Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary

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Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Nature                             Teacher's Guide
                                   2018 • 2019

Explorations
Environmental education school programs
Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Welcome to The City of Calgary’s Nature Explorations guide.
    Here you will find information about the environmental
    education school programs we offer for students in preschool
    to Grade 12. Designed by experienced educators with a focus
    on hands-on learning, our programs encourage students
    to explore and experience nature in a whole new way.

    Let us take you on a journey beyond the classroom into
    a world of discovery, inquiry and beauty. Book your nature
    exploration today!

    Contents
    Program Booking Information ..................................................................................... 3

    Program Locations ................................................................................................................. 4

    Preschool and Kindergarten Programs ................................................................. 7

    Division One (Grades 1 – 3) Programs .................................................................... 8

    Division Two (Grades 4 – 6) Programs ................................................................. 12

    Division Three (Grades 7 – 9) Programs .............................................................. 16

    Sponsored Programs ......................................................................................................... 18

    Alumni Program .................................................................................................................... 20

    Room Rentals ........................................................................................................................... 22

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Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Program booking begins
                                                                                            Monday, June 4, 2018 for the

Program Booking                                                                             2018-2019 school year. Book
                                                                                            early to avoid disappointment!

Information
By phone:                                                           Please provide the following information when
                                                                    booking your programs:
Contact 311 or 403-268-2489 if outside the city limits.
                                                                    • Program names, locations and preferred dates and times

By email:                                                           • Class size

Contact ibs@calgary.ca for Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Devonian       • School address
Gardens, Reader Rock Garden and "Your location" bookings.
                                                                    • School phone number and your extension
Contact rkp@calgary.ca for Ralph Klein Park bookings.              • School fax number

                                                                    • Your first and last name

                                                                    • Best time to contact you
Visit calgary.ca/natureexplorations                                 Please note: A maximum of 6 adult guests (including the visiting
for more information.                                               teacher and parent volunteers) will be permitted into the classroom.
                                                                    Additional adult guests and family members are welcome to use our
                                                                    park facilities, however they will not be permitted into the classroom
                                                                    or outdoor learning experiences once the maximum number of adult
                                                                    guests is reached.

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Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Program
                                        Locations

                                        Parks and green spaces provide an ideal setting for students to
                                        connect with nature, our community and Calgary’s history. With an
                                        abundance of parkland and natural areas and over 60 public parks
                                        in our city, there are plenty of opportunities to enrich your students'
                                        learning in the great outdoors.

                                        Many of the programs in this guide are offered at the locations listed
                                        below. Visit calgary.ca/parks for more information about Calgary’s
                                        parks, pathways and green spaces.

                                        Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
                                        2425 9th Ave. S.E.
                                        The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is one of Calgary’s most protected
                                        parks. It offers a unique learning environment where students can
                                        observe many species of birds, plants and animals. The sanctuary
                                        has approximately two kilometres of walking trails and a teaching
                                        facility on site to accommodate your program needs.

                                        Help keep our parks wild. Please review the trail etiquette
                                        information attached to your booking confirmation and share it
                                        with your students and parent volunteers prior to your visit.

                                        Reader Rock Garden
                                        325 25th Ave. S.E.
                                        William Roland Reader, The City of Calgary Parks superintendent
                                        from 1913 to 1942, touted Calgary as the “Garden City of the
                                        West.” His legacy, Reader Rock Garden, transports students back
                                        in time through a first-hand look at our city’s ecological and
                                        cultural history. Located in the heart of Calgary, adjacent to
                                        Union Cemetery, this botanical treasure offers full-day programs
                                        that connect students with past legacies through journaling,
                                        observation and hands-on activities.

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Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Devonian Gardens
400 - 317 7th Ave. S.W.
Devonian Gardens, Calgary’s only indoor public park, provides
year-round opportunities for students to explore nature. Guided
walks at this downtown oasis focus on ecological literacy, botany
and unique features of the urban garden. Learn about the resident
Koi fish, tropical plants and the living green wall.

Ralph Klein Park
12350 84th St. S.E.
Ralph Klein Park is located within the Shepard Wetland, Canada’s
largest man-made storm water habitat. This unique 30-hectare park
offers a peaceful setting for nature exploration where students can
observe and interact with the watershed. The park's Environmental
Education Centre, built as an island within the wetland, features
interpretive exhibits, a green roof, classroom space and innovative
green technologies.

