Grade 1 (ages 5-7)

Needs and Characteristics of Living Things

This program consists of a guided hike allowing children to explore the valley and search for clues of animals, investigating the creatures and plants on the forest floor. Students will learn about the importance of pollinating creatures, with an emphasis on butterflies and search for butterflies, caterpillars and other creatures in the Rouge. The program also includes a brief introduction to various habitats, through visiting cavity-nesting boxes and exploring ponds and wetlands to discover amphibian species, and learn about growth, lifecycle changes and adaptations.

Target Audience: Grade 1 (Age 5-7).
Offered: March 1st – November 30th
Program Length: Generally 3.5 hrs (10AM-1:30 PM) unless otherwise noted. Students will have lunch by the river.

Needs and Characteristics of Living Things-Winter

Our winter version of the ‘Needs and Characteristics of Living Things’ has essentially the same goals through activities relating to the seasonal changes. This program consists of a guided hike allowing children to explore the valley and search for clues of animals, searching for animals or signs: listen for bird calls, try to guess them, watch for flying birds and squirrels in the trees, look for footprints in the snow or mud. Students will also observe the differences between deciduous and coniferous trees. What does each do to survive the winter? They will also look for cavities and holes in trees where animals may be hibernating, hiding or storing their food.

Target Audience: Grade 1 (Age 5-7).
Offered: December 1st – February 28th
Program Length: Generally 3.5 hrs (10AM-1:30 PM) unless otherwise noted. Students will have lunch by the river.

Overall Goals

1. assess the role of humans in maintaining a healthy environment;
2. investigate needs and characteristics of plants and animals, including humans;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the basic needs and characteristics of plants and animals, including humans.

Program Schedule