Workshops
Just imagine yourself in a classroom that stretches from horizon to horizon, listening to the song of a meadow lark, smelling sage in the wind and watch a herd of bison graze in the distance....
The Prairie Learning Centre offers over 10 workshops for highschool students. Teachers can book a program for their class. Program topics range from Prairie Ecology to Yoga to Prairie Art to Astronomy. Programs take place in Grasslands National Park and students have the opportunity to learn from Park Biologists, Wildlife Specialists and Park Wardens and Interpreters.
Prairie Learning Centre Workshops are linked to the Grade 10-12 curriculum. All of our workshops are designed to support and compliment various curricular outcomes. However, we encourage you to talk to the Program Manager about your needs.
All students in Chinook School Division can participate in Prairie Learning Centre Programs for FREE! For participants outside of Chinook School Division, the fee is $10 per participant, per program.
Programs vary in length from 1.5 hours to 2 days - phone to customize your prairie learning experience! Looking for adventure? You can stay overnight in our traditional tipis!
Click on "Spring 2012 Brochure.pdf" to download the latest brochure!
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 2012 PLC Birds and Burrow Program.pdf | 1.12 MB |
| Spring 2012 Brochure.pdf | 5.57 MB |
| PLC Summer Brochure.pdf | 5.32 MB |
Aliens in the Community: Invasive Plants
There are alien plants on the native prairies?! Get out on the land and learn about the role of these alien (otherwise known as non-native) species in the prairie. Learn how they affect the prairie’s ecological integrity and much more! Compare and contrast native and non-native plants in several ways: grazing potential, drought, t-tolerance, growth habit, chemical attributes, reproductive behaviour, and more. Learn about the importance of non-native plants to some land users, and why this is important to all of us.
Curriculum Links: Science 10, Biology 20, Wildlife Management 10, 20, 30 and Physical Education 20, 30
Dates: Please phone for available dates.
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge of prairie ecology: invasive vs. indigenous species, plant identification, succession and importance of natural disturbances (grazing, wildfires, soil erosion, flooding).
Aquatic Ecology – Mussels and More
Who lives in the Frenchman river, and why? Explore the aquatic habitat of minnows, crayfish, backswimmers, freshwater mussels and more. Learn how to describe and measure biotic and abiotic factors of the freshwater habitat. Collect freshwater mussels and observe them in detail realizing their needs and contribution to the prairie aquatic habitat.
Curriculum Links: Science 10, Biology 20, Wildlife Management 10, 20, 30
Dates: This program will be offered in Spring 2012. Please stay tuned for available dates or contact the Program Manager for more information!
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge of freshwater ecology: habitat, mussel ecology, abiotic and biotic factors. Students will develop skills with aquatic tests: pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen. Participants will collect specimens and identify by dichotomous key.
Birds and Burrows
The prairies are home to over 15 species at risk. Many of these species are in danger of extinction. Students will become aware of Canadian legislation that protects endangered species (The Species at Risk Act) and discussions will involve pro/con debate regarding this legislation. In this workshop, students will examine the burrowing owl as an example of a prairie species at risk. They will discuss why the burrowing owl disappearing across the Canadian prairies. Opportunities will be created for students to explore and participate in monitoring burrowing owls in their natural habitat.
Curriculum Links: Science 10, Biology 20, Wildlife Management 10, 20, 30
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge of prairie conservation: burrowing owl ecology, habitat, management, the Species at Risk Act and related career activities.
Dates: May 16-17 and May 17-18, 2012
Expressions of Earth and Sky
Explore the mixed grass prairie ecosystem through windows of visual arts. Examine contemporary and historical prairie landscape painters. Students will be challenged to examine this vast landscape for colour, texture and detail. Students will reflect on how they sense and create. This program is facilitated by a local artist.
Curriculum Links:
Visual Art 10, Visual Art 20, Visual Art 30.
Details: One full day in-field with professional artists and facilitator.
Dates: Please phone 306-298-4495 for availability.
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge of the prairie landscape: basic prairie flora and fauna, historic and western contemporary landscape artists. Skill development in colour, light and gesture using a variety of media.
Grasslands & Global Biodiversity
Many people believe the prairies are full of wheat and grass. Did you know that the prairies are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world? Through this interactive, hands-on workshop, explore the amazing diversity of the prairie ecosystem and experience the vast landscape. You will have the opportunity to analyze the essential details of the native grasslands which will --- reveal its social and ecological value, from both local and global perspectives.
Curriculum Links: Science 10, Biology 20, Wildlife Management 10, 20, 30, Physical Education 20, 30.
Dates: Please phone for availability.
Nature Photography
View the mixed grass prairie through the lens of an experienced photographer! Students will learn about cameras and photography in an authentic, hands-on way; outdoors on the native prairie landscape of Grasslands National Park. Cameras are provided or you can bring your own.
Curriculum links: Art Education 10,20,30, Visual Art 20,30, Photography 10, 20,30, Physical Education 20,30, Science 10 and Biology 20
Dates: Please phone the Program Manager (306)298-4495 for availability!
