Education Programs at Mac Johnson Wildlife Area

Our facilities include a heated Nature Centre with washrooms and 532 hectares (1314 acres) of mixed forest, fields, pond and wetland. During the winter, a natural skating rink is maintained on the pond when conditions permit. There are 11 km of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Times

Fees

• $5.50 per student attending for all regular half day programs.
• A minimum fee of $100.00 applies to all groups.
• Please bring cash or a cheque made payable to the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority on the day of your visit.
• There will be a $10.00 late fee charged for payments made after your visit.

Booking Instructions

Please leave a detailed message including your name, school, grade, class size, proposed dates and choice of program. We will confirm either by phone or e-mail and then also in writing. Note the dates of availability for each program.

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Cancellation

Education staff will contact your school by 8:00 a.m. if we need to cancel due to severe weather. There will be no charge for a cancellation made due to severe weather conditions. Please dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

If you have any questions please call Ron Gardiner at (613) 342-5824.

Program Dates

• Fall Programs - September 13 to December 10, 2010 (The last date for Critters and Minibeasts, Merry Metamorphosis, Pond Community, Pond Water Ecology and Soils in the Environment is October 15, 2010.)
  
• Winter Programs - January 10 to February 25, 2011
  
• Spring Programs - April 11 to June 17, 2011 (The first date for Critters and Minibeasts, Merry Metamorphosis, Pond Community, Pond Water Ecology and Soils in the Environment is May 2, 2011)

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Program Descriptions

Programs are listed below in alphabetical order under secondary and elementary programs. If you have any questions, please call us.

Secondary School Programs

• Science and Technology
• Canadian and World Studies in Geography
• Healthy Active Living Education

We encourage students to participate in critical thinking and hands-on activities.

Conservation - Instincts for Survival (all seasons) (Grade 9) Biology - Academic/Applied
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.

Interactions Within Ecosystems - Succession (fall and spring) (Grade 9) Biology - Academic/Applied
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 loosestrife in the wetland.

Pond Water Ecology (fall and spring) (Grade 9) Biology - Academic/Applied
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.

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Elementary School Programs

Biosphere Hike (Grades 3 and up) Science and Technology
The Thousand Islands-Brockville-Kingston area has been designated the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Come on a guided hike and discover what a biosphere is and some of the unique features of this area. Caring for nature and the proper use of outdoor areas are stressed.

Colours in Nature (Grades K-3) Science and Technology
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.

Conservation - Instincts for Survival (Grades 4-8) Science and Technology
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.

Critters and Minibeasts (Grades K-6) Science and Technology
This program involves a study of insects and other small animals found in the forest, field and short grass environments. Emphasis is on respect for life, observation, description, classification and life cycles. Higher grades can study classification of invertebrates.

Footprints and Fur (Grades 4-8) Science and Technology
Tracks in the snow and nibbled twigs tell a story of winter survival. After an introduction to animal tracks, the staff will lead an extended nature hike to discover signs of animals in winter. This program is conducted on snowshoes - snow and weather permitting.

Interactions Within Ecosystems - Succession (Grades 7-8) Science and Technology
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 loosestrife in the wetland.

Knee Deep in Wildflowers (Grades K-3) Science and Technology
A walk along the Wildflower Loop Trail will introduce students to the many varieties of spring or fall wildflowers. “Please Don’t Pick The Flowers” is a game that will help students learn about the friends and enemies of flowers.

Making Sense of Nature (Grades K-3) Science and Technology
Students use their senses to participate in a variety of fun activities designed to acquaint them with the wonders of the natural world.

Merry Metamorphosis - Tadpole to Frog (Grades K-3) Science and Technology
This program focuses on the life cycle of the frog. Freddy Frog introduces the concepts in a short puppet play and the children see plastic models of tadpoles in the various stages of metamorphosis. This is followed by role playing and listening and imitating frog calls. We then take a trip to the pond to collect and observe tadpoles and frogs in different stages of development and to compare bull frogs and leopard frogs.

Orienteering - Part 1 (map reading) (Grades 4-8) Social Studies, Geography and Physical Education
The emphasis in this program is upon map reading skill. Students will be taken through a progression that includes memory, line and score orienteering.

Orienteering - Part 2 (using a compass) (Grades 4-8) Social Studies, Geography and Physical Education
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 practise 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.

Plants - Part of Our Living Environment (Grades 4-6) Science and Technology
This is a study of plants and the non-living components of the environment that affect their growth. Study of plants in two different communities (forest and field) encourages comparisons and makes adaptations more apparent. A simulation game is played to stress the importance of plants.

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Pond Community (Grades K-6) Science and Technology
This program allows the students to examine the interrelationship between non-living things, plants and animals in a pond community. With the activities in this study, we hope to develop a respect for life, an awareness of the interdependence of living things and an understanding of pond food chains.

