School Programs
2016–2017
HANDS-ON
Carolinian experiential education
the fishway inquiry learning biodiversity hot spot
science in action all seasons
explore culminating activity
WETLANDS Cootes Paradise
species at risk
Outdoor Experiential Education
Your environmental FIELD TRIP destination
1 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017
How to use this GUIDE
2016–2017 Education Program Fees
A successful and enjoyable trip comes from planning and
preparation. This guide is designed to outline the planning
process and to provide you with the necessary tools to
ensure your trip to Royal Botanical Gardens is the highlight
of your school year!
Day Packages:
Step 1. Choose program(s)
• R eservations are taken on a year-round basis.
• All half-day programs are two hours in length (9:30 to
11:30 a.m. or 12 to 2 p.m.). Any two programs can be
combined to make up a full day (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Program times can be flexible in order to accommodate
travel constraints.
• Ensure that you choose one alternative date in the event
that your first choice is unavailable.
Half-day Program (2 hours)
$8.50/student* Half-day Special Program (2 hours) includes Exhibit
Programs; Getting to Know GPS; Look, See, Paint!; The
Fishway; Soil Study; RBG Adventure Challenge Course
$9.50/student* Half-day Program and Self-guided
$12/student* Half-day Special Program and Self-guided
$13/student* Full-day Programs (or 2 x half-day programs)
$15/student* Full-day Programs (Incl. one Special program),
includes Initiatives and Low Ropes Challenges;
The Great Plant Challenge; Quest in the Arb
$16/student* Full-day Programs (Incl. two Special programs)
$18/student* Self-guided
$6.50/student*
*Minimum fees are based on 20 students
Step 2. Forms
• V
isit our Teacher Portal at www.rbg.ca/schools and
submit an online reservation request.
• Check out these information sheets and share them with
your class: “What to Bring” and “Litter-less Lunches.”
Step 3. What to expect
• Y ou will receive correspondence regarding your
booking within 5 business days, followed by a booking
confirmation/contract once details are confirmed. Please
share its contents with all participating teachers/leaders.
Our education interpreters follow-up by email to discuss
your program details.
• Payment is accepted upon arrival based on number of
participants (cash/cheque/debit/VISA/MasterCard/AmEx)
Invoicing available upon request.
• Cancellation Policy — please inform our bookings
coordinator at least ONE MONTH prior to your visit,
otherwise you are charged the minimum booking fee
(winter storms/school closures are exempt), unless
program is rebooked.
• Please confirm program location and ensure you can
direct your bus driver to the correct location.
Step 4. Contact us
• C
ontact our bookings coordinator at 905-527-1158,
ext. 276 or [email protected] with any questions/concerns.
Bookings coordinator: 905-527-1158, ext. 276,
Toll-free from Toronto/Oakville: 905-825-5040, ext. 276.
NIC: 16 Old Guelph Road, Dundas, ON L9H 5Y6
RBG Centre: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON L7T 4H4
Mailing address: P.O. Box 399, Hamilton, ON L8N 3H8
Special ProgramS:
Initiatives & Low Ropes Challenges (full day, 4 hours)
$16/student†
Canoe (half-day, 2 hours, maximum 24 students)
$440
Canoe (full day, 4 hours, maximum 24 students)
$660
†
Fee based on minimum 12, maximum 40 students Grade 6 and up Overnight Packages:
One night’s accommodation and 3 programs
$50/participant††
Two nights’ accommodation and 4 programs
$65/participant††
††
Minimum fee is based on 18 youth
Additional Program Add-ons:
Custom program fee
Firepit rental
+$3/participant** +$25/group, plus tax**
**Fee is in addition to applied day-package rate (above)
Virtual Field Trips:
Program listing on page 14, for all grade levels
One free adult is allowed for every
4 Primary students, one free adult for every
5 students above the Primary level. Additional
adults are charged the program fee. Ratio is 1:1 for
special needs groups and preschool groups (except
for Exhibit programs which is 1 adult for every
4 preschoolers), support workers are exempt from
additional fees. Minimum fees for special needs
groups based on 10 students. Listed rates may be
subject to change without notice.
$130/program
6
LEAD EDUCATION PARTNER
RBG is proud to partner with the Canadian Wildlife Federation to
spread the important message of pollination to elementary students
in the GTA through the Wild Spaces for Pollinators program. 2 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017
“Best
field trip
ever!”
- 2015 students
RBG’s Adventure Challenge Course
Join us for one of the most unique physical education and teambuilding experiences
available! Set on a 5 km outdoor course in RBG’s Arboretum, the Adventure Challenge
Course is full of physical obstacles and mental challenges designed to challenge
students and build team dynamics within a group.
The Adventure Challenge Course aims to provide students with the opportunity to
explore the outdoors in a unique and fun way. With the emphasis on completion of the
physical and mental tasks, not competition between teams, each group is able to have a
rewarding experience. Visit www.rbg.ca/adventure for details, including videos from
past challenges.
RBG’s Adventure Challenge Course changes every year with new obstacles to challenge
your group. The course offers different highlights for elementary (Grade 6 and up) and
high school students.
Don’t miss out! Book today at www.rbg.ca/schools
Contents
How to Book and Program Fees . . . 2
RBG’s Adventure Challenge Course . 3
Initiative and Low Ropes Challenges 3
Programs Offered: ECE–8 . . . . . . 4
Program Descriptions: ECE–8 . . . . 5–8
Exhibit Program Descriptions . . . . 9
Program Offered: 9–12 . . . . . . . 10
Program Descriptions: 9–12 . . . . 11–13
Senior Student Symposia . . . . . . 10
Youth Programs . . . . . . . . . . 13
Virtual Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . 14
PD for Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Self-guided Visits . . . . . . . . . . 15
Reservation Information . . . . . . 15
www.rbg.ca/schools
Dates available in the 2016/17 academic year:
October 17 to 21, 2016 and April 24 to
28, 2017
Aim High with Low Ropes!
Initiatives and Low Ropes Challenges
Group size of 12–20, maximum two groups per day, Grades 6 and up (4-hr. program)
En Français?
French instruction is available
for any of our programs.
Limited capacity — ask for details.
For inquiries please call
905-527-1158, ext. 276
Looking for a way to get your class or group thinking and working as a team? The
Initiative and Low Ropes Challenges helps students develop leadership, communication,
problem-solving skills and teamwork. Challenges involve simulations and role-playing
with increasing difficulty. Warm-up activities prepare the group for the challenges and
debriefing discussions help students apply the outcomes to everyday life.
Our certified instructors guide your group through a program tailored just for you, with
an emphasis on safety and fun. With just the right amount of facilitation, students are
encouraged to work together and think outside the box, to find innovative solutions to
complex problems. See www.rbg.ca/adventure for more details!
RBG School Programs 2016/2017 / 3
Programs Offered: Early Education through Grade 8
See pages 5–9 for program descriptions.
Early Years Exploration
Making Sense of Nature
The Great Animal Adventure
Bird Bonanza
Pre/ECE
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Primary/Junior/Intermediate STEM Programs
ECE
The Natural World (2hr)
Hit the Trails! (4hr)
Fishway Demonstration
Birds of a Feather
A Winter Wonderland
Characteristics & Needs of Living Things
Growth & Changes in Animals
Air & Water in Nature
Growth & Changes in Plants
Mediterranean Biome and Plants
Soils in the Environment
Rocks and Minerals in the Environment
Habitats & Communities
Species at Risk
Organ Systems in Nature
Biodiversity
Interactions in the Environment
Getting to Know GPS
Cells in Nature
Language and Arts Programs
Look, See, Paint
Arts in the Outdoors
Creative Writing in Nature
Physical Education, Team Building, and Leadership
Team-building Games
Survival Game
Adventure Challenge Course (limited dates)
Initiatives and Low Ropes Challenges
Self-Guided Exploration
Self-Guided: Arboretum
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Self-Guided: Hendrie Park & Natural Playground
●
Exhibit Programs
Toddlers and Trains (Nov/Dec only)
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Holiday Traditions (Nov/Dec only)
Ice Age Mammals (Jan-April only)
○
Animals of the Ice Age (Jan-April only)
Plants of the Ice Age (Jan-April only)
Ice Age Habitats & Communities (Jan-April only)
Species at Risk: Then and Now (Jan-April only)
People in the Ice Age (Jan-April only)
4 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017
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K
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● — program has specific connections to curriculum for this grade
○ — program available for this grade, but may have less direct curriculum connections
Program Descriptions: Early Education through Grade 8
All of the programs below are a half-day (2 hours) in length, except where noted. Check out
Perfect Partners (left column) for suggested program combinations to create a full-day experience.
Recommended grade levels with direct curriculum links are listed first, and grades listed in
parenthesis have indirect curriculum connections.
Early Years Exploration
Perfect Partners
ECE to Grade 8
• Growth and Changes in Plants
and Soils in the Environment
• Interactions in the Environment
and Survival
• Bird Bonanza and Growth and
Changes in Animals
• Air and Water in Nature and
Growth and Changes in Animals
Making Sense of Nature
Year-round
K (Pre/ECE)
Come outside and learn how to use your eagle-eyes, owlears and fox nose! Nature is full of new sights, sounds,
smells, and textures, and this program encourages young
learners to take it all in. This program takes place outside
with guided exploration.
The Great Animal Adventure
Year-round
K (Pre/ECE)
All kinds of animals call RBG home, but how do they survive
in nature? Through role-playing and guided exploration,
students search for animals, their homes, and the signs they
leave behind to learn more about their habitats and how
animals interact with each other.
Bird Bonanza
Year-round
K (Pre/ECE)
Bright, noisy and active, birds are a great introduction to
nature. Discover more about their body parts, food, habitats,
and behaviours as we head outside to encounter some of
RBG’s feathered inhabitants as they fly, feed, and flock.
Hit the Trails! Elementary Programs
The Natural World (2hr)
Year-round
Gr 1–8
RBG’s Arboretum has natural surprises around every
corner, every week of the year! Whether taking in the fall
colours, tracking deer through the snow, or discovering
spring flowers, a nature tour allows students to connect
with forests, fields, and fauna along the shores of Cootes
Paradise. This half-day program can be tailored to
complement desired curricula upon request.
Hit the Trails! (4hr)
September-November, May-June
Gr. 6–8
An immersive outdoor experience! On this full-day
adventure, students join an RBG guide on a hike through
some of the spectacular and diverse landscapes that make
this area unique. Beginning on the Escarpment and ending
at the Nature Centre, the topics covered along the way can
be tailored to complement desired curricula, or simply left to
focus on the experience and follow the students’ curiosity.
The Fishway Demonstration
May–June,
September–early October
Gr. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 (Gr. 3, 5, 8)
The Fishway is a sight to see! Students see this amazing
conservation tool in action with an up-close look at the fish
that pass through. Our biologists explain the function of
The Fishway, and our interpreters help students understand
the history and importance of Cootes Paradise Marsh. This
program takes place at our Princess Point location.
