Pukaskwa National Park of Canada
School programs at the park
Are you looking for interesting ways to cover the new curriculum? Pukaskwa National Park Education Kits are a unique way to deliver the new Ontario curriculum in science and social studies for grade 4-8. Each of the six self contained kits were written and tested by teachers from the north of Superior region. Everything is included - lesson plans, games, props, videos, books, posters........ its all there! The kits are free and are loaned on a monthly basis. Contact (807)229-0801 ext. 242.
Bring your class to Pukaskwa National Park and take advantage of our “outdoor classroom”. But, BOOK NOW as there is limited space available for the following school programs. Contact (807)-229-0801 ext. 242.
Dune Hike - September/October
Discover the process of dune formation referring to the three main components (sand, wind and water). Consider the challenges of protected area management.
Science & Technology: (all links refer to the Ontario Curriculum)
Gr. 4 - Life Systems: Habitats and Communities;
Gr. 7 - Life Systems: Interactions within Ecosystems
Gr. 4 - Earth and Space Systems: Rocks, Minerals and Erosion
Gr. 7 - Earth and Space Systems: The Earth's Crust
History and Geography:
Grade 7 - Themes of Geographic Inquiry
Wolf Awareness- September/October
See how wolves behave as a family, working together as part of the predator-prey relationship. Older students make land use decisions that will affect life in the boreal forest during a guided activity.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 4 - Life Systems: Habitats and Communities;
Gr. 7 - Life Systems: Interactions within Ecosystems
History and Geography:
Grade 7 - Natural Resources
Winter Hike: November - February
Hare, wolf and mouse tracks give evidence of ecosystem dynamics during a winter show shoe outing.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 4 - Life Systems: Habitats and Communities;
Gr. 7 - Life Systems: Interactions within Ecosystems
History and Geography:
Grade 7 - Natural Resources
What Makes a Forest-March/April
Experience the forest as a community of living things. Games and hands-on discovery expose students to plant and animal adaptations to the extremes of the northern climate.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 4 - Life Systems: Habitats and Communities;
Gr. 7 - Life Systems: Interactions within Ecosystems
History and Geography:
Grade 7 - Natural Resources
The Ecosystem Scientist
Where does soil come from? Find out how producers, consumers and decomposers work together in an unending cycle to create and sustain life in the boreal forest environment. Use some tools of the trade to examine the health of the marsh.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 4 - Life Systems: Habitats and Communities;
Gr. 7 - Life Systems: Interactions within Ecosystems
History and Geography:
Grade 7 - Natural Resources
A Wilderness Experience - March/April (A companion program to Pukaskwa’s Education Kit Unit 6-A Wilderness Experience)
What is the value of wilderness? Find out about the pressures facing wildlife from pollution and over use of the land’s resources; then participate in an activity to examine an impacted site and discuss ways to prevent or minimize impacts.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 4 - Life Systems: Habitats and Communities;
Gr. 7 - Life Systems: Interactions within Ecosystems
Fire and Ice - April/May (A companion program to Pukaskwa’s Education Kit Unit 2 Fire and Ice-Forming Lake Superior)
What catastrophic forces shaped the landscape and created the lakes and fast flowing rivers of the Superior north shore? Student will find out as they examine and identify a variety of rocks along the Southern Headland Trail.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 4- Earth & Space Systems: Rocks, minerals and erosion
Gr. 7 Earth & Space Systems: The Earth's Crust
Superior Influences - April/May (A companion program to Pukaskwa’s Education Kit Unit 3-Superior Influences)
Feel the profound effect that Lake Superior has on the surrounding plant and animal life. What effect do humans have on the lake? Students will find out as they hike the beautiful Southern Headland Trail.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 5 Earth and Space Systems: Weather
Gr. 8 Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems
Pond Study - May/June
Follow the path of energy from the sun as it gives life to all things through the energy cycle. Then examine the characteristics of a marsh ecosystem and learn the importance of wetlands.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 4 - Life Systems: Habitats and Communities;
Gr. 7 - Life Systems: Interactions within Ecosystems
Research in the Park - A companion to Pukaskwa’s Education Kit Unit 1-Canada’s National Parks
Find out what plant species is on the endangered list and how park staff are working to ensure its continued survival. Your students will participate in a resource monitoring exercise as they learn about the resources conservation work that takes place in Canada’s National Parks.
Science & Technology:
Gr. 4 - Life Systems: Habitats and Communities;
Gr. 7 - Life Systems: Interactions within Ecosystems
Cultural Program - All Year (A companion program to Pukaskwa’s Education Kit Unit 5-People and the Land)
Find out what tobacco ties are and why they are used, hear about the seven teachings of the Grandfathers, how to get a spiritual name and what bush tea tastes like as you learn about the Anishinaabe culture.
History and Geography
Gr. 2- Heritage and Citizenship: Traditions and Celebrations
Gr. 6 Heritage and Citizenship: Aboriginal peoples and European explorers
Hug a Tree & Survive
In this RCMP-endorsed program, students learn how to ensure their survival until rescuers arrive should they become lost. This program is best suited for younger grades.
History and Geography
Gr. 1- Heritage and Citizenship: Relationships, Rules and Responsibilities
La trousse éducative et les programmes sont aussi disponible en français!
Activities and Lessons for Teachers