Introducing five new curriculum resources for this spring:
Nearby Nature (Elementary Lessons)
Our Nearby Nature resources on pavement ants and rock doves encourage you to take your class outside to observe and inquire about the natural environment – from the little critters we see scurrying across the pavement under our feet, to our avian friends who dwell in urban spaces.
(1) Pavement Ants (Grade 2, Science & Technology, The Arts)
Ever looked down while you’re strolling and noticed a flurry of activity on the pavement? This lesson on pavement ants will get students thinking about the role these tiny but important creatures play in urban ecosystems. This is a great introductory lesson to nearby nature as it can be carried out right in your schoolyard. Students will be encouraged to identify the ants’ body parts, and to think creatively about how humans and ants, despite looking different, are similar. This focus on similarities allows students to relate to the fauna around them, which is an excellent way to foster environmental stewardship. Principles include scientific observation, life cycles, and mapping.
Lesson Extension: This lesson may be extended via a field trip to a nearby park, meadow, forest, etc. to allow for observation of different insects. The activities in the lessons can be carried out over a week or can be extended to a longer period.
(2) Rock Doves (Grade 2, Science & Technology, Language Arts)
Did you know the pigeons are actually called rock doves? If you live in an urban environment you likely see these feathered friends every day – but how much do you know about their physical and behavioural characteristics?
In this lesson, your class will be introduced to the concept of an ecosystem, and students are asked to brainstorm how the various fauna they see around them fit into urban ecosystems. The lesson includes both individual and group work, and can be adapted to different grades and learning styles. It covers principles including scientific inquiry, creative thinking (acting out bird behaviours), and storytelling. The lesson can also serve as an introduction to using nature journals as a tool for continued observation of nearby nature.
Lesson Extension: An exploration of rock doves can serve as a starting point for students to become curious about other fauna they observe in urban environments. For example, how have various fauna adapted to living in a city? What behaviours are unique to urban-dwelling animals? How do human and animal activities affect and influence each other?
Secondary School Science Lessons
Our secondary school science lessons can be used to introduce students to data collection and how to use that data to explore issues in the urban environment – from vehicle emissions to identifying and protecting species at risk.
(1) Getting Outdoors with Physics (Grade 12, Physics, College Preparation)
This lesson involves collecting data around vehicular travel, then discussing energy efficiency, vehicle emissions, and urban transportation patterns. Through exploring the different ways in which energy transformation occurs, students can discuss how to improve efficiency in order to reduce our transportation-related carbon emissions. It will be especially of interest to students keen on learning about urban planning and environmental policy.
This activity is also a good segue into brainstorming how energy alternatives and emerging technologies can reduce the environmental impact of daily living. For example, students can explore how electric vehicles, driverless cars, and smart parking apps that reduce idling and circling for parking spots can work together to reduce fuel waste.
(2) Population Dynamics (Biology, Grade 12 University Preparation)
In this activity, students will learn how to conduct a model population census by observing and counting species in their local environment. By analyzing and comparing counting methods, student will develop an understanding of the complexities associated with species and ecosystem management. This activity also serves as a lead-in to discussions on species at risk, including how ecologists identify “at risk” and to how we can contribute to remediating natural environments that support biodiversity.
This is an excellent activity to introduce principles of field ecology, with a focus on how to define a study area, determining measuring distance, and counting species.
Water Awareness and Action Campaign Kit (Suitable for all grade levels)
Organizing a water campaign is an opportune way to educate the entire school community about the environmental impacts of their actions and provide schools with tools to conserve and preserve water. This new resource kit will help you design and communicate water awareness and action campaigns at both the classroom and whole-school level.
The kit focuses on two main water-related topics that impact schools across Ontario: bottled water vs. tap water and water conservation. Both topics can be connected to wide-reaching issues including; health, human rights, economy, sustainable development, First Nations’ land and water rights, climate change, and energy conservation. This kit also contains three classroom lessons and three learning activities to complement your campaigns.
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