Program Themes
In this program, explore the amazing adaptations of owls found at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and beyond. Examine specimens, search for signs of owls on a short nature walk, get up close with some owl “vomit,” and brainstorm how we can make better decisions for our owly friends.
Please note that we cannot guarantee a real owl sighting on site during the program.
This program occurs primarily indoors with a short outdoor walk, weather permitting. Please dress appropriately for any weather that may occur.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Kindergarten - Plants and animals have observable features
- Kindergarten - Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things
- Grade 1 - Living things have features and behaviors that help them survive in their environment
- Grade 2 - Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment
Learn what makes reptiles so remarkable and discuss why reptiles would want to live here at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Discuss the native and invasive species common in our area and the impact they have on our local ecosystems.
Please note that this program has been re-designed to be inquiry-led and station based.
This program occurs indoors.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Kindergarten - Plants and animals have observable features.
- Kindergarten - Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
- Grade 1 - Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment.
- Grade 2 - Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment.
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems.
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment.
Did you know that Garry Oak ecosystems are home to the highest diversity of plants in coastal British Columbia, including nearly 100 species at risk? In this program we will learn about how living and non-living things are intertwined in an ecosystem, explore some local species that make Garry Oak ecosystems special, and observe these things closer through a scavenger hunt on site. Then, consider how we can steward these areas better using our new knowledge.
This program takes place entirely outdoors. Please dress appropriately for any weather that may occur.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems.
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment.
- Grade 7 - Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
- Grade 7 - Earth and its climate have changed over geological time.
Does the winter make you grin with glee or hide under a blanket? Explore the seasonal changes that happen at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and how animals here sense and respond to them. Then consider the impacts (both positive and negative) that humans have had on their survival and how we can be better stewards to our overwintering neighbours.
This program is *new* and has been designed to be inquiry-led and station based.
This program takes place indoors.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Kindergarten - Plants and animals have observable features.
- Kindergarten - Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
- Grade 1 - Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment.
- Grade 1 – Observable patterns and cycles occur in the local sky and landscape
- Grade 2 - Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment.
- Grade 2 – Water is essential to all living things, and it cycles through the environment (?)
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems.
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment.
- Grade 4 – The motions of Earth and the moon cause observable patterns that affect living and non-living systems
What’s in our water? Learn about the importance of the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary wetland ecosystem and the creatures that call it home. Then go down to the Founders Wharf to collect your own water samples to examine!
This program takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for any weather that may occur.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Kindergarten - Plants and animals have observable features.
- Kindergarten - Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
- Grade 1 - Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment.
- Grade 2 - Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment.
- Grade 2 - Water is essential to all living things, and it cycles through the environment.
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems.
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment.
- Grade 7 - Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
- Science 9 – The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them
- Environmental Science 11 - Complex roles and relationships contribute to diversity of ecosystems
- Environmental Science 11 - Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems.
- Science for Citizens 11 – Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
- Science for Citizens 12 - Human actions affect the quality of water and its ability to sustain life
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