Help keep our parks wild. Please review the trail etiquette
information attached to your booking confirmation and share it
with your students and parent volunteers prior to your visit.

City Parks and Green Spaces
Calgary has an abundance of parks and green spaces where
students can connect with nature throughout the seasons.
Whether you meet us at a park or we walk to a green space
near your school, we will work with you to bring your outdoor
classroom to life.

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Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
“The kids and I really loved your program. You kept my ‘lively’
  class busy, engaged and interested!” — Grade 1 teacher

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Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Preschool and                                                                              Connect your curriculum to the
                                                                                           outdoors and your students to the

Kindergarten
                                                                                           wonders of nature through these
                                                                                           engaging introductory programs.

Short programs

Kate’s Coyotes                                                                   Owls of All Sizes
Students will have a howling good time helping Kate find her true                Alberta is home to over a dozen species of owls. Students will
identity. Through an interactive performance, craft and group                    explore the adaptations and great hunting abilities of these amazing
activities, students will learn about the diversity of Calgary’s wildlife,       creatures and will have a hoot crafting their own owl.
including mammals, birds and insects.
                                                                                  Grades         Preschool, kindergarten
 Grades          Preschool, kindergarten                                          Length         45 minutes
 Length          45 minutes                                                       Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, $65
 Offered at      Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, $65                                                  Your location, $100*
                 Your location, $100*

                                                                                 The Best Nest
Ladybug Lore                                                                     Help Rachel Robin find the perfect place to build her nest and raise
Learn about one of nature’s smallest creatures, the ladybug! Discover            her babies. Students will learn about eggs, nests and the birds that
this spotted insect’s interesting anatomy, hearty appetite and                   create them. This program includes a puppet show and craft.
important role as a pest controller. This interactive program includes
group activities and a craft, and will inspire young stewards to                  Grades         Preschool, kindergarten
protect these beloved beetles.                                                    Length         45 minutes
                                                                                  Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, $65
 Grades          Preschool, kindergarten
                                                                                                 Your location, $100*
 Length          45 minutes
 Offered at      Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, $65
                 Your location, $100*

Seasonal Safari                                                                            *Must be booked with another
Take your class on an indoor safari! Students will learn about animals,                      45-minute program within a
birds and other seasonal creatures by examining objects from                                 three-hour period.
nature. This hands-on program will have students exploring feathers,
furs, skulls and bones.

 Grades          Preschool, kindergarten
 Length          45 minutes
 Offered at      Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, $65
                 Your location, $100*

Please note: A maximum of 6 adult guests (including the visiting
teacher and parent volunteers) will be permitted into the classroom.
Additional adult guests and family members are welcome to use our
park facilities, however they will not be permitted into the classroom
or outdoor learning experiences once the maximum number of
adult guests is reached.

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Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Division One                                                                   Must be booked with another
                                                                                      45 minute program within a

       Grades 1 – 3                                                                   three hour period.

        Half-day programs
                                                                            Surviving the Seasons
    Animal Tracks                                                           Plants and animals reflect the seasonal changes in their natural
                                                                            surroundings. This program introduces students to the needs of
    Even the most secretive animals leave clues behind. Students
                                                                            living things, identifies the challenges posed by each season and
    will learn the art of observation by examining animal tracks and
                                                                            illustrates the strategies and adaptations animals use to survive.
    decoding the stories they tell us. Through an art activity, students
                                                                            Topics covered in this program vary by season.
    will explore different types of animal locomotion and learn how
    to identify tracks in nature.                                            Grades         1–3

     Grades         1–3                                                      Length          0 minutes
                                                                                            9                            45 minutes
                                                                                            (45-minute program           (program only)
     Length          0 minutes
                    9                            45 minutes                                 + 45-minute
                    (45-minute program           (program only)                             guided walk)
                    + 45-minute
                    guided walk)                                             Offered at     I nglewood Bird             Your location,
                                                                                             Sanctuary, $100             $100*
     Offered at     Inglewood Bird               Your location,
                    Sanctuary, $100              $100*
                                                                            Travelling Seed Show
    Insect Investigations                                                   Plants can’t travel, but their seeds can! Join Mr. Seed as he explores
                                                                            the amazing journey of tree, plant and flower seeds. Students will
    Explore the wonderful and strange world of insects! This program
                                                                            learn about the ingenious ways plants reproduce and participate in
    examines the bizarre structures of bugs and uncovers some of
                                                                            hands-on activities involving real seeds.
    their unique adaptations. Students will learn about the complexities
    of metamorphosis and discover why insects are so important.              Grades         1–3

