School Programs ~ Explore Nature and the Past

Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks offer a variety of school programs which are linked to the BC curriculum. Some programs can also be adapted for adult groups. Download our elementary or secondary brochures.

Elementary School Programs

Wild and Wacky Plants (K-3)
Through games and an interpretive walk, students use their five senses to explore the world of wild plants in the rainforest and wetlands. Themes include identification, aboriginal uses, the needs of plants, and the importance of plants to other living things.

Herbivore, Carnivore (K-3)
Students examine a variety of skulls, pelts, tracks and scats from animals in the region. Using this information, students will determine whether the animal is a herbivore, carnivore or omnivore. Students will participate in a variety of mimicry and guessing games, which highlight the physical and behavioural characteristics and adaptations of animals.

During the Art in the Park program students connect with the natural world through observation and artwork.
© Parks Canada

Earth Art (Gr. 3-5)
Based on the artwork of Andy Goldsworthy, students create a 3D art piece using only objects found in Nature.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Chalet

Wild Weather (Gr. 4)
Through role-play and the use of models, students will learn why we have seasons and how the local mountains’ effects what they wear to school.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Chalet

Railway Tales (Gr. 5)
Students will hike historic trails in Rogers Pass, participating in skits and hearing stories about the railway and the key players in the development of British Columbia.
Location: Rogers Pass trails or classroom

Extreme Environments (Gr. 6)
On the summit of Mount Revelstoke, students will explore the challenges unique to alpine environments. They will discover technologies used to explore and survive in these exceptional settings.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Summit

Predator Prey (Gr. 7)
In this large group activity, students take on the role of an animal in the local forest. Students collect food and water tokens to keep their animal alive, and find hiding spots (shelter) to protect them from predators. The game introduction and debrief sessions examine predator-prey relationships and food webs.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Chalet

Art in the Park (Gr. 6-7)
Students are introduced to various visual arts concepts, including complementary colours, movement, texture, and rhythm. Using basic watercolour techniques and observation skills, students work independently on a landscape painting in a natural setting. Students will have the opportunity to learn from each others work.

Snowshoeing in Mt. Revelstoke national park.
© Parks Canada/ Alice Weber

Snowshoeing (Gr. 5-7)
For PE classes, safe winter travel and preparedness are the main focus. It will include travel on trails and active games. For science classes, there is an interpretive emphasis on winter ecology, as well as plant and animal adaptations to winter.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Chalet or Wheeler Hut

Cooperative Games (Gr. 7)
Students participate in a number of different challenges or problem–solving activities. After the activity, instructors facilitate a debrief about how the group worked on the problem, in relation to communication and leadership skills.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Chalet

On The Rocks – Water and Ice (Sc8, ES11)
Students will explore the summit of Mount Revelstoke in order to better understand the ways in which water and ice shape the local landscape. A model of the watershed will assist them in understanding the chooooanges at a landscape level. 
Location: Mount Revelstoke Summit

Orienteering (PE 8-12, Soc8)
Students are taught how to use a compass and how to estimate distance, using pacing. They complete an outdoor compass course, in which they find a number of stations in the forest using their compasses and maps.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Chalet

Snowshoeing (PE 8-12)
Safe winter travel and preparedness will be the main focus of a snowshoe hike. Students will travel on trails, and participate in active and cooperative games.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Chalet or Wheeler Hut

Peculiar Procreation (Sc9)
This program takes advantage of the spring season to allow students to explore the reproduction of plants and animals in our local woods. Themes will include plant identification, sexual and asexual reproduction, and natural history.

© Parks Canada/ Alice Weber

Mountain Myths (Soc10)
Through skits, stories and activities, the history of Rogers Pass will be brought to life. Colourful characters will share the passion of explorers in the early days of the railway and mountaineering.
Location: Rogers Pass Trails

Ancient Alpine (AbSupport, FN12)
Students will explore the Creation Story through art pieces designed by three of the local aboriginal nations and exhibited on the summit of Mount Revelstoke. They will travel the summit trails and learn about aboriginal plant uses as they relate to food, medicine, technology and harvesting methods. The bird’s eye view of the valleys will demonstrate transportation routes and geography of the area. 
Location: Mount Revelstoke Summit
 
First Nations Feast (AbSupport, FN12)
Using a pit fire, students will prepare a feast using traditional methods and some common local plant foods. Discussion and activities will foster a connection with nature and others. This will include a period of reflection, visioning and sharing.
Location: Mount Revelstoke Chalet

Art in the Park (Art8-12)
In a wilderness setting, students will explore a variety of art pieces by different nature artists. Students will develop an art piece, which will reflect their relationship with nature.

Wilderness Writing (Eng8-12)
In a wilderness setting, students will be presented with examples of nature writing. This will be followed by written exercises, which will allow them to explore the human relationship with nature.

Other programs (8-12)
We are keen to collaborate with all teachers to develop programs that fit within the curriculum. For example: Geography 12, Sciences 8-10, Biology 11. Share your ideas with us!

The Skunk Cabbage boardwalk gives students a chance to experience dragonflies, beavers, frogs and some amazing plants.
© Parks Canada/ Verena Blasy

Locations
Preferred location is stated in the description of specific programs. However, many of these programs can be adapted for classroom, schoolyard or a variety of park settings. The summit of Mount Revelstoke is only accessible for fall programs. 

Duration
Most programs run between one to two hours in length. A variety of additional activities can be added to expand programs to suit class needs.

Fees
Park programs are free. Entry fees are charged at some locations ($2.90/student).

Program Instructors
Verena Blasy (BSc, BEd) and Alice Weber (BSc) bring their enthusiasm for teaching, fascinations with nature, and passion for the past to every learning adventure. They have twenty years combined teaching experience in classrooms and outdoor schools.

“You did such a fabulous job with the students! You’re an excellent manager, teacher, and presenter.” Doug Gillett, Geography 12 teacher, Okanagan Mission Secondary School

“The kids were engaged and so was I! Please come back!” Kathy Speirs, Grade 4 teacher.

Book Now!
Alice Weber & Verena Blasy
Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park
Phone: (250) 837-7500
Email us