Junior and Middle School Programs
We can customize programs to fit specific topics being covered by teachers
FI = Programs available in French for French Immersion Schools
MP = Maximum number of participants for a half day program
Birds
Birds (Grades JK – 4, 6,7) FI
What makes birds unique? Learn where they live, what they eat and how they behave. Feed the winter Chickadees.
(All Year)
Who Gives a Hoot (Grades JK – 2, 4, 6) FI
Find out about the owl species of the Humber River Valley and explore their habitats.
(September to February)
Tuning Into Nature
Nature Walk (Grades JK-1) FI
Using the trails of the Arboretum, take part in exploratory activities designed to look closely at nature.
(All year)
Trees (Grades JK, 1, 3, 4, 6) FI
Trees play an important role in our lives. Learn about forest ecology, fruits, seeds and tree life cycles.
(All year)
Soil (Grade 3) FI MP = 30
Explore the mysteries beneath your feet! Take a hike to gather and examine soil samples.
(Mid-may to November)
Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives (Grades 1-5)
Learn how our actions affect the health of the planet and of all life on earth through interactive games and activities.
(All year)
Ecosystems (Grades 6, 7) FI
Discover that everything is connected studying Arboretum ecosystems.
(All year)
Air and Water All Around Us (Grade 2) MP = 30
Learn about the properties and characteristics of air and water through observation of demonstrations and performing activities outdoors.
(All year)
Biodiversity (Grades 6, 7) FI
What is Biodiversity? Conduct surveys to determine the diversity and health of sample environments.
(April - November)
Rocks and Minerals (Grade 4) MP = 30
Participate in classifying rocks and minerals. Search for Geological materials at the Centre.
(Mid-may to November)
Plants (Grades 3,4,6) FI MP = 30
Learn about the importance of plants in our world and discover the variety of plants in the forests and meadows of the Arboretum.
(April - November)
Sensational Senses (Grades Jk-1)
Come discover the Arboretum grounds and use your senses to explore all the wonders that nature has to offer. Through a variety of games & activities, participants will better understand how different animals use their senses.
(All year)
Amazing Animals
Amazing Animals (Grades JK – 2, 4, 6) FI
Uncover the differences between the animal groups. Wildlife native to the Arboretum will be emphasized.
(All year)
Animal Tracks and Signs (Grades 1, 3, 4, 6, 7) FI
Become a nature detective and learn to interpret the signs animals leave behind.
(All year)
Urban Wildlife (Grades 1- 4, 6, 7) FI
Explore nature in the city. Learn about the uniqueness of urban dwellers and how they have adapted to city life.
(All year)
Habitats (Grades 1,3, 4, 6, 7) FI
What is a habitat and why is it such a significant ecological concept? Learn about the four basic needs of all living things.
(All year)
Winter Survival (Grades 1- 4) FI
Uncover through a mix of discussion and activities, animal survival techniques.
(December-February)
Navigation
Mastering Maps (Grades 1- 3) F. MP = 30
Come explore the amazing world of maps and fin out all the interesting clues that they reveal about where you live.
(All year)
Orienteering (Grades 5 – 8) FI MP = 30
After an introduction to the fundamentals of compass and map reading, take part in orienteering activities.
(All year)
Aquatic Studies
Watershed Awareness (Grades 7, 8) FI
What is a watershed and how do you study one? Identify YOUR watershed address.
(All year)
Pond Life (Grades JK - 3, 4, 6, 7) FI MP = 60
Study life above and below the surface of the pond.
(April - November)
River Studies (Grades 6, 7) FI MP = 30
Step into the shallows of the Humber River and uncover its secrets.
(Mid April - November)
Early Settlers
First Nation People(Grades 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) FI
Journey back in time and explore ways in which life was different for the Huron people.
(All year)
First Nation Games (Grades 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) FI MP =60
The First Nations People played many games. Have fun learning about their customs.
(All year)
Early Settlers of the Humber (Grade 1-3, 6, 7)
‘Furs, Fires and Frostbite’ (Fall/ Winter) or ‘Sap, Saws and Seeds‘ (Spring/Summer)
Learn about the seasonal activities of early settlers through artefacts, hands on projects, crafts and dramatizations.