     Grades         1–3                                                      Length          0 minutes
                                                                                            9                            45 minutes
                                                                                            (45-minute program           (program only)
     Length          0 minutes
                    9                            45 minutes                                 + 45-minute
                    (45-minute program           (program only)                             guided walk)
                    + 45-minute
                    guided walk)                                             Offered at     I nglewood Bird             Your location,
                                                                                             Sanctuary, $100             $100*
     Offered at     Inglewood Bird              Your location,
                     Sanctuary, $100             $100*
                                                                                                                 *Only $30 when booked
    Occupation Bird                                                         Nature Walks                          with another program!

    There are approximately 350 bird species in Alberta, each with their    Explore the wonders of nature through a guided walk.
    own adaptations to perform their most important job—survival!           Your students will discover plants, insects, birds and animals,
    Through a transformation into local bird species, students will learn   and investigate topics such as seasonal variation, migration,
    about the different adaptations of several native birds.                adaptation and hibernation.

     Grades         1–3                                                      Grades         Preschool – 9

     Length          0 minutes
                    9                            45 minutes                  Length         1 hour
                    (45-minute program           (program only)              Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Ralph Klein Park
                    + 45-minute                                                              and Devonian Gardens, $55*
                    guided walk)
                                                                                            Reader Rock Garden, $55* (Seasonal: September to
     Offered at     I nglewood Bird             Your location,                             October; April to June)
                     Sanctuary, $100             $100*                                      Park of your choosing, $75

8        Nature Explorations   2018 • 2019
Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Reader’s Rocks                      NEW

Did you know there are rocks from across Western Canada in
downtown Calgary? William Roland Reader collected rocks for
his garden from as far away as Manitoba! This program will have
students “cooking up” some fun learning about geology and
exploring William Reader’s rock collection.

 Grades         1–3
 Length          0 minutes
                9
                (45-minute program + 45-minute guided walk)
 Offered at      eader Rock Garden, $100 (Seasonal: September to
                R
                October; April to June)
                Only one class per day.

Please note: A maximum of 6 adult guests (including the visiting
teacher and parent volunteers) will be permitted into the classroom.
Additional adult guests and family members are welcome to use our
park facilities, however they will not be permitted into the classroom
or outdoor learning experiences once the maximum number of adult
guests is reached.

Seasonal Nature Studies
Grades 1–3                                                                                “The program was
Study one park, green space, pathway or your schoolyard in three
different seasons. An educator will guide your class through your                 wonderful, educational and
favourite natural area in fall, winter and spring. Activities include
nature walks, art projects, flora and fauna identification, animal
track investigations and more!
                                                                                  engaging. I would definitely
Topics may include:                                                                 book again in the future.”
 • Ecosystems
 • Urban ecology                                                                                — Grade 3 teacher
 • Senses
 • Habitats and communities
 • Life cycles
 • Needs of plants and animals
 • Seasonal changes
 • Small flying and crawling animals

 Grades         1–3
 Length         9 hours (3 sessions of 3 consecutive hours each)
 Cost           $400

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Nature Explorations Teacher's Guide 2018 2019 - The City of Calgary
Division One
 Spend a day in nature! Our one-day
 schools include a classroom session,
 guided walk and other outdoor
                                            Grades 1 – 3
 activities designed to bring your
                                             One-day schools
 curriculum to life.

                                         Animal Adaptations
                                         Explore the animal kingdom! Students will investigate what animals
                                         have in common and what makes them unique by examining
                                         their skulls, tracks, fur and teeth. Participants will learn how to
                                         identify these traits and discover how different adaptations help
                                         animals survive. This program includes adaptation stations and an
                                         introduction to animal families.

                                          Grades         1–3
                                          Length         5 hours
                                          Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, $195

                                         My Sense of Nature
                                         Let your senses run wild! This program explores nature’s unique
                                         sights, sounds, smells and textures. Students will learn about the
                                         seasons using their senses, participate in a journaling activity and
                                         express themselves through a series of "senses" games.