Special
En Français?
French instruction is available
for any of our programs.
Limited capacity — ask for details.
For inquiries please call
905-527-1158, ext. 276
Birds of a Feather
Year-round
Gr. 1, 2, 4, 6 (Gr. 3, 5, 7, 8)
Bright, noisy and active, birds are both a great introduction
to nature for young learners and an excellent way to delve
deeper for older students. Head outside to encounter some
of RBG’s feathered inhabitants, and learn about their biology
and natural history in this unique environment!
RBG School Programs 2016/2017 / 5
Find out how your
class can become a
Green Angel!
Green Angels provides the
opportunity for every child
to fall in love with nature.
Donations subsidize admission
passes, memberships, education
programming and school
transportation costs for children
and families in financial need.
Find out how your class can
become a Green Angel by helping
us fundraise! Contact RBG today!
Winter Wonderland
November–March
Gr. 1–4 (Gr. 5–6)
The world is still alive during the winter. Through games and
an explorative walk in nature, students examine the amazing
ways that plants and animals meet their needs to survive
Canada’s winter months. Bring warm clothes and boots —
we are heading outside!
Characteristics and Needs of
Living Things
Year-round
Gr. 1 (Gr. 2, 3)
Heading out onto RBG’s trails in search of plants and
animals, this program puts students in the midst of many
living things! Students learn what defines a living thing,
what five essential needs all living things have. Looking at a
few key creatures, they also discover some ways organisms
survive in nature and how humans fit into the natural world.
Growth and Changes in
Animals
Year-round
Gr. 2 (Gr. 3)
RBG is home to incredible animals of all kinds! Though they
may be different, they all share some important things in
common. This program explores what defines an animal, and
how they grow and survive. Lots of time is spent outside in
search of wild creatures and the signs they leave behind!
Air and Water in Nature
Year-round
Gr. 2 (Gr. 3)
Air and water may be the most fundamental requirements
of all land-living plants and animals, and the ones we most
take for granted. Using RBG’s ecosystems, this program
explores some of the physical properties of air and water
and the integral roles they play in the local environment.
Growth and Changes in Plants
Year-round
Gr. 3 (Gr. 2)
RBG is home to more plant species than any other place
in Canada, and the perfect place to explore growth and
changes in plants! Learn about plant needs and life cycles,
and see how a variety of local plants grow and survive in
our northern Carolinian forest.
Mediterranean Biome/Plants
November–March
Gr. 3 (Gr. 4, 5)
Plants from the world’s five Mediterranean regions are
right here at RBG! To grow and survive in these difficult
climates, these plants have evolved many different
characteristics. By completing a set of inquiry challenges set
indoors in our Mediterranean Garden, students embark on
Exploration Botanics to understand the role of plants in the
environment, grasp the importance of plants for humans,
and become a Junior Botanist at Canada’s largest botanical
garden. (Space is limited to one class at a time.)
Soils in the Environment
May–June, September–October
Gr. 3 (Gr. 4)
Soil is the foundation of nearly all terrestrial ecosystems.
Students should be ready to get their hands dirty as they delve
into the world beneath their feet! They search for tiny soildwellers, explore the properties of soil, and observe the different
components in ecosystems during this outdoor program.
Rocks, Minerals and Erosion
Year-round
Gr. 4 (Gr. 3, 5)
Students examine the fascinating characteristics and
properties of various rock and mineral samples and gain
an understanding of how these resources have shaped our
local environment. In turn, students have the opportunity to
discuss and explore how humans and the local environment
affect rocks and minerals, all in the context of our location
along the Niagara Escarpment.
1-800-694-4769 ext. 290
“I thought the trip
was wonderful, and
we’re especially grateful
for the Green Angels program
for sponsoring schools like
ours. Without the subsidy to
cover fees and bus costs, our
students cannot afford
opportunities like this.”
- Teacher of 2015
subsidized field trip
Complete program descriptions and
online resources available at our Teacher
Portal at www.rbg.ca/schools
“The program structure was fantastic. The students
had a blast and came home with tons of questions about biodiversity,
fish sorting and the fish basket, as well as the animals on the property.”
- Teacher of 2015 Participants
6 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017
Our Program
Philosophy
At RBG we build our programs on
a foundation of inquiry-based
and experiential learning. We
believe in allowing students to ask
questions and follow their curiosity.
We know that there is no substitute
for a direct experience in nature,
and that given the right opportunity, students can create meaningful
connections that last a lifetime.
Our programs use active, hands-on
exploration and activities to engage
students, and to immerse them in
the natural world. We integrate upto-date science and research, and
tailor our programs to complement
current Ontario curricula. Most
importantly, we know that fun must
be an integral part of education,
and that the best learning often
happens when you least expect it.
Habitats and Communities
Year-round
Gr. 4 (Gr. 3, 5)
A habitat is much more than just where an organism lives.
In this program, students explore various plant and animal
habitats here at RBG, their components, and how the
organisms depend on each other. Students also consider
their own habitat needs, and how they compare to those of
other living things.
Species at Risk
April–June, September–October
Gr. 4, 6, 7 (Gr. 5, 8)
RBG provides critical habitat for many species at risk, and
this program examines why they are in danger and what
RBG is doing to help. Through inquiry and active simulations,
students gain an appreciation for the struggle of some of
our precious resources and how they can help. Students may
even encounter some of these rare plants and animals as we
explore the trails and wetlands of RBG!