Pond Water Ecology (Grades 7-8) Science and Technology
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.

Rocks and Minerals (Grades 4-8) Science and Technology
The Mac Johnson Wildlife Area is an ideal site for this study, as it has examples of sedimentary, sand dunes, and glacial boulders. Activities include a limited collection of rocks for labeling and classification, a hike to observe the three types of rock formations, and a game of “Name That Rock.”

Seeds Please (Grades K-3) Science and Technology
Students discover the secrets of plants on the move by collecting and classifying seeds. The mysteries of seed dispersal and its importance are highlighted.

Snowshoeing (Grades 4-8) Physical Education
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.

Snug In The Snow (Grades K-3) Science and Technology
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.

Soils In The Environment (Grades K-8) Science and Technology
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.

Spaces and Places: Map Reading (Grades K-3) Social Studies and Physical Education
This is a basic introduction 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.

Water Cycle Journey (Grade 2) Science and Technology
Puppets introduce your class to the main components of the water cycle: the sun, clouds, wind and rain. Disguised as water droplets, your class will go on a water cycle hike through the field and forest. Through a game, drama, weather stories and exploration, your students will come to understand the importance of the water cycle and the seasonal effects of the weather on plants and animals.

What Do They Do In Winter? (Grades K-3) Science and Technology
This program provides the opportunity to explore ways animals prepare for and cope with winter in Ontario. Beginning with a puppet play, Cecil 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.

Winter Birds (Grades K-6) Science and Technology
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.

Winter Survival (Animal Adaptations) (Grades 4-6) Science and Technology
Through several activities, students will investigate how animals survive our cold winters. Comparisons will be made between animal and human winter survival. Under teacher supervision, students can stay the afternoon and skate on the pond as conditions permit.

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Programs at a Glance by Grade Level

Details of each program are listed in alphabetical order in the Program Descriptions section above.

Kindergarten to Grade 3
Colours in Nature (all seasons)
Critters and Minibeasts (fall and spring)
Knee Deep in Wildflowers (fall and spring)
Making Sense of Nature (all seasons)
Merry Metamorphosis - Tadpole to Frog (fall and spring)
Plants - Part of Our Living Environment (fall and spring)
Pond Community (fall and spring)
Seeds Please (fall and spring)
Snug in the Snow (winter)
Soils in the Environment (fall and spring)
Spaces and Places: Map Reading (all seasons)
Water Cycle Journey (Grade 2) (all seasons)
What do They do in Winter? (winter)
Winter Birds (winter)

Grades 4 to 6
Biosphere Hike (all seasons)
Conservation - Instincts for Survival (all seasons)
Critters and Minibeasts (fall and spring)
Footprints and Fur (winter)
Orienteering - Part I Map Reading (all seasons)
Orienteering - Part II Using a Compass (all seasons)
Plants - Part of Our Living Environment (fall and spring)
Pond Community (fall and spring)
Rocks and Minerals (fall and spring)
Snowshoeing (winter)
Soils in the Environment (fall and spring)
Whether the Weather (Grade 5) (all seasons)
Winter Birds (winter)
Winter Survival - Animal Adaptations (winter)

Grades 7 and 8
Biosphere Hike (all seasons)
Conservation - Instincts for Survival (all seasons)
Critters and Minibeasts (fall and spring)
Footprints and Fur (winter)
Interactions Within Ecosystems - Succession (fall and spring)
Orienteering - Part I Map Reading (all seasons)
Orienteering - Part II Using a Compass (all seasons)
Pond Water Ecology (fall and spring)
Rocks and Minerals (fall and spring)
Snowshoeing (winter)
Soils in the Environment (fall and spring)

Grades 9 to 12
Conservation - Instincts for Survival (all seasons)
Interactions Within Ecosystems - Succession (fall and spring)
Pond Water Ecology (fall and spring)
Map and Compass: Orienteering (all seasons)

Make a Day of It

There are also great recreation facilities including picnic areas, an 11 km trail system and a skating rink on the pond during the winter. There is a warming hut, a bonfire pit and washrooms located beside the reservoir and parking lot. The entrance fee for groups to use our facilities is $2.00 per person.

You must make a group booking to use our facilities by calling (613) 345-1990. To book an education program, please call (613) 342-5824.

Acknowledgments

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EVENTS | CONSERVATION SERVICES | COMMUNITY RELATIONS | CONSERVATION LANDS | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | FOUNDATION

Contact Us:
P.O. Box 160, Glenburnie, Ontario, Canada K0H 1S0
Telephone: (613) 546-4228
E-mail: crca@cataraquiregion.on.ca

©2010 Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority