Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority

Primary programs: Gr K to 3

Colours In Nature
(gr: K to 3 - fall)

By taking part in several activities, the students will become aware of the many colours present in the environment and learn how these colours are used by nature.

Making Sense of Nature
(gr: K to 3 - spring, fall)

Students use their senses to participate in a variety of fun activities designed to acquaint them to the wonders of the natural world.

Merry Metamorphosis - Tadpole to Frog
(gr: K to 3 - spring, fall)

Participants discover what a compass is and learn how to use it correctly, then take off in pairs into the woods for a hands-on, success-oriented adventure. This is their chance to put into practical use the concepts learned in the study of magnetism. Also helpful for all those studying the basics of maps, as well. A beginner's course for Grade 3, a larger test course for Grades 4-6, and a survival trek through an ice-storm-damaged woods for the Grade 7 and 8's that has tree identification as an option.

Spaces and Places: Map Reading
(gr: 1 to 3 - spring, fall)

This is a basic introduciton to map reading. Several fun activities will be conducted to help young children understand a map and its symbols. Students will complete a simple orienteering course.

Seeds Please
(gr: K to 3- spring, fall)

Students discover the secrets of plants on the move by collecting and classifying seeds. The mysteries of seed dispersal and its importance are highlighted.

Knee Deep in Wildflowers
(gr: K to 3 - spring, fall)

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.

Critters and Minibeasts
(gr: K to 6 - spring, fall)

Students use their senses to participate in a variety of fun activities designed to acquaint them to the wonders of the natural world.

Plants - Part of Our Living Environment
(gr: K to 6 - spring, fall)

This is a study of plants and the non-living components of the environment which affect their growth. Study of plants in two dinfferent communities (forest & field) encourages comparisons and makes adaptations more apparent. A simulation game is played to stress the importance of plants.

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.

What Do They Do In Winter?
(gr: K to 3 - fall, winter)

This program provides the opportunity to explore ways animals prepare for and cope with winter in Ontario. Beginning with a puppet play, Ceci the cecropia moth, Wooly Bear caterpillar, Lady Bird beetle and Tent caterpillar explain the different ways insects spend the winter. In the squirrel game, the children do a simulation of storing food for winter. The program ends with a short hike to see various animal homes and a beaver lodge.

Snug In The Snow
(gr: K to 3 - winter)

Through a puppet play and activities, students are made aware of how snow as an insulator helps the survival of many small mammals in winter. Temperatures in the air and under the snow are compared. On a short hike, students can observe animal snow burrows, tracks, and other signs of winter activity. We finish with a visit to the bird feeders to observe some winter friends.

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.

 

 

 

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