Organ Systems in Nature
March–June, September–
November
Gr. 5 (Gr. 6, 7)
Do you have hawk-eyes, owl-ears, a vulture-stomach or
a bird-brain? During this walk through nature, students
use the incredible plants and animals of RBG to explore
examples of organ systems in nature. They look at how these
systems are adapted for the survival of the organism and
how they compare to those of humans.
Biodiversity
May–June, September–October
Gr. 6 (Gr. 5, 7, 8)
It’s hard to imagine a better place to explore biodiversity
than here at RBG! Through hands-on exploration, students
study the biodiversity of a local forest, field or wetland,
relate it to ecosystem health and examine the impacts
that humans can have on the environment. Please note:
availability of study sites may vary by season, but there is
always lots to see! Ask us about making this a full-day by
exploring two different habitats.
Interactions in the
Environment
Year-round
Gr. 7 (Gr. 8)
Everything in nature is connected, and in this program
students take a close look at those connections. By exploring
food webs, cycles, mutualism, parasitism and other local
examples, students examine interactions in nature and how
human interactions can be both negative and positive.
Getting to Know GPS
Year-round
(Gr. 7, 8) Global Positioning System (GPS) can be used for navigation
and scientific research, but is also the heart of geocaching, a
high-tech treasure hunt activity for teams. In this hands-on
tutorial combining math, physical activity, and team work,
students learn the operation of our GPS units then put their
new skills to the test with a partner in a multi-cache course
in RBG’s Arboretum.
Special
Cells in Nature
September–November,
March–June
Gr. 8
Cells are the fundamental unit of life, and, while they can’t
be seen with the naked eye, their evidence is everywhere. On
this nature walk, students explore the roles of different types
of cells and organelles in the plants and animals of RBG and
how they are adapted to perform their specialized functions.
Language and Arts Programs
Look, See, Paint!
Year-round
Gr.1–8
Complete program descriptions and
online resources available at our Teacher
Portal at www.rbg.ca/schools
Special
From cave paintings to oil on canvas, nature has provided
inspiration to artists for millennia. Using the gardens and
natural lands of RBG, students receive instruction and use
our quality watercolour kits to create their own works of art.
(Group sizes limited by watercolour kits and supplies.)
RBG School Programs 2016/2017 / 7
Arts in the Outdoors
Year-round
Gr. 1–8
Using nature as both muse and medium, students unleash
their creativity in this visual arts program. After viewing
some of our outdoor art, students create their own.
Interpreters help the class build a connection to the natural
world through observation and imagination.
Creative Writing in Nature
Year-round
Gr. 4–8
Let nature inspire your creative writing side! By using skills
such as listening, observing, imagining, and exploring,
students learn and employ strategies for writing using
nature as a muse. Whether it is for poetry, non-fiction, or
creative story writing, RBG’s gardens and natural lands can
unlock the power of literature from within your students.
Physical Education, Team Building, and Leadership
Teambuilding Games
Year-round
Gr. 6–8
Working together, a small group of people can achieve
anything they put their minds to. Led by our facilitators, our
teambuilding activities are designed to build communication
skills and develop trust, all the while being challenged to
think as a unit. This is a fun and exciting way to bring your
class together at any point in the school year!
Survival Game
Year-round
Gr. 5–8
Minimum of 2 classes/
40+ students
What better way to learn about animal survival than to
become one? With our Arboretum as their playing field,
students are challenged to think strategically as they take
on the role of an animal seeking the basic necessities for
survival. Students run, hide, and learn first-hand about the
natural and human obstacles which animals face every day.
This program is a perfect pairing with any other program.
Adventure Challenge Course
October 17–21, 2016
April 24–28, 2017
Gr. 6–8
RBG’s Adventure Challenge Course is full of physical
obstacles and problem-solving activities created to challenge
your students and help build dynamics within your group.
The 5-km outdoor course is set in RBG’s Arboretum and
aims to provide students with a unique and fun physical
activity with an emphasis on completion of the physical and
mental tasks, not competition.
Youth programs
Learn more about the fascinating
world around you in programs
specifically designed to meet your
group needs by covering various
badge and program requirements.
These year-round programs are
perfect for groups of all ages and
sizes and can be customized to suit
the needs of your group.
RBG offers evening, weekend and
overnight programs that use active,
hands-on exploration and activities
to engage youth, and to immerse
them in the natural world.
See a program you like in this
brochure? Perfect! Book your
program today by visiting our Teacher
Portal at www.rbg.ca/schools
Don’t see what you want
or would like something
customized? Give us a call at
905-527-1158, ext. 276.
Special
Initiatives and Low Ropes
Challenges (4 Hr)
April –June, September–November
Gr. 6–8
Special
Looking for a way to get your class or group thinking and
working as a team? These challenges help students develop
leadership, communication, problem-solving skills, and
teamwork. Challenges involve simulations and role-playing
both on and off the ground. Warm-up activities prepare the
group for the challenges and debriefing discussions help
students apply the outcomes to everyday life.
Self-Guided Exploration
Self-guided: Arboretum
Year-round
Self-guided: Hendrie Park
Year-round
8 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017
Come explore the gardens or trails. The Arboretum offers
trails through the forest down to the marsh shoreline with
great opportunities for bird watching. Hendrie Park has
beautiful flower beds, a Natural Playground, and a vegetable
village for your students to explore. See page 15 for more
information.
Exhibit Program Descriptions
Special
All of the programs below are a half-day (2 hours) in length. Exhibit programs can be paired with a
self-guided or regular program to create a full day experience. Recommended grade levels with direct
curriculum links are listed first, and grades listed in parenthesis have indirect curriculum connections.