Prairie Management and Conservation
In this experiential workshop, students will have the opportunity to take part in the decision making process and learn real life problem solving skills in the realm of conservation. Students will discuss real issues in prairie management and work together to find solutions that please as many stakeholders as possible.
This workshop will be enhanced by professionals from Grasslands National Park. Facilitators will share personal stories. Students will go home learning new skills applicable to the real world.
Dates: Please phone for availability
Prairie Navigation
People and wildlife have been navigating their way through the vast prairie landscape for centuries. Come learn about historic and modern approaches to navigation! Students will gain skills in orienteering, using GPS units, as well as with map reading and route-finding. They will use these learned skills to explore the grasslands and discover what the prairie has to offer. Navigating the landscape will be linked to animals ‘finding their way’ during migration.
Curriculum links: Science 10, Biology 20 and 30, Widlife Managemet 10, 20 and 30, Geography, Physical Education 20,30.
Dates: This program will be offered in Spring 2012. Please stay tuned for more details!
Storytelling From The Land
Together with Lyndon Tootoosis, a First Nations Storyteller, students will explore the story of the prairie landscape. Hike across the native prairie landscape to discover ancient tipi rings and other evidence of the first people on this land. Students will understand the importance of bison to prairie ecology and to the history of First Nations People. Through the sharing of stories and games, Lyndon will encourage participants to connect with cultural wonders of our native prairie.
Dates: Please phone (306)298-4495 for availability!
Details: This is a full one day program (8:30am to 3pm), which we encourage you to enhance your stay, by spending the night in the Prairie Learning Centre tipis located on the edge of Grasslands National Park.
The Night Sky: Astronomy
Come discover the native prairie at night in one of Canada’s largest Dark Sky Preserves! Go on a star walk and learn about the myths and legends behind the constellations. Use a high powered telescope to look at stars, planets and nebulas, and maybe even catch a glimpse of another galaxy! This program is an excellent way to complement a day spent out in the field!
Details: Please phone 306-298-4495 for availability.
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge of dark sky preserves and better lighting practices. Knowledge of constellations, planets and celesial objects.
The Grasslands National Park Dark Sky Preserve is a place for world class astronomy. Learn More.
The Prairie Persists: Importance of Bison
Bison are more than just a pretty face! They play an important role in the prairie ecosystem. Come learn about why plains bison were re-introduced into the native prairie of Grasslands National Park. Being in the park provides opportunity to observe the bison in their native habitat and to better comprehend the ecological processes of the grasslands and bison ecology.
Curriculum Links: Science 10, Biology 20, Wildlife Management 10, 20, 30
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge of Prairie ecology: bison ecology and behavior, natural disturbance cycles, succession, grass ecology, and conservation land management
Dates: This program will be available in Winter 2011 and Spring 2012. Please call for more information!
As of Summer 2011, Grasslands National Park now has over 250 bison! Click here for a "Bison Update!"
The Sounds of the Prairie
***New Program***
Everyday we are bombarded with noise from the roar of traffic to the hum of lights. This human caused noise pollution can affect human health and well being. Escape to Grasslands National Park – one of the quietest places in North America. Free from human caused noise, the tranquility of the Grasslands is where the melody of the wind combines with choir of prairie critters to create nature’s song. Participants will learn first hand from an Acoustic Ecologist what noise pollution is and its effect on ecosystems and wildlife populations.
Curriculum Links: Science 10, Biology 20, Physics 20, Wellness 10
Dates: Please phone 306-298-4495 for more information.
Advanced Wilderness First Aid
The prairie wilderness encompasses rugged, and isolated terrain. Workshop participants will enhance their abilities to provide first aid in a remote setting.. Participants will become familiar with survival challenges on the native prairie landscape and will complete the requirements for Red Cross Advanced Wilderness First Aid Certification.
This workshop is appropriate for educators and outdoor enthusiasts
Prerequisites: Candidates for this certificate workshop must have a Standard or Emergency level First Aid certificate and a level C CPR issued the last three years.
Format: 3 days of training
Learning Outcomes: Red Cross Certification in Wilderness First Aid.
Cost: $275.00/ participant (includes certificate, first aid kit and wilderness first aid text).
Dates: May 4th-6th, 2012
Registration Limits: Min. 6, Max. 12 participants
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Advanced Wilderness First Aid 2012.pdf | 1.4 MB |
Yoga on the Landscape
We invite you to experience the native prairie like never before. Allow the sights, sounds and smells of the prairie tickle the senses while taking part in this ancient form of contemplative meditation. The tranquility of Grasslands National Park provides the perfect backdrop for this program. Participants will have the opportunity to learn not only the basics of yoga, but also some of its history and philosophy.
Curriculum LInks: Physical Education 20,30, Wellness 10, Life Transitions 20,30
Dates: This workshop will be available in Spring 2012. Stay tuned for more details!
