Program Themes
The Owls in Our Backyard program brings students up close and personal with our many owl neighbours. They will have the opportunity to interact with owl specimens, step into the role of owls in the ecosystem, discover ways to identify owl habitat, and engage in stewardship activities to support our owl friends.
This program includes:
- Learning about the significance of the owl and exploring owl diets, habitat, anatomy, and physiology. Students will interact with taxidermized owl specimens and have a class member transform into an owl. [25 min]
- Play nocturnal hunter games to step into the role of owls. Go on an outdoor walk to find evidence of owls on site; owl evidence is guaranteed but please note that we cannot guarantee a real owl sighting during the program. [15 min]
- Students will complete an owl pellet dissection. They will sort through the pellet contents to determine which animals their owl had consumed. [20 min]
This program occurs both indoors and outdoors. 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
The Remarkable Reptiles program helps students learn what the distinguishing features of reptiles are and if reptiles would want to live here at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. They will learn to identify native and invasive species and understand the impacts of both on the ecosystem. They will undergo a site search for reptile friends. Students might even get to meet a special guest!
This program includes:
- Meet our in-house reptile friend Wrinkles. Learn about Wrinkles' life story and the reasons she has to remain in human care. Determine components of a reptile habitat and explore ways humans have simulated these for Wrinkles. [20 min]
- Explore Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary to connect with reptile friends on site through an invasive and native species scavenger hunt. [20 min]
- Interactions with reptile specimens to understand reptile physiology. While exploring the specimens, the students will need to be directed and encouraged to engage with the specimens respectfully. [20 min]
This program occurs both indoors and outdoors. Please dress appropriately for any weather that may occur.
Please note - live snakes are no longer part of our Remarkable Reptiles program - Wrinkles, the Western Painted Turtle, continues to eagerly be part of this program!
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.
The Garry Oak Ecosystems program allows students the chance to connect with this vital, unique, and endangered ecosystem found in their backyard. Garry Oak meadows are rich in biodiversity and cultural significance. Students will learn to identify native species in the Garry Oak meadow, foster a connection with the meadow, learn about the Indigenous uses and historical significance, and explore human-ecosystem interactions.
This program includes:
- Identifying species from the Garry Oak Ecosystem through an ecosystem scavenger hunt [20 min]
- Connect with members of the Garry Oak Ecosystem, through wellness activities and stories. Learn about the Indigenous history of Garry Oak Ecosystems, including prescribed burning and camas cultivation [20 min]
- Students will explore human-ecosystem interactions, from the influence of development and pollution to restoration [20 min]
This program occurs 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.
The Wetland Wonders program allows students to explore the cultural significance of water and wetlands for the Interior Salish people. Students will then explore Swan Lake and perform a pond dip to identify organisms found in the lake.
This program includes:
- Learning about the significance of wetland ecosystems and water for the Interior Salish people. Listen to stories shared by Interior Salish people. [10 min]
- Take a walk around Swan Lake to observe the wetland. [10 min]
- A pond dip to identify organisms that live in Swan Lake. [40 min]
This program occurs outdoors. 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
Emma K.
Emma has a Masters of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Education from the University of Idaho and a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan. She has taught in a variety of ecosystems across North America, from New York’s Hudson River, to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes of Lake Michigan, to the rainforests of Olympic National Park. Emma grew up sailing on Lake Michigan and particularly enjoys connecting the public to their local waterbodies. She is a recent transplant to BC and is excited to be teaching and learning in her new home, Southern Vancouver Island.
When not at Swan Lake, Emma enjoys cycling, contra dancing, cooking new recipes, or curling up with a good book.
Kay L.
Kay is a passionate science communicator who has worked with invertebrates, whales, turtles and dinosaurs (living and in fossil form) since 2016. Having the opportunity to get outside and explore nature with budding scientists is one of her favourite ways to feel connected to both her communities and with local ecosystems. Having worked with students of all ages, abilities and interests,
Kay truly believes that science can be for everyone. Each individual just may need a different approach to find their way to most effectively engage with science; which is something she loves to explore with classes!
Kay has a penchant for flipping over rocks and picking up the misunderstood creatures to inspire curiosity rather than fear; aiming to empower students to take their learning to the next level.
Have you recently attended one of our school or community programs?
Leave us a review on Chatterblock today!