Intermediate Programs

2009 – 2010 OUTDOOR EDUCATION ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS:
JUNIOR / INTERMEDIATE

Recommended for:
Grades 6 – 8

LOCATIONS:

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

  • Interactions in the Environment
  • Understanding Earth & Space Systems

Conservation Projects:

Through good watershed stewardship practices, the Hamilton Conservation Authority works to improve natural habitats and protect sources of water. This is an opportunity for students to participate in hands-on ecological restoration projects. Projects include; planting of native trees & shrubs; creation of
wildlife habitat, removal of invasive species. Projects vary according to season and priority.
Fall / Spring.

Diversity of Living Things:

Students will work in small groups to observe and record information regarding the diversity of local plants & animal species. Discussion will include the role consumers, producers, decomposers within these habitats and how they interact to function as a whole. Students will also discuss how humans have influenced ecosystems.
Fall, Winter or Spring.

Get Tracking!
Wildlife have developed remarkable physical and behavioural adaptations to cope throughout the changing seasons. Discover how to recognize and identify various wildlife signs and tracks. Fall, Winter or Spring.

Investigating Natural Ecosystems
This is an opportunity for students to explore the many inter-relationships which exist between the abiotic & biotic components of a natural ecosystem. Various concepts to be discussed include populations, communities, food chains, food webs, and succession. We will also discuss how humans have influenced ecosystems, through misuse, conservation and management techniques. Fall, Winter or Spring.

Nature Walk:
The Nature Walk is a great program for students of all ages. This seasonally adjusted walk focuses on the natural history of our local plants and animals. We will incorporate a variety of interactive games and challenges along the way. Fall, Winter or Spring.

Stream Ecology
Using rubber boots, nets & collection equipment, students will work in teams to examine the health of a stream’s aquatic community.
The health of the stream will be determined by collecting, identifying & ranking aquatic wildlife, stream bank vegetation & structure. Students will identify & discuss issues affecting the health of the stream. Fall/ Spring.

Water Systems
Students will work in supervised teams along the stream to map, measure & record its width, depth and rate of flow. Rubber boots, hip waders, measuring tapes and metre sticks will be available to help students with their observations. We will also observe and discuss various features such as erosion, floodplains, hazard lands & valleys.
Fall/ Spring.

OUTDOOR ACTIVE PROGRAMS:
Curriculum Links:
Health & Physical Education:
Active Participation

Co-operative Games
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

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.
Curriculum Links:
Science & Technology Life Systems , Habitats and Communities.

Fall, Winter & Spring.

Get Oriented!!
An Introduction to Orienteering

Students are introduced to the basics of orienteering, including; parts of a compass, use of a compass to find direction, and map reading.
Skills will be a put to the test as students use a map and compass to navigate their way through a designated area.
Curriculum Links: Geography:
Developing Map Skills.

Fall, Winter or Spring.

Hiking:
(Dundas Valley or Christie Lake)

This is a guided introductory level hike. Trails winds through mature deciduous forests, hemlock groves, open fields and meadows, across small streams and through valleys.
Curriculum Links: Life Systems: Habitats & Communities.
Fall, Winter or Spring.

Snowshoe Trek
Learn the basics of snowshoeing.
Trek the hills & valleys in search of deer, coyotes & other resident winter wildlife. Winter – Weather Permitting

WIDE GAMES:
These games make use of large forest and field areas, encouraging students to work together co-operatively & strategize. Choose from one of the following activities:

Alpha Wolf
The Alpha is the lead animal in any pack.
Teams attempt to locate the Alpha in order to improve their clan’s strength.
An adaptation of this game is to avoid capture of the Alpha and keep your own clan safe.
Fall, Winter & Spring.

Capture the Flag
The goal of this game is for each team to seek out and capture the flag of the other team while keeping their own flag safe. Fall, Winter & Spring.

Survival of the Fittest
A predator/prey role playing game. The objective – to survive!
The search is on for the basic necessities of food, water and shelter.
The challenge , to avoid predators, and other dangers in order to survive.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems.
Fall, Winter or Spring