‘Group Games and Traditional Toys’ (All year)
Interested in learning how the children of early settlers played in their free time? Join us on a program that explores the leisure aspect of early settler life.
Maple Syrup Harvesting (Grades JK – 7) FI
Travel back to a time when maple sap was collected in pails and carried to a wood fired evaporator. Samples may be provided.
(February - March)
Tobogganing (Grades All) FI MP = 30
Discover the historical importance of toboggans and enjoy this winter activity (weather permitting). (December-February)
Snowshoeing (Grades All) FI MP = 30
Discover the historical importance of snowshoes and enjoy this winter activity (weather permitting). (December-February)
Pollinators
Insects (Grades JK – 2, 4) FI
Examine and compare fascinating insects in different habitats.
(Mid-may to November)
Powerful Pollinators (1-4, 6, 7)
Are you aware of the many ways that humans rely on pollinators? Come to the Arboretum to see a diversity of pollinators and find out how and why we should act to protect them!
(May - Mid-October)
Monarchs and Milkweed(Grade 1, 3, 4, 6, 7)
While learning about general plant characteristics students will better understand how the Milkweed plant, Monarch caterpillars only food source, acts as a habitat for a community of interacting insects. Students will have an opportunity to learn about the characteristics, life cycles, and behaviours of Monarch butterflies
(September - Early October)
Environmental
Ecological Footprint (Grades 5, 7) MP = 40
The way we live has both a local and global impact. Examine your ecological footprint.
(All year)
Renewable Energy (Grade 5) MP = 30
Learn about different types of renewable energy and how we benefit from each.
(April - October)
Nature Games
Survival Game (Grades 5, 6, 7) MP = 60
This unique game highlights the challenges animals face in nature, in order to survive. Students will be split into different groups including herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, elements, and disease. We will then bring the students to a natural setting where they will try to locate food and water stations to ensure their survival.
(June to February)
Ecology Games (Grades 4, 6, 7) FI
Play a variety of games and learn that everything plays an important role in nature.
(All year)
High school Programs
FI = Programs available in French for French Immersion Schools
MP = Maximum number of participants for a half day program
River Studies (Grade 9) FI MP = 60
A discussion of the characteristics and elements of aquatic ecosystems will be followed by an investigation of our nearby aquatic ecosystem. The students will have an opportunity to analyse the water in the pond, recording such aspects as pH, oxygen, conductivity, phosphorus and temperature. They will also sample for the aquatic invertebrates and assess the diversity and health of the ecosystem.
May to October (Inclusive)
Terrestrial Ecosystems (Grade 9) FI MP = 60
A discussion of the characteristics and elements of terrestrial ecosystems will be followed by an investigation of our nearby terrestrial ecosystem. The students will perform a soil analysis in the forest ecosystem. They will also identify and record some of the tree species in the forest to assess the diversity of plants and discuss the sustainability of this forest.
May to October (Inclusive)
Nature Walk (Grade 9, 10 Academic) FI
This is an opportunity for the students to investigate some local habitats and become familiar with some of the plants and animals that are native to their ecozone. They will visit a forest, meadow and river habitat looking for the animals and plants that are characteristic of this local area. There will also be a discussion of some of the invasive species found in this area and an opportunity to identify these species.
All Year
Orienteering FI MP = 30
Students are given a brief introduction to the fundamentals of compass and map reading. Students, using a special arboretum map and compass, work to complete a walking orienteering course.
Mid May to November (Inclusive)
Our Ecological Footprint (Grade 9, 10) MP = 40
The choices we make about the way we live are having a profound impact on our local and global environment. This has not only environmental but economic consequences for us both now and in our future. Visit the new Centre for Urban Ecology and become familiar with some of the special features of the building that reduce its Ecological Footprint. Assess your own Ecological Footprint and consider ways in which you can reduce your personal impact on your local and global environment.
All Year
Survival Game (Grades 9) MP = 30
This unique game highlights the challenges animals face in nature, in order to survive. Students will be split into different groups including herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, elements, and disease. We will then bring the students to a natural setting where they will try to locate food and water stations to ensure their survival.
June to February