Holiday Traditions (Open mid–November through December)
“Thank you so
much for the fantastic
experience today! The kids
loved it and were chattering
about insects during snack
and how they were going to
hunt for them at recess.”
- Teacher of videoconference participants
Toddlers & Trains
ECE, K
($11.50 per child)
All Aboard! Gather your mini-conductors and bring them for
a morning full of fun as we explore our traditional train sets
and Mediterranean Garden, hear holiday stories, and take a
ride on a train.
Holiday Traditions
Gr. 2 (Gr. 1, 3)
Many cultures have seasonal traditions to celebrate the
coming of a new year and new season. Discover the
important role that plants play in some of these celebrations
through interactive activities. In RBG tradition, students
experience Canada’s largest botanical train installation,
made almost entirely of natural plant material.
Ice Age Mammals (Open mid–January through mid–April)
Ice Age Mammals
K (ECE) Giant beavers, mastodons, and mammoths! Bring your
students on an adventure to the far north and explore life
among the mammals of the Ice Age. With games, lively
interactions and explorations, everyone is sure to have a
good experience with these amazing creatures.
Animals of the Ice Age
Gr. 1, 2
All living things require food, water, air, space, and shelter.
Students engage in activities that help them identify ice age
animal groups, understand how they survived in extreme
conditions, and how some of those animals still survive in
our environment today.
Plants of the Ice Age
Gr. 3
Plants in an ice age? Absolutely! Through hands-on activities
and exhibit exploration, students learn about the kinds of
plants that live in the extreme conditions of the north and
the strategies they use to survive and reproduce.
Ice Age Habitats
& Communities
Gr. 4
What kind of food webs existed during the Ice Age?
Students explore the exhibit and play games that help them
understand the relationship between Ice Age mammals and
the unique habitats of the far north. They discover what that
habitat is like today and what animals still live there.
Species at Risk: Then and Now
Gr. 4, 6, 7 (Gr. 5, 8)
Which animals survived ice age extinction? Which did not? How
are the risks that today’s mammals face similar and different
to the risks of the ice age? Students explore answers to these
questions as they examine the factors that threaten species
in any age and how they can help today’s at-risk species.
People in the Ice Age
Gr. 5 (Gr. 6)
Invite your students to come on an archeological expedition
to investigate the clues and artefacts about the people who
once lived in Beringia and the Yukon. What can be learned
about an ancient civilization from only stones and bones?
Mid-January
through mid-April
RBG Centre
RBG School Programs 2016/2017 / 9
Programs Offered: Secondary
See pages 11–13 for program descriptions. All modules are half-day (2 hr) unless noted.
Check out Perfect Partners (page 11) for suggested program combinations to create a
full-day experience!
Science, Environment, Geography, and Technology
9
10
11
12
Survival
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Quest in the Arb
Wetland Study
Terrestrial Study
Invasive Species
Fishway Demonstration
Project Paradise
Species at Risk
Getting to Know GPS
Soil Study
Plant Evolution
2016/2017 SENIOR
STUDENT SYMPOSIA
The Great Plant Challenge
Natural History & Identification: Plants
The Great Plant Challenge: Symposium
Diversity of Living Things
Citizen Science: Birds
Every semester, Royal Botanical Gardens
offers a unique, experiential learning
opportunity for students in Grade 11
Biology and Green Industries. Focusing on
plant biology, ecology and biodiversity, The
Great Plant Challenge brings scientists
and ecologists together with your students
for a day of real-world scientific
exploration indoors and out.
Arts and Language
Students explore plant structure, function,
growth, survival and uses as they relate to
sustainability, research and conservation.
Join us for hands-on, minds-on learning in
the field!
Initiatives and Low Ropes Challenges
Fall: October 6, 2016
Spring: May 18, 2017
Detailed programs for these
symposia are available online:
www.rbg.ca/symposium
Register early, as space sells
out quickly.
Fee: $16/student
Complete program descriptions and
online resources available at our Teacher
Portal at www.rbg.ca/schools.
10 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017
Arts in the Outdoors
Creative Writing in Nature
Physical Activity and Healthy Living
The Natural World (2hr)
Hit the Trails! (4hr)
Team-building Games
Adventure Challenge Course (limited dates)
Self-Guided: Arboretum
Self-Guided: Hendrie Valley
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● — program has specific connections to curriculum for this grade
○ — program available for this grade, but may have less direct curriculum connections
Photography
Clubs and Classes:
With your camera on our
trails, practise your micro,
macro, and landscape shots
in a unique and stunning
location. Explore Hendrie Park,
Mediterranean Garden, or
any of our trails to capture
that great shot.
www.rbg.ca/schools
Program Descriptions: Secondary
All of the modules below are half-day (2 hours) in length unless otherwise noted. Combine two
modules to make a full-day (4 hours) experience. Course codes listed indicate direct curriculum links
but other courses may apply; contact us for more details.
Science, Environment, Geography, and Technology
Perfect Partners
Secondary
(Grade 9 to 12)
• Fishway Demonstration
and Wetland Study
• Project Paradise
and Wetland Study
• 2-hour Curriculum Program
and Survival Game
• Citizen Science: Birds
and Art in the Outdoors
video
conference
Request a VC with your on-site
outdoor field trip to complement
your students’ experience.
See page 14 for details.
Survival Game
Year-round
SNC 1D/P,
All PPL Open courses, PLF 4M
With our Arboretum as their playing field, students are
challenged to think strategically as they take on the role of
an animal seeking the basic necessities for survival. Students
will run, hide, and learn first-hand about the natural and
human obstacles which animals face every day. This program
is a perfect pairing with any other program.
