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