at the fragile population of bat species in North America, their lifecycle, how populations are affected and what we can do to help.
Survival Game
Grades 4 to 8 / All Seasons / 90 min
A wolf slide show introduces students to one of North America's top predators. This slide show looks at the history of human and wolf populations, pack dynamics and their role in the ecosystem. The Survival Game explores the predator/prey relationships, food chains and webs in a dynamic exercise. Students will learn ecological principles by assuming the roles of animals. This develops an understanding of the constant struggle of individual animals to survive and the concept of energy flow within the ecosystem.
Beetlemania (Insect Study)
Grades 1 to 6 / Spring-Fall / Half Day
Students learn basic scientific classification techniques by the identification of different leg types and mouth parts of various insects. Students will increase their awareness of insects by examining the adaptations and habitats in order to appreciate their importance in our lives.
Animals Preparing for Winter
Grades 1 to 3 / Fall-Winter / 90 min
This is a hands-on activity which uses skulls and furs of Ontario mammals to determine which animals hibernate, migrate and adapt to survive Ontario winters. The program also includes a follow-up section of active games.
Animal Tracks and Snow Shoeing
Grades 1 to 8 / Winter / 90 min
This program focuses on wildlife, their characteristics, habitats and traces. It will explore the repeated patterns in nature such as: predator/prey relationships, food chains, adaptation (such as camouflage) and life cycles.
Note: Warm clothing and footwear is required. The use of snowshoes is dependent on snow conditions.
Christmas is for Birds
Grades K to 2 / December / 60 min
A special primary program which looks at birds that stay for winter and how they adapt and also introduces the concept of winter bird counts. Students construct a pine-cone bird feeder as a follow-up activity to this program.
Bat Program
Grades JK to 12 / All Seasons / 60 min
An indoor presentation on North American Bats. This program looks at the various types of Bats, their habitats, migration, and roles in the ecosystems as pollinators and insect predators. Students will be able to look first hand at the skeletal system of a bat, a preserved bat and a bat house.
Wolf Program
Grades K to 8 / All Seasons / 60 min
An indoor presentation on the wolves of North America. The slide show looks at the history of the human and wolf relationship, pack dynamics, life cycles and their role in the ecosystem. The slide show is also incorporated into the Survival Game program.
Spider Program
Grades K to 8 / All Seasons / 60 min
This program looks at some of the interesting spiders found in North America. The presentation focuses on spider myths, predator/prey relationships, web construction and special environmental adaptations. Students will also observe various members of the Arachnid family, such as the famous Black Widow and Tarantula.
Black Bear Program
Grades K to 8 / All Seasons / 60 min
A presentation on the North American Black Bear. A slide show looks at the life history of the Black Bear, its family members and touches on the history of the delicate relationship between man and bear.
Programs in development / Coming Soon...
Night Hunters
Grades 1 to 4 / All Seasons / 60 min
Students will explore the world of the mysterious owl, their physical characteristics, behaviour and habitat needs through an engaging slide presentation. Bio-artifacts will be available for viewing. The students will be engaged in an active simulation activity in which they will role play owls in their natural habitat.
Beaver Study
Grades 1 to 6 / Spring-Fall / 60 min or Half Day
An indoor presentation of the life history of this important mammal. The program looks at the history of the relationship between man and beaver. Bio-artifacts will be available for viewing.
Amphibians
Grades 1 to 6 / Spring-Fall / 60 min
Following an indoor presentation of the life history of our local amphibian and reptiles, the students will look at skeleton and anatomy samples of the frog and garter snake.