                                          Grades         1–3
                                          Length         5 hours
                                          Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, $195
                                                         Reader Rock Garden, $195 (Seasonal: September to
                                                         October; April to June)

                                         Surviving the Seasons
                                         From the heat of summer to the coldest winter day, many animals
                                         are able to survive and thrive in all four seasons. This program
                                         introduces students to the needs of living things, identifies the
                                         challenges posed by each season and illustrates the strategies and
                                         adaptations animals use to survive. Activities include an exploration
                                         exercise and seasonal art or games.

                                          Grades         1–3
                                          Length         5 hours
                                          Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, $195

10   Nature Explorations   2018 • 2019
Multi-program Savings!
                                                                                      Book two or more full-day
                                                                                      programs ($195 each) and pay
                                                                                      only $180 per program.

Wetland Wigglers Pond Study                                                 Shaping Up Nature
Immerse your students in the fascinating world of marsh life!               Shapes can tell stories and answer questions. Students will discover
Participants will explore aquatic acrobats and strange swimmers to          these hidden secrets of the natural world by slowing down and
learn what they can tell us about healthy wetlands.                         taking a closer look. This program includes an introduction to
This program includes a pond study, craft and an introduction to the        observation and interpretation techniques, a "looking deeply"
wetland ecosystem.                                                          journaling component and an exploration of shapes found in nature
                                                                            and man-made structures.
 Grades         1–3
 Length         5 hours                                                      Grades         1–3

 Offered at     I nglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park,             Length         5 hours
                 $195 (Seasonal: September to October; April to June)        Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, $195
                                                                                            Reader Rock Garden, $195 (Seasonal: September to
Become a Botanist                                                                           October; April to June)

This interactive program introduces students to the field of botany
and makes relevant curriculum links along the way. Participants will        Growing Gardens,
learn about plant biology and ecology through an exploration of
plant needs, photosynthesis and journaling.
                                                                            Changing Cities
                                                                            What stories do William Reader’s plants tell us? If a tree in Union
 Grades         1–3                                                         Cemetery could talk, what would it say? This multisensory program
                                                                            takes students on an exploration of the plants, stories and history
 Length         5 hours
                                                                            of Reader Rock Garden and Union Cemetery. Students will explore
 Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, $195        changes from small plant growth to Calgary’s city growth and
                Reader Rock Garden, $195 (Seasonal: September to            discover how these changes have shaped our world.
                October; April to June)
                                                                             Grades         1–3
                                                                             Length         5 hours
                                                                             Offered at      eader Rock Garden, $195 (Seasonal: September to
                                                                                            R
                                                                                            October; April to June)
                                                                                            Only one class per day.

                                                                            Please note: A maximum of 6 adult guests (including the visiting
                                                                            teacher and parent volunteers) will be permitted into the classroom.
                                                                            Additional adult guests and family members are welcome to use our
                                                                            park facilities, however they will not be permitted into the classroom
                                                                            or outdoor learning experiences once the maximum number of
                                                                            adult guests is reached.

                                                                        calgary.ca/natureexplorations   2018 • 2019                               11
Division Two                                                           Grades 4 – 6
 One-day schools

 Marsh Madness Wetland Study                                              Nature Evidence and
 Explore a local wetland ecosystem and discover the diversity
 of life that lives below the surface. This hands-on program includes
                                                                          Investigation
                                                                          Even the most secretive animals leave clues behind. Learn the art of
 an introduction to the local watershed, on-site pond dipping
                                                                          observation and discover animal signs that lie hidden in plain sight.
 and an exploration of the role students play in the sustainability
                                                                          Students will go on a nature walk, create a field guide of fur, tracks
 of our wetlands.
                                                                          and scat and interpret these clues to tell an animal’s story.
  Grades         4–6
                                                                           Grades         4–6
  Length         5 hours
                                                                           Length         5 hours
  Offered at     I nglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park,
                  $195 (Seasonal: September to October; April to June)     Offered at     I nglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park,
                                                                                           $195

