Education

Environmental Education Programs

Inspiring students to become environmental stewards

The Southern Alberta chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS SAB) works to protect wild ecosystems in parks and protected areas. One of the best tools to do this is through education. Teaching about basic ecology and the conservation of Alberta’s wildlife and ecosystems increases environmental literacy and builds an ethic of environmental responsibility. Through our unique education programs, we seek to create a community of knowledgeable, empowered citizens who engage in stewardship and positive environmental action to conserve ecosystems, wilderness and protected areas.

Since 1997, the CPAWS SAB Education Team has delivered thousands of environmental education programs around Calgary and southern Alberta. We have earned several awards for our environmental education programs and continue to strive to provide excellence in our programs and delivery.

Endangered Species Investigation

Grades 3-6

Have CPAWS Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) come to your classroom, and uncover the case of endangered species in Alberta. Together you and your students will become detectives and investigate the victims, suspects, and crime scenes of disappearing wildlife.

Alberta Learning Curriculum Links:

Grade 3: Animal Life Cycles, Global Citizenship
Grade 4: Waste and Our World, Alberta: A sense of Life in Canada
Grade 5: Wetland Ecosystems, History and Stories of Ways of Life in Canada
Grade 6: Trees and Forests, Local Government

* Sponsored by HSBC

Water Rangers Program

Grades 4-6

Join CPAWS on a watery journey to investigate water use and conservation issues in the Bow River, and work together to find solutions for healthy watersheds. This interactive program uses drama, games, and props to learn about local geography and our precious water resources.

Alberta Learning Curriculum Links:

Grade 4: Waste and Our World, Alberta: A Sense of the Lan
Grade 5: Weather, Wetlands, Geography of Canada
Grade 6: Evidence and Investigation

Grizzly Bears Forever Program

Grades 7-9, Two Classroom Visits

The grizzly bear is an emblem of the Canadian wilderness. This year, let grizzly bears and CPAWS help you teach your students the Alberta Learning Curriculum. Explore the biology of the “Threatened” Alberta grizzly bear and their habitat. Through stories, biofacts, and engaging activities, students will learn about biological research, human impacts, staying safe in bear country, and the role they can play in grizzly bear recovery.

Alberta Learning Curriculum Links

Science 7: Interactions in Ecosystems
Science 9: Biological Diversity
Junior High Outdoor/Environmental Education

Grizzly Bears Forever Program

Grades 10-12, One Classroom Visit

Teach your students the Alberta Learning Curriculum with CPAWS’ unique and exciting science-based programs. Explore topics such as biological diversity, ecosystem and population dynamics, genetics, environmental monitoring, stewardship, and biological research.

Alberta Learning Curriculum Links

Biology 20: Ecosystems and Population Change
Biology 30: Population and Community Dynamics

Guided and Interpretive Hikes (Grades 3-12)

Take learning outdoors and celebrate nature! Offer your students an inspirational break from the classroom with a full day hike to learn about topics such as, grizzly bears, endangered species, First Nations facts and folklore, wetlands and ecosystem dynamics. CPAWS is a CBE service provider. Hikes are available from September – October and from April – June. Programs are located at Mount Yamnuska, Ribbon Creek, and Fish Creek Provincial Park.

To learn more about our previous programs please see our latest Year End Report.

Book a Program

To book a program or find out more information please contact Jennifer Casciani at (403) 232-6686 ext. 103 or jcasciani@cpaws.org

Program Fees:

$140 for 1 class
$130 – 2 classes,
$120 – 3 classes
$110 – 4 classes
$100 – 5 or more classes

Hiking Fee

$250/day
$225 for multiple bookings

* Students: 30 maximum per class

* Subsidies available for schools in need

* Please add GST to all program prices

Action Challenge

The Education Team here at CPAWS SAB has been heading into classrooms to talk to students about conservation, science and the environment. Sometimes classes ask us, “What can we do to help?” So … because YOU asked for it, we started the Action Challenge program. In 2003, CPAWS launched the Action Challenge program, designed to inspire students just like you to take positive action to help the environment.

CPAWS SAB awards four outstanding schools for their exceptional achievements every year. Our Action Challenge program winners for 2010 - 11 were:

Awesome Action Award: Rosemont School, Ms. Reschke’s Grade 4/5 students
Gareth Thompson Action Award: Forest Lawn High School, Mr. Joyce’s Grade 10-12 ENVOE students
Suncor Water Rangers Action Award: Nellie McClung School, Grade 4/5 GATE students
Honorary Suncor Water Ranger Action Award: Mackenzie Towne School, Ms. Hamm’s Grade 4/5 students

Teachers, if you want to learn more get our A Teacher’s Guide to Community Environmental Action or call our Education Coordinator, Jennifer Casciani, at 232-6686 (ext. 103).

Teacher Training & Adult Education

CPAWS Educators are often called upon to deliver professional development workshops for teachers, environmental educators, corporate groups, and youth workers.

We offer training workshops on various environmental themes, where participants learn about the topic and participate in a demonstration of the activities.To book a program or find out more information please contact Jennifer Casciani at (403) 232-6686 ext. 103 or jcasciani@cpaws.org

Testimonials

What teachers and students are saying about us!