Quest in the Arb
Full-day, Year-round
Any and every course
Looking for a fun way to do a culminating activity? We take
your test questions and put them into our course. Students
head outside to complete a two-level challenge course using
a simple map, GPS, and their own problem-solving skills while
completing questions that apply directly to classroom learning.
Special
Wetland Ecosystems
May–June, September–October
SNC 1D/1P
SBI 3U, SVU 3E
Wetlands are havens for biodiversity. In this module,
students study the biodiversity of aquatic invertebrates in
one or two different wetlands, and relate it to the physical
characteristics and human disturbance of each. During times
of low water levels, Terrestrial Ecosystems may be substituted.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
May–June, September–October
SNC 1D/1P,
SBI 3U, SVU 3E
Ecosystems function by a fine balance of living and nonliving factors. Through active participation in data collection,
students compare disturbed and relatively undisturbed
terrestrial ecosystems to assess the impact of human
activities on invertebrate diversity.
Invasive Species
April–June, September–November
SNC 1D/1P
THJ 3M/3E
CGR 4M
Help us control our forests from alien invaders! Students
learn about alien invaders and their effects on the ecosystems
around RBG. During the autumn months there may be
opportunity to participate in removal efforts as we work to
restore diversity and promote the growth of native species.
The Fishway Demonstration
May–June,
Special
September–early October
SNC 1D/1P, CGC 1D/1P SBI 3U,
SVN 3M, CGF 3M CGR 4E
The Fishway is a sight to see! Students see this sophisticated
conservation tool in action with an up-close look at the fish
that pass through. Learn about the function of The Fishway
and the complex history and current restoration of Cootes
Paradise Marsh. Takes place at our Princess Point location.
Project Paradise
April–June, September–October
SNC 1D/1P, CGC 1D/1P
SBI 3U, SVN 3M, CGF 3M
CGR 4E
This guided hike takes students along the shores of Cootes
Paradise marsh, the largest wetland on western Lake
Ontario. Students learn about the history of human impact
on the marsh and how Project Paradise is working to restore
it to its original condition. Be prepared to take advantage of
the ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
Species at Risk
April–June, September–October
SNC 1D/1P,
SBI 4U, CGR 4M, CGR 4E
RBG provides critical habitat for many species at risk, and
this program examines how they are designated, what
factors put them in danger, and how humans can help.
Through inquiry and active simulations, students investigate
the survival or demise of species and populations. We may
even encounter some of these rare plants and animals!
RBG School Programs 2016/2017 / 11
Getting to Know GPS
Year-round
CGC 1D/1P, TGJ 2O CGT 3O CGO
4M All PPL Open courses, PLF 4M
Special
Soil Study
May–June, September–October
THJ 2O/3M, SVN 3M, (SBI 3C)
Special
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is used in
everything from field research to collections management,
and is even the basis of a popular recreational activity called
Geocaching. In this hands-on tutorial, students learn the
operation of our GPS units then practice their new skills in a
multi-cache course to find a hidden treasure!
There’s much more to humble dirt than meets the eye!
Soil is the foundation of nearly all terrestrial ecosystems.
In this study, students compare the physical characteristics
and nutrients of soil from different sites, and determine the
impact that humans have on the world beneath our feet.
Plant Evolution
(Half-day or full-day)
Year-round
THJ 2O/4M, SBI 3U
From spores to seeds, follow the path of evolution to uncover
the hidden mysteries of the Plant Kingdom. Guided through
the gardens and natural lands, students are introduced to the
classification of the major groups of photosynthetic organisms
and how plants play a critical role in preserving life on Earth.
Natural History
& Identification: Plants
Year-round
THJ 2O/3M/3E/4M, SVU 3E
Depending on the season, this module focuses on trees,
wildflowers or forest-floor plants. By taking part in guided
hikes and hands-on activities, students classify plants
according to their physiological characteristics, investigate
the anatomical structure of plants, and identify the
important role plant biodiversity plays in the creation of
sustainable ecosystems.
The Great Plant Challenge
Symposium
Fall: October 8, 2016
Spring: May 18, 2017
SBI 3U/C, THJ 3M/3E, SVU 3M/E
Focusing on plant biology, ecology, and biodiversity, the
Symposium brings scientists and ecologists together with
students for a day of real-world scientific exploration. Students
explore plant structure, function, growth, survival, and usage
in relation to sustainability, research and conservation. Join us
for hands-on, minds-on learning in the field!
Special
Diversity of Living Things
Year-round
SBI 3U
The natural world is full of so many different organisms, and
their organization through taxonomy is still controversial.
Through hands-on investigations, students learn how to use
a dichotomous key for classification and basic identification.
At the same time they discover why all three types of
biodiversity are so important to every ecosystem!
Citizen Science: Birds
Year-round
Today, more than ever before, nature needs our help. This
module introduces the concept of Citizen Science, a way that
individuals can participate in conservation and stewardship
while enjoying nature anywhere in the world — even their
own backyard. With an understanding of conservation,
stewardship, and citizen science, and armed with some basic
tools and identification skills, students spread out in the
Arboretum for a great birding experience!
Arts and Language
Arts in the Outdoors
Year-round
AVI 1O, AVI 2O, AVI 3M, AVI 3O
12 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017
Using nature as both muse and medium, students unleash
their creativity in this visual arts program. After viewing
some of our outdoor art, students will create their own.
Interpreters help the class build a connection to the natural
world through observation and imagination. What messages
will your students make through their creations?
Creative Writing in Nature
Year-round
All ENG courses, ESL courses,
EOSSLC, and EWC 4U/C
Let nature inspire your creative side! By using skills such as
listening, observing, imaging, and exploring, students will
learn and employ strategies for writing using nature as their
muse. Whether it is for poetry, non-fiction, or narratives,
RBG’s gardens and natural lands can unlock the power of
literature from within your students.
Physical Activity and Healthy Living
The Natural World 2-Hr
Year-round
All PPL Open courses, PLF 4M
Enjoy trails that take the class through interior forest and
to great viewpoints. Topics covered along the way can be
tailored to complement desired curricula, or simply left to
focus on the experience and follow the students’ curiosity.
This program pairs well with any other program to extend
your RBG experience into a full-day field trip.
Hit the Trails! 4-Hr
Year-round
All PPL Open courses, PLF 4M
If you’re looking for an immersive outdoor experience that
also involves learning, this is the program! On this full-day
adventure, students join an RBG guide on a hike through
some of the spectacular and diverse landscapes that make
this area unique. Topics covered along the way can be
tailored to complement desired curricula, or simply left to
focus on the experience and follow the students’ curiosity.
Team-building Games
Year-round
All PPL Open courses, PLF 4M
Working together, a small group of people can achieve
much. Led by our facilitators, our teambuilding activities are
designed to break the ice, build communication, and develop
initiative while also challenging the group to think as a unit.
This is a fun and exciting way to bring a group together at
any point during the year.
Initiatives and Low Ropes
Challenges 4-Hr
April–June, September–November
All PPL Open courses, PLF 4M
Looking for a way to get your class or group thinking and
working as a team? These challenges help students develop
leadership, communication, problem-solving skills, and
teamwork. Challenges involve simulations and role-playing
both on and off the ground. Warm-up activities prepare the
group for the challenges and debriefing discussions help
students apply the outcomes to everyday life.
Special
Adventure Challenge Course
October 17–21, 2016
April 24–28, 2017
All PPL Open courses, PLF 4M
Special
Self-guided: Arboretum
Year-round
Self-guided: Hendrie Park
Year-round
RBG’s Adventure Challenge Course is full of physical
obstacles and problem-solving activities created to challenge
your students and help build dynamics within your group.
The 5-km outdoor course is set in RBG’s Arboretum and aims
to provide students with a unique and fun physical activity
with an emphasis on completion of the physical and mental
tasks, not competition.
Come explore the gardens or trails. The Arboretum offers
trails through the forest down to the marsh shoreline
with great opportunities for bird watching. Hendrie Park
has beautiful flower beds and a vegetable village for your
students to explore. See page 15 for more information.
RBG School Programs 2016/2017 / 13
D
VIRTUAL FIEL
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Virtual Field Trips
Anytime. Anywhere!
T
Royal Botanical Gardens has
s been
rip via
offering education programs
D2007, building on
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and school group programs. We can
connect to any school — all you need is
a computer with a broadband connection,
a webcam, and a projector!
These interactive programs are naturebased and linked to your curriculum. After
requesting a program and consultation,
teachers receive documents with a
presentation outline, and pre- and postconference activities.
How to book a program:
Programs are by request except Special
Presentations which are advertised
for specific dates and times. For more
detailed program information visit
www.rbg.ca/videoconferencing, or
check CILC, www.cilc.org.
Fee: $130; Connection: IP (H.323) OR a
software solution – FieldTripZoom
Contact: Karin Davidson-Taylor,
Education Officer,
[email protected]
or 905-527-1158, ext. 249.
Tr s
Virtual Field Trips Programs:
ield ipVideoconference
AL
F
Grade
Animal Connections
Creatures with Wings and Crawly Things*
Insects in Winter
Plant Connections
Plant Parts and Pumpkins*
Seeds on the Go*
Growing Seeds*
Pollination Partners*
Colours in Nature
Photosynthesis
Plant Diversity
Plant Adaptations: Mediterranean
Plant Adaptations: Wetland
V I RT U
K
1
2
3
4
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Organic Gardening
Chocolate: From Treasure to Treat
Good Things come in Trees*
Healing Plants
Winter Tree ID NEW
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Wetland Ways*
Human Impacts on Wetland Ecosystem
Special Programs
Careers in Botany,
Conservation or Horitculture
How does your Garden Grow
Teacher Professional Development (FREE)
7
8
9 10 11 12
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*En Francais? French instruction is now available for some of our programs, enquire for details.
Coming Soon: Biomimicry, Plant Bytes, Basic Plant ID, Monarch Habitat, and more!
● — program has specific connections to curriculum for this grade
○ — program available for this grade, but may have less direct curriculum connections
Custom PD environmental education programs available, contact Barbara
McKean at [email protected] or 905-527-1158, ext. 247.
Classroom Mini Marsh Workshop — April 2017
Adult Education
and Professional Development
RBG Experiences
COURSE CALENDAR — May to September 2015
Bring a marsh into your classroom! Take a Mini Marsh kit back to the
classroom, your students plant the marsh and watch it grow. Complimentary
but registration required. See hamiltonharbour.ca/classroom_mini_marsh.
Species-at-Risk Teacher Workshop (P, J, I, or S)
Find out about species-at-risk in your area and how you can support their
survival. Look at how to integrate species-at-risk content across the
curriculum. On-site at RBG or through a virtual field trip. Resource guide
provided. Developed with support from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Research shows that children who play and learn in nature are healthier,
happier and smarter. RBG is the lead partner in the Back to Nature
Network. Learn more about connecting children in nature in a presentation
or hands-on workshop. Download an English or French copy and find out
about our teacher workshops at www.back2nature.ca.