 Become a Botanist                                                                        Reader Rock Garden, $195 (Seasonal: September to
                                                                                          October; April to June)
 This interactive program introduces students to the field of botany
 and makes relevant curriculum links along the way. Participants will
 learn about plant biology and ecology through hands-on learning
                                                                          Exploring Our Legacy
 stations, and will end the day by designing their own plant.             By connecting present-day urban living with Calgary’s historic
                                                                          past, this program takes students on an in-depth exploration of the
  Grades         4–6                                                      biodiversity and cultural diversity represented in two of the city's
                                                                          unique parks. Students will explore the legacies of past Calgarians
  Length         5 hours
                                                                          and participate in observation, journaling and hands-on activities to
  Offered at     I nglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park,         develop their own legacies.
                  $195
                 Reader Rock Garden, $195 (Seasonal: September to          Grades         4–6
                 October; April to June)
                                                                           Length         5 hours
                                                                           Offered at         NEW
                                                                                                     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, $195
                                                                                              Reader Rock Garden, $195 (Seasonal: September to
                                                                                              October; April to June) Only one class per day.

                                                                          Wild Weather and
                                                                          Calgary Climate NEW
                                                                          How do tornadoes form? Why can't you find the pot of gold at
                                                                          the end of the rainbow? Discover the answers to these questions
                                                                          and more in this exciting nature program. Students will explore
                                                                          climate change, weather phenomena, renewable energy sources
                                                                          and the impact weather has on society. Using a variety of devices,
                                                                          participants will measure the weather and perform a number of
                                                                          climate-related experiments.

                                                                           Grades         4-6
                                                                           Length         5 hours
                                                                           Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, $195

12    Nature Explorations   2018 • 2019
Multi-program Savings!
                                                                                           Book two or more full-day
                                                                                           programs ($195 each) and pay
                                                                                           only $180 per program.

Avian Air and Aerodynamics
Discover the amazing world of flight! This program explores the
structure and dynamics of a bird's anatomy and will have students
applying their knowledge of aerodynamics to design, build and test
a variety of flying devices.

 Grades         4–6
 Length         5 hours
 Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, $195

Forest Floor and More
This multidisciplinary program explores different communities found
in a forest and examines how they are interconnected. Through
outdoor activities, students will investigate what makes an urban
forest unique and how human actions influence its ecology.

 Grades         4–6
 Length         5 hours
 Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, $195

Please note: A maximum of 6 adult guests (including the visiting
teacher and parent volunteers) will be permitted into the classroom.
Additional adult guests and family members are welcome to use our
park facilities, however they will not be permitted into the classroom
or outdoor learning experiences once the maximum number of adult
guests is reached.

                                 *Only $30 when booked
Nature Walks                      with another program!

Explore the wonders of nature through a guided walk.
Your students will discover plants, insects, birds and animals,
and investigate topics such as seasonal variation,
migration, adaptation and hibernation.

 Grades         Preschool – 9
 Length         1 hour
 Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Ralph Klein Park
                 and Devonian Gardens, $55*
                Reader Rock Garden, $55* (Seasonal: September
                to October; April to June)
                Park of your choosing, $75

                                                                         calgary.ca/natureexplorations   2018 • 2019      13
“The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
  always has great educational
  programs! The nature walk was
  so beautiful and we saw lots of
  interesting things. Thank you
  for continuing to rebuild the
  area after the flood. It’s a favorite
  place of mine and we learn so
  much from being still in nature
  and absorbing.”
 — Grade 4 teacher

14   Nature Explorations   2018 • 2019
Division Two
   Grades 4 – 6
    One-day schools

Seasonal Nature Studies
Grades 4–6
Study one park, green space, pathway or your schoolyard in three
different seasons. An educator will guide your class through your
favourite natural area in fall, winter and spring. Activities include
nature walks, art projects, flora and fauna identification, animal track
investigations and more!

