Grade 6 (ages 10-12)
Biodiversity
Visit various habitats and determine the differences in plants and animals in each habitat and the interconnection of all living things. Students will assess the need for specific habitats for animals, and the upset of equilibrium when changes occur, either natural or man-made. Through a guided hike, students will analyze human impacts on biodiversity, and identify ways of preserving biodiversity, local issue related to biodiversity and the benefits that human societies derive from it. Students will also explore one of the major threats to the natural areas of the Rouge Park: invasion of exotic species, and examine how invasive species reduce biodiversity in local environments.
Target Audience: Grade 6 (Age 10-12).
Offered: Year round.
Program Length: Full Day – generally 3.5 hrs (10AM-1:30 PM) unless otherwise noted. Students will have lunch by the river.
Overall Goals
1. assess human impacts on biodiversity, and identify ways of preserving biodiversity;
2. investigate the characteristics of living things, and classify diverse organisms according
to specific characteristics;
3. demonstrate an understanding of biodiversity, its contributions to the stability of natural systems, and its benefits to humans.
First Nation Peoples in the Rouge Valley
Learn how natives lived with nature, and lived according to the conditions of the environment. They had great respect for plants and animals, and did not separate themselves as greater beings from other wildlife, but believed that they shared the forest with the plants and animals. Through a guided hike, students will learn the history of the First Nations peoples of the Rouge Valley area; walk the trails they frequented for thousands of years before European settlers arrived; learn about plants they used for food, drink and medicine. Also, students will learn about the relationship between the people and the land by visiting the Medicine Wheel (a copy of the ancient teaching tool used by First Nations people), and making survival huts out of forest debris.
Target Audience: Grade 6 (Age 10-12).
Offered: Year round.
Program Length: Full Day – generally 3.5 hrs (10AM-1:30 PM) unless otherwise noted. Students will have lunch by the river.
Overall Goals
Describe characteristics of pre-contact First Nation cultures across Canada, including their close relationships with the natural environment; the motivations and attitudes of the European explorers; and the effects of contact on both the receiving and the incoming groups.
Program Schedule

Outdoor Education
Booking
Conditions/FAQs
PROGRAM COST
-$6 per student
-Adult supervisors free
-Minimum 15 students, maximum 80 per group
-larger groups may be accommodated however an extra surcharge may be added. Call or email for more information.BOOKING/CANCELATION POLICY
We require two weeks notice to cancel a booking otherwise a cancellation fee of 50% of the total program cost will be applied. (Cancellations due to inclement weather will NOT be subject to a cancellation fee)We reserve the right to cancel a program if we feel the weather or conditions are unsafe.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
All program activities are held OUTDOORS and run rain, shine, cold or snow, unless in extreme weather. Programs are not moved indoors in poor weather. Students must be fully prepared for outdoor activities and any type of weather (rain gear, snow gear, sunscreen, water).OUTDOOR ATTIRE
Children and adults MUST be fully prepared for outdoor activities.IN WINTER:
Dress in layers. Bring hats, mitts, gloves, scarves, ear muffs, etc, to cover all extremities. Proper winter boots and wool socks should be worn as well as water/wind-proof jackets & snow pants. Wool and technical fabric work best for outdoor activities, as they work to wick away moisture and keep heat in. Cotton can hold the cold air, sweat and water
next to the skin and highly increases the chance of frostbite and hypothermia. Hydration and sun screen are just as important in winter as in summer!IN SPRING & SUMMER:
Dress in layers and cover all extremities in cool weather. Hats and sunscreen are important in spring and summer. Long pants and closed shoes with socks will help to protect from brushing against poison ivy and thorny bushes. Bring plenty of water as well to prevent dehydration. Wear proper hiking footwear, especially in spring, as trails can be muddy.When walking in the wilderness, remember that it is full of plants and animals and we are walking through their homes! Take only photographs, leave only footprints!