On this page you will find the following information:

  1. Field Trip Requests
  2. What We Do
  3. Teaching Resources for Winter
  4. Teaching Resources for Spring and Fall
  5. Equipment
  6. Schoolyard Naturalization
  7. Professional Development

1. Field Trip Requests

WRDSB staff can request one of our field trip programs each year in June for the following school year.  If  a class will be taught by an LTO or a transferring teacher next year, a school administrator is encouraged to submit a request on behalf of the class.

Why only WRDSB classes?

Outdoor and Environmental Education programs are facilitated by WRDSB staff.  Generally speaking, our sites are not available for rental users or other groups unless the site is owned by an organization outside of the WRDSB.

Rationale for Selection of Classes

Classes are selected after consideration of the number of requests received, the number of classes by grade and topic, seasonal requirements and distribution, and the availability of site-specific features at each of the centres (e.g., pond, stream, maple sugar bush). Every effort is made to ensure equitable access to all divisions and to increase the likelihood of several OEE centre visits during a student’s career. Programs are open and accessible to all classes (including ABLE, ACE, etc.).  

If you have any questions please contact one of our Outdoor and Environmental Education Specialists.

2. What we do:

  1. Deliver high quality, contextual and immersive experiences in nature at our nature centres that improve student mental/social and physical well-being.
  2. Support schoolyard learning through programming, resources, schoolyard naturalization and staff training.
  3. Advocate for the support of teachers and staff required to educate an environmentally responsible citizenry with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to tackle complex global issues.
  4. Develop cooperative partnerships within the WRDSB and the broader community that promote sustainable living and enable our students to participate in activities that protect the environment in meaningful, authentic ways.

3. Teaching Resources for the Winter

The Outdoor and Environmental Education department has curated some excellent resources for outdoor learning.  These resources can be printed to take outside, printed and laminated for multiple uses, or  used on student devices such as chromebooks or ipads.  A small preview image is displayed for each resource.  Look for the blue hyperlink under each image to access the full resolution version.

Animal Tracks

A dichotomous key of the most common mammals found at schools in the WRDSB.

Wildlife Tracking Dichotomous Key (2 page, landscape, 8 1/2 by 11)

 

Wildlife Tracking Scavenger Hunt

Wildlife Tracking Key (1 page, landscape, 8 1/2 by 11)

 

Winter Birds ID Key

Download Winter Bird ID Key (2 page, portrait layout, 8 1/2 by 11)

 

Winter Tree ID Key

Twig Key (4 page, landscape layout, 8 1/2 by 11)

Ever wondered how to identify a tree species in winter?  This resource focuses on species that occur frequently at school sites and in residential areas in Waterloo Region. We recommend printing double sided on thick paper and laminating so that this key can be used over and over.

 

Winter Tree Twig Scavenger Hunt

Twig Scavenger Hunt (2 page, landscape, 8 1/2 by 11)

Page 1 of this resource provides a visual guide to the distinguishing features of winter trees. Page 2 prompts students to find 9 different types of twigs in their schoolyard or neighbourhood.

Teaching Resources for the Fall and Spring

A small preview image is displayed for each resource.  Look for the blue hyperlink under each image to access the full resolution version.

School Trees Identification Key

Explore 34 of the most common schoolyard trees found in Waterloo Region.  To get your free, full resolution copy of this resource follow this link: Leaf and Tree Identification

 

Backyard Birds Identification KeyBackyard Bird Key (34 species, 4 page, landscape, 8 1/2 by 11)

This key helps students distinguish 34 of the most common birds that live in our backyards and at our schools.  The bird species listed in this key differ slightly from the Winter Bird Key, as these species can be found in our region in spring and fall.

Schoolyard Invertebrate Key

A terrestrial invertebrate survey (i.e. ‘bug hunt’) is an amazing learning opportunity that is freely available in most schoolyards during the months of September-October and April-June.  To make the most of your invertebrate survey, plan to explore your school’s Monarch Waystation, ‘no-mow’ zone, or other area that has ‘weeds’, wildflowers and long grass.

Schoolyard Invertebrate Key (34 species, 4 page, landscape, 8 1/2 by 11)

Schoolyard Invertebrate Poster

Schoolyard Bugs Poster (27×39 inch PDF)

 

Equipment

The Outdoor and Environmental Education Team maintains a wide variety of resources that help to make an outdoor experience both fun and educational.  We use these resources at our sites but loan them out regularly as well.  Examples include class sets of snowshoes, binoculars, bug nets, magnifiers, chemical/digital test kits, print resources, and more.  If you would like to borrow some equipment contact an Outdoor and Environmental Education Specialist directly.

 

Schoolyard Naturalization

Our current schoolyard naturalization project focuses on creating space to protect Endangered Monarch Butterflies, we call these gardens Monarch Waystations.  If your school doesn’t already have one please check out our Monarch Waystation page to learn about the process and how to sign your school up.

 

Professional Development

If you would like to talk with an Outdoor Education Specialist about schoolyard learning or arrange for one of us to join you for some professional development at your school please contact Levi Moore (OEE Specialist).