Elementary Programs - Primary/Junior (Recommended for Grades 2 - 6) - Top
Note: Teachers are requested to choose one of the following program selections
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 the fields and forests of the Dundas Valley.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems – Growth & Changes in Animals. Fall or Spring
Growth & Changes in Plants
Plants are amazing. They can live almost anywhere and they come in all different shapes, sizes and colours! Students will investigate the characteristics and adaptations of plants found in the fields and forests of the Dundas Valley.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems – Growth and Changes in Plants. Fall, Winter or Spring
Plant and Tree Identification
As part of a hike or an activity on its own. Students will use keys to identify common plants as well as deciduous and coniferous trees of the area.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems – Growth and Changes in Plants. 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: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities. Fall, Winter or 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: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities. Fall, Winter or Spring.
Soil Ecology
"Don't treat soil like dirt!" Discover the different soil types, what lives in the soil and the role of soil in our environment. Look at how different soil types can affect such things as; tree and plant growth, agriculture, landfill construction and more. Conduct a soil percolation experiment.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities. Fall or Spring
The Habitat Habit:
Investigate the differences between meadows and forests. Examine the interdependency of plants and animals within these habitats and explore the relationships between predator and prey, producers, consumers and decomposers in each of these unique habitats.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities. Fall, Winter or Spring
Weather Wise
Students will investigate various aspects of weather such as; cloud formation, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, wind chill, and precipitation levels. Following their investigations, they will have fun playing "weather wise" games and activities.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities. Fall, Winter or 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: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities. Fall, Winter or Spring
Diversity of Living Things
Students will explore the habitats of the Dundas Valley to look for and identify a variety of wildlife including: insects, spiders, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. They will also investigate the adaptations and habitat requirements that make each of these species unique.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities. 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: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats & Communities. Winter
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: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities. Fall, Winter, Spring
Snowshoe Expedition (Grade 5 & 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.
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation, Winter – Weather Permitting
Survival of the Fittest (Junior, Intermediate & Senior Grades Only)
Experience the challenge of survival with this active outdoor simulation game. The objective - to survive! The search is on for the basic necessities of food, water and shelter. The challenge – to avoid predators, humans, weather and disease in order to survive.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems – Habitats and Communities, Health & Physical Education: Active Participation. 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
Co-operative Games (Recommended for Grade 5 & Up)
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.
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation, Fall, Winter or Spring
Elementary Programs - Junior/Intermediate (Recommended for Grades 6 - 8) - Top
NOTE: Teachers are requested to choose one of the following program selections. Students will participate in either a hike or wide game for the other part of the day.
Diversity of Living Things:
Students will work in small groups to observe and understand how natural ecosystems are affected by biodiversity. They will then identify and evaluate the extent of natural and human impacts on biodiversity.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems, Fall, Winter or Spring.
Stream Ecology: Category 2 (Grade 7 & Up)
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.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology: Understanding Earth & Space Systems Fall/Spring
Water Systems: Category 2 (Grade 8)
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.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology: Understanding Earth & Space Systems Fall/Spring
Investigating Natural Ecosystems
Using a variety of field sampling techniques, students will investigate the differences between forest and meadow ecosystems, and examine the interdependency of plants and animals within each of these unique ecosystems
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems. Fall, Winter or Spring
Wildlife Ecology
Explore the relationship between biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) components in an environment. Understand the importance of various ecosystems and their key components. What is a herbivore, omnivore and carnivore? Participate in active games to explore concepts such as camouflage, predator/prey relationships. Learn about some of the common animals of the area.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology Life Systems. Fall, Winter or Spring
Conservation Projects
Through good watershed stewardship practices, the Hamilton Conservation Authority works hard to improve wetland habitat and protect sources of water. This is an opportunity for students to participate in a series of hands-on ecological restoration projects. Projects include:
- Planting of native trees & shrubs
- Construction of brush piles, nesting boxes and feeding stations
- Care and maintenance of newly planted trees and shrubs
- Removal of invasive species
- Fall or Spring
- Note: Projects vary according to season and priority.
Curriculum Links: Science & Technology; Life Systems Health & Physical Education: Active Participation
Outdoor Active Programs: 2010-11 (Recommended for Grades 6 - 8) - Top
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation
Co-operative Games (Recommended for Junior, Intermediate Senior)
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.
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation, 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; Health & Physical Education:Active Participation Fall Winter 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. Fall, Winter or Spring
Curriculum Links: Life Systems: Habitats & Communities, Health & Physical Education: Active Participation
Snowshoe Trek (Category 2)
Using Traditional or High-Tech snowshoes we will trek the hills & valleys in search of deer, coyotes & other resident winter wildlife.
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation Winter – Weather Permitting
Wide Games
These games make use of large forest and field areas, encouraging students to work together co-operatively and 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.
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation 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, Health & Physical Education: Active Participation Fall, Winter or 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.
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation Fall, Winter & Spring