Thanks for teaching us about how to understand nature …The hike was wonderful and the views were beautiful. – Morgan, Grade 5, Banff Elementary School
It was nice getting out of school and into the mountains. Thanks. – Christina, Grade 8, T.B. Riley Junior High School
Great personal details - it is easy for the students to relate as the bears are so close to us. – Ms. Husband, Teacher, Senator Patrick Burns School
I enjoyed the variety presented throughout the hour. Good visuals/‘special guest’/ and the ‘Bears of Banff’ activity had students’attention throughout. – Wendy Allsopp, Teacher, Lawrence Grassi Middle School
I really enjoyed the stuff we did. The activities I think were great. Also, we learned and had fun. Thanks for everything. – Alex, Student, Calgary Science School
I appreciated the connection with the curriculum dealing with ecosystems, endangered species and the factors causing species (decline). – Bob Hodgins, Teacher, Meadowbrook Middle School
Fun! (A lot better than school). The game was good. It should have been longer. – Student, Canmore Collegiate High School
I know that I learned a lot of new things about grizzly bears that I didn’t know before. Thank you! – Todd, Student, Calgary Science School
You were able to cover more in one period than I did in three weeks … I think the best part of the program is the variety of activities/media used. Presentation hit on many different learning styles. – Mark Barber, Teacher, Ecole Airdrie Middle School
[Your classroom presentation] met all of my expectations. I wanted a close link to curriculum, I wanted the students involved – and all of these things happened. – Cindy Perrault, Teacher, Bishop Kidd Junior High

Free Resources for Educators

Whether you are a teacher, a nature interpreter, or a parent, we have some terrific resources that can help you bring science and nature alive for the young people in your lives. CPAWS believes in helping educators, and we don’t mind doing it for free! The following CPAWS education resources are available for free download:

A Teacher's Guide to Community Environmental Action

Science, Grade 3-6:

Measuring the Success of Environmental Education Programs: This report reviews the basic tenets of environmental education, provides ten principles of excellent environmental education, and includes a glossary and other resources about outcomes-based evaluation.
Teacher’s Guide to Community; Environmental Action: This resource guides teachers through integrating action projects in the class.
An Uncertain Future: Students compare the historical and present distribution maps of several large carnivores in North America.
Animal Game: In this experiential outdoor game students assume the role of producers, consumers, or decomposers, to learn about food webs and chains.
Bat and Moth: A classic environmental education activity, where students discover what it’s like to be the hunter and the hunted.
Bio-What?: What exactly is biodiversity? Why is it important? Use these overheads to generate discussion.
Deer Ears: Students learn about the importance of stealth and good listening skills in this enjoyable outdoor activity.
Five Minute Field Trips: This resource is for teachers wishing to do simple and enjoyable outdoor environmental activities on their school campus. This is a “greatest hits” compilation of our favourite activities.
How do species become extinct?: Students will learn that loss of homes, or “habitat loss,” is the main factor that puts species in danger of extinction.
How we’re connected: In this activity, students take a close look at their lifestyle choices, and the impacts of those choices.
If the Earth were Small: This evocative poem by Joe Miller prompts listeners to wonder if we’d treat the Earth any different if it were only a few feet in diameter.
Mouse Roulette: In this active game students (owls) learn about food chains, factors affecting feeding, and the random poisoning of the mouse food supply.
We’re all Passengers: The Passenger Pigeon was once the most numerous bird in North America - yet it is now extinct. Students learn how this happened and examine their own thoughts and feeling about extinction.
Weird Webs: What happens when you remove a grizzly bear or a flower from an ecosystem or food web? Play this game to find out!
What does Endangered Mean?: This activity explains why species need their “special places” and what happens to them when these places are destroyed.
Who am I?: A fun-filled activity where students learn about the plants and animals found in a natural ecosystem.
A Perfect Pond Study: Use this lesson plan to help you lead your students through an exciting pond study
Pond Study Gear: Find out what you need for a pond study – and how to make it!
Plastic Bag Pond: This activity allows students to examine pond water up close, and will excite their curiosity and imagination about wetlands.
Water & Land Ecosystems: in this activity students make comparisons between aquatic and terrestrial species.
Wetland Pictionary: Pick a card, any card…and then draw it! This activity reviews wetland terminology in a creative way.

Social Science, Grade 3-6

Inventing the Future: This guide helps teachers and students think about the future and sustainability, through many inspiring, motivational and thought-provoking activities.
Take a Stand: Students think critically about some difficult questions and examine their own values as they “take a stand” on a difficult issue.
What about Shady Acres?: In this activity, students work through the process of municipal government to decide on the future of Shady Acres: will they preserve it, develop it, or learn to compromise?

Language Arts, Grade 3-6

Quote Poker: Students are given a “hand” of cards with environmental quotes written on them, to trade with their peers until they find the quote that they like best.
Why the Y2Y?: Students represent various stakeholders on the issue of conserving habitat for bears, illustrating the complexities.

Science, Grade 7-9

Bears of Banff: In this simulation game students assume the role of grizzlies as they try to meet their basic needs in a compromised ecosystem.
Disperse or Decease: Students play the role of focal species trying to disperse into new habitats, or deal with the consequences!
Ecosystem Enigmas: Students learn about the enigmas that occur when we try to manage a complex ecosystem. Find out why trees need bears and wolves!
Where is Sophie?: Using real GPS data points, students analyze a map to determine if Sophie, a real bear, is behaving the way a normal bear should.

Science, High School

Keys and Webs: Students use dichotomous keys and build food webs in the Rocky Mountain Ecosystem.

Environmental Education Web Links

Web links to our favourite environmental education sites, organization webpages, research, adopt-an-animal websites, and more!

Grizzly Bears

Endangered Species

Action Challenges

Activities, Resources, and Presentations

Adopt a…

If you are interested in raising money to support conservation efforts of a specific endangered species, check out these sites:

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