HDSB Nature's NEAR - Current Programs

Program Offerings

Nature's NEAR offers free, 100-minute outdoor environmental programs to Grade 4 - 6 teachers within the Halton District School Board. They are delivered right in your schoolyard or a nearby park - Nature's NEAR is a field trip that comes to you! Our programs are rooted in experiential and inquiry-based learning. We use active exploration and activities to engage students in the natural world while embedding curriculum connections that can be further built upon. Nature's NEAR programs are made and led by youth for youth making the experience that much more meaningful and impactful!

FALL PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Project Feather

The sign-up form for Project Feather is now open! Click below to sign up"

Program Includes:

1) A 100-minute in person outdoor education program led right in your schoolyard or nearby park

2) Teacher Package with additional supporting activities and resources

Feathers, flight and fascinating adaptations! Ready to soar into the incredible world of birds? Joins us for a deep dive into the unique traits that make these winged wonders so successful in our ecosystems!

Birds are nature's masters of adaptation! Whether it's the keen eyesight of a hawk, to the intricate beak of a woodpecker, each bird species is well suited to its environment. Our skies are filled with incredible creatures, and in this hands-on workshop we'll explore the fascinating ways birds have evolved to thrive!

PAST PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Coyotes are resilient, adaptive, intelligent creatures who are greatly misunderstood and feared due to how they are represented in the media. This program aims to eliminate the mystery and misconceptions surrounding our neighbourhood coyotes by debunking a series of common myths and shining light on the important roles they play in our ecosystems.

Coyotes have and always will be an integral part of our neighbourhood ecosystems and we have the responsibility to honour and respect the wildlife in which we share a home. By becoming more aware and informed of their daily lives, our goal is to shift from fear to understanding so we can build healthy neighbourhood relationships that benefit the lives of everyone.

Secret Life of Coyotes

The sign-up form for The Secret Life of Coyotes Program is now closed! Stay tuned for future program offerings!

Program Includes:

1) A 60-minute live virtual presentation that will uncover the Secret Life of Coyotes and clear up common misconceptions

2) A 100-minute in person, outdoor education program led right in your schoolyard that will allow students to experience and simulate an ecosystem first-hand through a strategic survival game

3) Teacher Package with pre and post activities to support and further the learning rooted in local, real-world examples

Oh, the wonders of lichen! As we step into nature, it’s time to uncover the incredible stories hidden all around us. These remarkable organisms are not just fascinating to observe; they’re vital indicators of our environment’s health, revealing hidden stories about air quality and pollution.

In this program, students will learn to observe the beauty in the details, exploring their carbon footprint, and discussing how our everyday choices affect the planet. Through hands-on activities, guided exploration, and engaging lessons, we hope to uncover the secrets of lichen and foster an appreciation for the things that often go unnoticed. Become an environmental detective today!

The sign-up form for Lichen It! is now closed. Stay tuned for future program offerings!

Program Includes:

1) A 45-minute live presentation that will introduce lichen biology and how they function in our eco-system.

2) A 100-minute in person outdoor education program led right in your schoolyard that will allow students to explore what local biodiversity, and their carbon footprint.

3) Teacher Package with pre and post activities to support and further the learning rooted in local, real-world examples.

Oh the birds and the bees! With spring upon us, our neighbourhoods are buzzing to back to life. Join us for an exciting adventure as we delve into the fascinating world of pollinators. This hands-on educational experience will immerse young learners in the vital role of bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators in our ecosystems. Through interactive activities, guided exploration and engaging lessons, students will discover the importance of pollination while gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

The sign-up form for The Power of Pollen is now closed. Stay tuned for future program offerings

Program Includes:

1) A 60-minute live presentation that will highlight the importance of pollinators and how they function in our eco-system.

2) A 100-minute in person outdoor education program led right in your schoolyard that will allow students to explore what it takes to pollinate, as well as a seed dispersal activity.

3) Teacher Package with pre and post activities to support and further the learning rooted in local, real-world examples.

FAQs

I completed the sign-up form, when will I hear back?

After you submit your application, you will receive a copy of your response. Once the form closes, the Nature’s NEAR team works to put a program schedule together that reaches as many classrooms as possible. We do our best to visit teachers and schools who have not participated in our programs before.

Nature’s NEAR schedules programs in monthly blocks. So please be patient if you do not hear from us right away. We do our best to contact you 2-3 weeks in advance to schedule a program. You will be contacted by Grishnavie Sivasundaram with your scheduled date/time and to discuss program details. Unfortunately, we are unable to reach everyone who signs up. Only selected classrooms will be notified. Thank you for your patience and understanding - we look forward to visiting your class!

Do I need to prepare anything ahead of time?

Yes, our programs often include pre and post materials to be used alongside our program to further extend the learning and connections being made. When scheduled, you will receive a “Teacher’s Package” which includes all the information and resources needed to participate in our program to the fullest extent. Preparation will differ depending on the program being offered.

Do programs still run if it's raining or snowing?

Our programs run rain, snow or shine! Please help ensure that students are dressed for the weather by giving lots of reminders and/or sending notes to parents ahead of time. In the case of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, heat waves, high wind, etc), we will contact you to reschedule the program. Although not ideal, our programs can be adapted to be done indoors. We often recommend booking your school’s gym or concourse as a back-up if possible to provide space for students to play our games/activities.

Are your programs offered in French?

At this point in time our programs are unfortunately not offered in French.

TEACHER REVIEWS

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