Topics may include:
 • Ecosystems
 • Urban ecology
 • Senses
 • Habitats and communities
 • Life cycles
 • Needs of plants and animals
 • Seasonal changes
 • Small flying and crawling animals
 • Waste in our world

 Grades         4–6
 Length         9 hours (3 sessions of 3 consecutive hours each)
 Cost           $400

                                                                           calgary.ca/natureexplorations   2018 • 2019   15
Division Three                                                            Grades 7 – 9
  One-day schools

  BioBlitz                                                                  H20hh!
  BioBlitzing is a fast, fun and fantastic way to get your students         Catch the wave of water literacy with this innovative and interactive
  excited about biodiversity. It involves identifying as many species       one-day school. This program will dive into the science of water
  as possible in a short time—anyone can do it! Students will learn         quality and wetland ecology, and empower students to create a
  how to BioBlitz by identifying the plants and animals found in a local    sustainable water future. Students will learn about the "story of
  green space using various techniques. This program will explore           storm water" and participate in a water testing activity.
  species diversity and its importance to the health of an ecosystem.
                                                                             Grades         7–9
   Grades         7–9                                                        Length         5 hours
   Length         5 hours                                                    Offered at     Ralph Klein Park, $195
   Offered at     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park,
                   $195 (Seasonal: September to October; April to June)

                                                                                           Multi-program Savings!
                                                                                           Book two or more full-day
                                                                                           programs ($195 each) and pay
                                                                                           only $180 per program.

“This was a very well organized day. The leader was excellent –
  kind, friendly and fun. The site was modern and nature filled!”
— Grade 7 teacher

16     Nature Explorations   2018 • 2019
“What an amazing day! There was a great balance of
  indoor and outdoor activities that were very hands
  on and engaging. The educator was fantastic and the
  day was enjoyed by all.”
— Grade 5 teacher

                 calgary.ca/natureexplorations   2018 • 2019   17
Sponsored
                                         Programs

                                         ConocoPhillips
                                         Mud Between My Toes
                                         ConocoPhilips, in partnership with The City of Calgary, is pleased to
                                         offer this exciting wetland exploration opportunity. This interactive
                                         program includes a classroom visit from an environmental educator
                                         to introduce your students to the urban wetland and prepare them
                                         for the field study (April or May). Your class will then take a trip to
                                         Ralph Klein Park for a guided walk and pond study (May or June).
                                         Bus transportation is included, as well as a half-day teacher in-
                                         service at the wetland and the cost of a substitute teacher.
                                         Note: Register early, as time slots are limited.

                                          Grades          1–9
                                          Length          1-hour classroom session, 2-hour field trip
                                          Offered at      Ralph Klein Park
                                          Cost            Free

                                         Caring For Our Watersheds
                                         The Caring for our Watersheds program asks students to submit
                                         a proposal answering the question: “What can you do to improve
                                         your watershed?” Students must research their local watershed,
                                         identify an environmental concern and develop a realistic solution.
                                         Community judges select the top entries to compete at a final
                                         competition. Cash awards are presented to the finalists and
                                         participating schools. Implementation funding is available.

                                         Classroom Presentations
                                         Teachers can request a classroom presentation to introduce the
                                         topic of watersheds, discuss local environmental concerns and
                                         explain the contest. Free watershed resources are available.

                                         Visit caringforourwatersheds.com for contest details.

                                          Grades          7–12
                                          Length          1 hour
                                          Offered at      Your location
                                          Cost            Free

18   Nature Explorations   2018 • 2019
CaringForOurWatersheds.com

CARING FOR OUR WATERSHEDS™ is an education program                       AWARDS AVAILABLE
that was created by teachers, conservation groups and industry           Finalists win their share of $6,000, plus a matching prize for their
to provide a real-life learning experience for all Alberta students.     school! Schools also receive $100 for every 10 entries, based on
                                                                         the first 500 entries. Every student who enters will receive a gift.
CREATIVE PROPOSALS
Grade 7-12 students submit an essay proposal that answers the
question, “What can you do to improve your watershed?”                     1st Place     2nd Place     3rd Place       4th Place        5th Place
                                                                            $1,000         $900          $800            $700              $600
Either individually or as a team they must research their local
watershed, identify an environmental concern and come up                   6th Place     7th Place     8th Place       9th Place       10th Place
with a realistic solution. Guidelines and rubrics are provided.              $500          $450          $400            $350             $300
Community judges select the top ten ideas.

PUBLIC SPEAKING OPPORTUNITY                                              COMMUNITY ACTION
Finalists give a five-minute verbal presentation to a public             $20,000 is available to fund realistic ideas in Alberta!
audience and panel of community judges. Student mentorship
is available for all participants.

