On-Site School programs are designed for districts 61, 62, 63, 64 and surrounding independent schools. They are held at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary during the school year, from September until June. French programming may be available upon request. All of the In-School programs are also available at the Swan Lake Nature House. Please call for more information.
Fall Programs (September to December)
Daring Ducks
(Kindergarten to grade 1; 1 hour; cost $60)
Some dabble on the surface, some dive for their food - a closer look lets us
explore the amazing adaptations ducks have for living on the lake and discover
who’s who in the duck world.
Available: Mon, Tue, Thu, 9:30 to 10:30 or 1:00 to 2:00
From Dino Bones to Indiana Jones
(Grades 1 to 7; 1.5 hrs; cost $90)
What are fossils, how are they formed and what do they tell us about the ancient earth? We'll go prospecting, put together our own dinosaur and make a cast of a real fossil to take home. (also available as In-School program)
Available: Mon to Thu any time
Falling for Fall
(Grades 2 & 3; 1.5 hrs; cost $90)
Includes:
• Seed Scavenger Hunt introduces students to the variety of seeds found outdoors.
• Acorns to Oaks shows students the development and life of our local Garry Oak trees through hands-on activities and drama.
• Dirt is Different presents topsoil, clay, peat and lake muck by hands-on sampling from three different areas near the Nature House.
Available: Mon, Tue, Thu 9:30 to 11:00 or 1:00 to 2:30
Wetlands Discovery
(Grade 4; 1.5 hrs; cost $90)
Students will gain an understanding of the value of wetlands by collecting and recording their observations of aquatic plants and animals. Topics include adaptations of some wetland vertabrates and their role in the food chain.
Available: Mon, Tue, Thu 9:30 to 11:00 or 1:00 to 2:30
Microscope Discoveries
(Grade 5 to 7; 1.5 hours; cost $90)
We’ll collect living material from Swan Lake, prepare specimens and learn how to properly use both dissecting and compound microscopes and record their observations. Students will also have the opportunity to examine some of their own cells.
Available: Mon, Tue, Thu 9:30 to 11:00 or 1:00 to 2:30
Spring Programs (January to June)
Awaken your Senses
(Grades K/1; Jan to Jun; 1 hr; cost $60)
Awaken and enjoy using your senses, both in the Nature House and outdoors, in this gentle introduction to the Nature Sanctuary. Compare your senses with those of a living turtle or snake.
Way Cool Raccoon School
(Grades 1 to 2; Jan to Jun; 1.5 hrs; cost $90)
A puppet show, specimens and active outdoor stations will involve your class in our raccoon school. Students will learn why these mammals are so successful in an urban environment.
Social Insects
(Grades 2 to 3; Jan to Jun; 1.5 hrs; cost $90)
A drama introduction to honeybees, a close look at the demonstration bee hive, an outdoors game as well as walk, allows your class to explore the worlds of ants, wasps and bees.
This program works best from March to June.
From Dino Bones to Indiana Jones
(Grades 1 to 7; Jan to Jun; 1.5 hrs; cost $90)
What are fossils, how are they formed and what do they tell us about the ancient earth? We'll go prospecting, put together our own dinosaur and make a cast of a real fossil to take home. (also available as In-School program)
Wetlands Discovery
(Grade 3 to 6; Jan to Jun; 1.5 hrs; cost $90)
Students will gain an understanding of the value of wetlands by collecting and recording their observations of aquatic plants and animals. Topics include adaptations of some wetland vertabrates and their role in the food chain.
Exploring Watersheds
(Grade 7 & 8; Jan to Jun; 1.5 hrs; cost $90)
A local history of Swan Lake will show how people have influenced it. Lake dipping and a plankton tow will give material for examining with two different kinds of microscopes. Teachers will be provided with information on food chains.
