Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority

Intermedite programs: Gr 7 and 8

Conservation - Instincts For Survival
(gr: 4 to 12 - all year)

In this simulation game, students assume the role of a local mammal. Biological concepts such as predation, competition, food webs, reproduction and conservation are taught in a fun manner.

Orienteering - Part I (map reading)
(gr:4 to 8 - all year)

The emphasis in this program is upon map reading skills. Students will be taken through a progression which includes memory, line and score orienteering.

Orienteering - Part II (using a compass)
(gr: 4 to 8 - all year)

Students will be introduced to the orienteering compass, learn to take a bearing and to follow a bearing to find a given point. Through games and activities, students will practice compass skills. Students already familiar with the orienteering compass will be challenged to use their knowledge along with map reading to follow a demanding course.

Soils In The Environment
(gr: 1 to 8 - spring, fall)

This program will be geared to the appropriate grade level. Students will collect samples of topsoil from forest, field and sand dune. They will examine mineral and humus content and do an experiment to compare water holding capacity. Students will also examine soil profiles to observe the depth of topsoil and the difference between topsoil and subsoils.

Rocks & Minerals
(gr: 4 to 8 - spring, fall)

The Mac Johnson Wildlife Area is an ideal site for this study, as it has examples of sedimentary, sand dunes, and glacial bolders. Activities include a limited collection of rocks for labelling and classification, a hike to observe the three types of rock formations and a game of name that rock.

Interactions Within Ecosystems - Succession
(gr: 7 to 12 - spring, fall)

Students will visit three areas where secondary succession is evident; a pond environment, a meadow, and a forest clearing. They will observe and record the succession of new plant life in each of these environments. Students will also observe an example of primary succession of lichens and mosses on glacial boulders, and the example of bio-invasion of purple loostrife in the wetland.

Pond Water Ecology
(gr: 7 to 12 - spring, fall)

After a brief introduction to the food chains of the pond, students assess the health and pollution level of the pond through sampling the living organisms present and testing water samples.

Winter Birds
(gr: 1 to 8 - winter)

Would you like to hand feed a chickadee? What food would you offer a woodpecker if he came to lunch? Students are introduced to some common winter birds, their food, habitat and habits. Learning is fun through games reviewing bird identification and teaching concepts of habitat in an active, enjoyable, way. Students put their learning into practice on a birding hike including a visit to the bird feeding station and a woodpecker tree.

Footprints and Fur
(gr: 4 to 8 - winter)

Tracks in the snow and nibbled twigs tell a story of winter survival. After an introduction on animal tracks, the centre staff will lead an extended nature hike to discover signs of animals in winter. This program is conducted on snowshoes, snow and weather permitting.

Snowshoeing
(gr: 4 to 8 - winter)

This program involves a brief classroom introduction to snowshoe construction and styles used by native groups. This is followed by a practical session on basic snowshoeing skills and a cross country trek to gain an appreciation of the winter environment.

At the Mac Johnson Wildife Area:

Related links:

Contact:

Ron Gardiner,
Program Supervisor
(613) 342-5824
mrgardiner@cogeco.ca

Regular Program Cost:

Check the website for current fees