Tues 60 Minute K-12 School Programs

We offer a range of programs for school groups to engage with on-site in the Nature House and on the sanctuary grounds and waterways. On-Site School Programs are designed for districts 61, 62, and 63 and surrounding independent schools. Teachers can select from themes: Garry Oak Meadows, Wetlands, Snakes, Owls, and Pollinators.

Wetlands & Watersheds

Grades K - 5

Gain an understanding and record our observations of wetland environments through hands-on examination of the plants, aquatic invertebrates, birds and mammals that make Swan Lake their home. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors and any weather that may occur.

Grades 6 - 12

We will train students to conduct various water quality assessments to understand the health of the lake by making measurements about the aquatic arthropod community, dissolved oxygen, and other water chemistry. Students will also gain an understanding of their local watershed and how their actions on-site and at home can support the resilience of critical wetland habitat. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors and any weather that may occur.

Garry Oak Meadows

Featuring both a classroom and outdoor, hands-on component, students will be introduced to the Garry Oak ecosystem. They will learn restoration skills, such as invasive plant removal and rewilding with native plants. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors and any weather that may occur.

Reptiles

This popular program explores the wonderful world of snakes with skins, skulls, skeletons and live snakes!

Owls

We'll look at the amazing world of owls through specimens, props, dissected owl pellets and owl calls. This program includes an owl pellet dissection.

Pollinators, Grades 6 - 12

Join us to help monitor pollinator biodiversity in a rewilded meadow on-site. We will train students to monitor biodiversity using the iNaturalist and Seek apps; the latter is an educational tool designed to train students in species identification and nature journaling without posting to iNaturalist. Students will learn to make research quality observations. Students will also take a break from their screens and use field guides (Nature Sanctuary-provided) and journals to sketch their observations. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors and any weather that may occur.
Equipment:
- a journal/sketchbook with writing implements
- students with smartphones are encouraged to bring them for this program