                                                ENTER THE CONTEST CLOSEST TO YOU
Southern Alberta (South of and including Calgary)                        Central Alberta (North of Calgary)
Contact: Barbara Kowalzik, Program Coordinator                           Contact: Nathalie Olson, Program Coordinator
Phone: (403) 993-2258 | E-mail: barbara.kowalzik@calgary.ca              Phone: 780-672-0276 Toll Free: 1-888-672-0276
The City of Calgary Parks,                                               E-mail: nathalie@battleriverwatershed.ca
Environmental & Education Initiatives                                    Battle River Watershed Alliance
Mail Code #59, PO Box 2100,                                              Box 16 Gateway Centre, 4825-51 St, Camrose AB T4V 1R9
STN M Calgary, AB T2P 2M5

                                                                                                                Alberta Emerald Foundation
                                                                                                                Caring for our Watersheds is a
                                                                                                                2011 Alberta Emerald Award recipient.

                                                                       calgary.ca/natureexplorations   2018 • 2019                                      19
Alumni
 Program

 Environmental Education
 Alumni Program
 The Environmental Education Alumni program provides past CCOM
 alumni with the opportunity to move their classroom out to Ralph
 Klein Park for a multi-day duration. Program delivery follows the
 Campus Calgary philosophy and provides students the opportunity
 to be involved in "hands on" learning. The content and student
 learning opportunities are developed and implemented by the
 classroom teacher. However our staff will assist in the content
 planning process and provide access to the inquiry-based
 nature bins.

 This program includes:
  • Site orientation and program orientation
  • Inquiry based nature bins
  • Planning session
  • Classroom space
  • Guided walk
  • Building orientation

  Grades        1–9
  Length        3 or 4 days
  Offered at    Ralph Klein Park
  Cost          $150/day

 “A great, informative and fun
 field trip! We will definitely plan
 to come again next year!”
 — Grade 6 teacher

20   Nature Explorations   2018 • 2019
“Wonderful field trip. The students made some great
  connections to the learning they have done in the
  classroom. Educator was approachable and well-
  educated.”
— Grade 1 teacher

                 calgary.ca/natureexplorations   2018 • 2019   21
Host your next education
                                                                               professional development day
                                                                               or school team-building

 Room Rentals                                                                  workshop at one of our unique
                                                                               park locations!

 Ralph Klein Park                                                     Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
 12350 84th St. S.E.                                                  2425 9th Ave. S.E.
 Surrounded by Canada’s largest man-made wetland, Ralph Klein         Situated along the bend in the Bow River, the Inglewood Bird
 Park offers a unique location for your next school professional      Sanctuary offers a peaceful spot to host your next staff professional
 development day. The Stickleback Room features panoramic views       development day. The Pickering Room, located in the sanctuary's
 and a retractable wall opening onto a private terrace overlooking    Nature Centre, features large windows with lots of natural light and
 the wetland.                                                         unobstructed nature views.

 •   Maximum 30 people                                                •   Maximum 24 people
 •   Complimentary Wi-Fi                                              •   Complimentary Wi-Fi
 •   Free parking                                                     •   Audio/visual equipment included
 •   Audio/visual equipment included                                  •   Free parking
 •   Catering and china service available (extra fees apply)          •   Catering and china service available (extra fees apply)

 Email rkp@calgary.ca for booking inquiries.                          Email ibs@calgary.ca for booking inquiries.

                                                   Stickleback Room                                                      Pickering Room

 Devonian Gardens
 400 - 317 7th Ave. S.W.
 Book your next meeting at Calgary’s only indoor public park
 located in the CORE Shopping Centre downtown. The Event Room
 offers a large, private space with vaulted ceilings and
 a beautiful view of the downtown skyline.

 • Maximum 80 people
 • Complimentary Wi-Fi
 • Catering service available (extra fees apply)

 Email devonian@calgary.ca for booking inquiries.

                                                    The Event Room

22     Nature Explorations   2018 • 2019
The need for first-hand experience to become an advocate
  of conservation has been extensively documented—not
      only the need to spend time outdoors, but to actively
engage in it. Becoming familiar with environmental actions
  and the consequences of these actions helps encourage
                positive relationships with the environment.

                        calgary.ca/natureexplorations   2018 • 2019   23
Visit calgary.ca/natureexplorations for more information.

             @calgaryparks                               @calgaryparks           cityofcalgaryparks

Connecting students and teachers with the wonders of nature.
Nature Explorations programs are proudly sponsored by:

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