14 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017
6
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Biomes/Ecosystems
Invasive Species and Biodiversity NEW
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS
Presentations and PD Workshops
5
GARDENING Health & Wellness Green Living
BOTANICAL ARTS & CRAFTS Nature Lovers HIKING
Canoeing SPECIAL EVENTS Learn by Doing!
Sustainable Living
Family Environmental Education
Let your mind grow
Our adult education courses
provide many opportunities
for teachers to refresh and
update their plant- and
nature-based knowledge,
learn new skills and gain new
insight into the natural world.
Courses that teachers may
find especially interesting
include Monarch Tagging,
Wildflower ID, Vegetable
Gardening, Birdwatching and
ID, Children’s Gardening, and
Botanical Arts and Crafts.
Prices vary and pre-registration is essential.
Call 905-527-1158, ext. 270 for details or register online
through our secure service at www.rbg.ca.
SELF-GUIDED Visit
Arboretum/Cootes Paradise north shore trails and Hendrie Park/Natural Playground are excellent sites for a self-guided exploration.
Check out our seasonal trail highlights at www.rbg.ca/onthetrails, and find out what’s in bloom at www.rbg.ca/whatsinbloom.
Reminders
Planning
1. S ubmit an online reservation request at
www.rbg.ca/schools
2. Await confirmation
3. Contact 905-527-1158, ext. 276 or
[email protected] with any questions, concerns or
special requirements
Location
Please review your confirmation materials closely
for program location details. Our programs run at
multiple sites on RBG’s property. Please direct your
bus driver’s attention to the program location details
on your booking confirmation.
Payment
Due upon arrival and based on the confirmed
number of students. We accept Visa,
MasterCard, AmEx, debit, cheque and cash.
Invoicing available upon request.
Cancellation Policy
Please inform our bookings coordinator at least ONE
MONTH prior to your visit, otherwise you are charged
the minimum booking fee (extreme weather/school
closures are exempt), unless program is rebooked.
Weather
We are a rain or shine facility. Please be
prepared to be outdoors during your visit.
Please share the What to Bring handout
with your class — download this handout at
www.rbg.ca/schools. For safety reasons, we
request that all students wear close-toed shoes.
Lunch
Please have your class bring “Litter-less” lunches.
Please share the Litter-less Lunches handout
with your class — download this handout at
www.rbg.ca/schools. Please bring nut-free snacks
and lunches.
Special Needs and Accessibility
RBG is committed to providing exceptional and
accessible service to our visitors — our programs
are designed to be inclusive. Please contact
905-527-1158 ext. 276 or [email protected] to discuss
any special needs or accessibility requirements.
Royal Botanical Gardens Also Offers
year-round educational programs and events for the
entire family — for full details visit www.rbg.ca.
RBG School Programs 2016/2017 / 15
Our Educational mission
Education at Royal Botanical Gardens encourages environmental stewardship by
providing meaningful and diverse learning experiences that connect people with the
wild and cultivated plant world and help them to understand the crucial role that
plants play in sustaining and enhancing our lives and the environment.
You can download a PDF of this guide at www.rbg.ca/schools.
Featured Program Areas
See map on page 15
About Us
Royal Botanical Gardens is a living museum covering over 1,100 hectares of display
gardens and natural areas that celebrate the relationship between humanity and
nature. We are Canada’s biodiversity hot spot — home to more species of wild
plants than any other area in the country. We have been offering hands-on learning
experiences that connect children and nature since 1947.
Our staff are enthusiastic educators who delight in sharing their passion for the
natural world and environmental stewardship, and designing and delivering dynamic,
curriculum-based learning experiences for students.
Come and learn with us as we explore the relationship between the plant world,
society and the environment.
Nature Interpretive Centre (NIC), Arboretum,
20A Old Guelph Road, Dundas
What makes RBG UNIQUE:
• O
ur setting — is Canada’s biodiversity hot spot, part of Niagara Escarpment
World Biosphere Reserve and Ontario Greenbelt, a Nodal Park in Niagara
Escarpment Park System, and part of Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System. RBG
is a National Historic Site of Canada that contains Class 1 wetlands and provincial
Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, and has been declared a nationally
Important Bird Area and an Important Area for Reptiles and Amphibians.
© Geotrail.ca
• O
ur programs — meet Ontario curriculum requirements, are developed by
certified teachers and facilitated by trained outdoor educators to meet Ministry of
Education expectations.
Rock Chapel Sanctuary,
318 Rock Chapel Rd., Hamilton L8H 5E2
• O
ur experience — includes 68 years of education programming that builds
meaningful connections with nature and a sense of environmental stewardship.
• O
ur commitment — is to provide exceptional and accessible service.
Call to find out how we can accommodate your needs.
Exit Waterdown
Road
Exit York Road
to Plains Road
25
NT
BRA
rom
f
s
ute
mi n
Bo
tan
Arboretum
and Nature
Interpretive Centre
Rock
Garden
Cootes Paradise Fishway, Princess Point,
355 Longwood Rd. N., Hamilton
45 minutes from TORONTO
45 minutes from KITCHENER/WATERLOO
ica
FORD
Exit Fairview/
Plains Road
lD
r
45 minutes from NIAGARA
and bridge to U.S.A
Mediterranean Garden
RBG Centre and Hendrie Valley,
680 Plains Road West, on the
Burlington/Hamilton border
16 / RBG School Programs 2016/2017