Outreach Program
(Educational Demonstrations)
(Educational Demonstrations)
Here one very young Fan is finding out how nice and soft Barn Owl plumage is....
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
At the Centre we feel one of the most important aspects of conservation is education. That’s why in 1994 we established our Outreach program. The goal of our program is to inspire a better understanding and appreciation of the world we live in and the many species we share it with. The more we, as humans, understand animals, the more we value them and therefore the more importance we place on saving them and conserving their habitat.
The Centre offers its Outreach program to schools and youth groups throughout eastern Ontario. We use a variety of birds of prey in our presentations including Peregrine Falcons, Ferruginous Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls and Snowy Owls just to name a few. Generally we bring at least 4 different species of birds. We also bring 3 species of bats including Vampire Bats and two species of fruit bats. Although we primarily use only birds and bats we feel that a better understanding of these groups of animals encourages students to learn more not only about them but all living things.
Thousands of students ranging in age from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12 have benefited from our unique and highly educational presentations. One of the many ways our program is different from similar organizations is that we not only entertain but also enlighten during our presentations. For example, most people are aware that Owls are able to turn their heads almost completely around. However, not many people know why they need to do it, and what the physical adaptations are that allow them to do so. Another example is that many people do not fully understand why so many species of bats are so “ugly”. We explain why, bats need special adaptations to help with their echo-location.
Another part of our presentations that we are proud of is how interactive they are. We allow children to touch as many of the animals as possible. This includes touching the wing of a bat, and also at least two of the birds we bring. We also encourage question and answer sessions whenever possible. We have, on many occasions, talked to students who years later vividly remember being able to touch a live Snowy Owl or see a real Vampire Bat up close.
Our combination of hands-on interaction and high quality scientific education, coupled with the beauty of the animals themselves, provide a thorough and comprehensive presentation that students truly respond to and remember.
Our presentations are not scripted and therefore can be adjusted to fit the particular grade level and curriculum for which they are provided. The following is a list of some of the subjects that are covered in our basic presentation, as well a list of advanced subjects that are available upon request.
Although we are capable of providing presentations to groups of 100 students or more, our experience has taught us that smaller groups permits is us to tailor the content to better suit individual needs. Also, this allows for a greater degree of interaction with each student. We feel no more than two classes per presentation is ideal.
Another unique feature of our Outreach program is once we are at a school we are willing to provide multiple presentations at no extra cost. The fee we charge is only to cover expenses incurred through travel and the ongoing care of the animals. Also we are able to give a list of the species used in each presentation prior to our visit so that students are better able to research and prepare questions in advance. Some teachers have used our visit as part of a test the next day or as a great introduction or ending to a particular study unit. Many schools use our annual visits as an enhancement to their environmental science curriculum each school year. When requested, we are able to provide recommendations from other teachers.
Once we are at the school, an option would be to do two demos. One done for a lower and the other for a higher grade. For example, grades 3 and 6 each year. In this scenario our content would be of a more general nature for the younger students and more advanced for the older class. Our Outreach program is very flexible and we are always willing to work with each school to find a solution that works best for them.
At the Centre we feel one of the most important aspects of conservation is education. That’s why in 1994 we established our Outreach program. The goal of our program is to inspire a better understanding and appreciation of the world we live in and the many species we share it with. The more we, as humans, understand animals, the more we value them and therefore the more importance we place on saving them and conserving their habitat.
The Centre offers its Outreach program to schools and youth groups throughout eastern Ontario. We use a variety of birds of prey in our presentations including Peregrine Falcons, Ferruginous Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls and Snowy Owls just to name a few. Generally we bring at least 4 different species of birds. We also bring 3 species of bats including Vampire Bats and two species of fruit bats. Although we primarily use only birds and bats we feel that a better understanding of these groups of animals encourages students to learn more not only about them but all living things.
Thousands of students ranging in age from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12 have benefited from our unique and highly educational presentations. One of the many ways our program is different from similar organizations is that we not only entertain but also enlighten during our presentations. For example, most people are aware that Owls are able to turn their heads almost completely around. However, not many people know why they need to do it, and what the physical adaptations are that allow them to do so. Another example is that many people do not fully understand why so many species of bats are so “ugly”. We explain why, bats need special adaptations to help with their echo-location.
Another part of our presentations that we are proud of is how interactive they are. We allow children to touch as many of the animals as possible. This includes touching the wing of a bat, and also at least two of the birds we bring. We also encourage question and answer sessions whenever possible. We have, on many occasions, talked to students who years later vividly remember being able to touch a live Snowy Owl or see a real Vampire Bat up close.
Our combination of hands-on interaction and high quality scientific education, coupled with the beauty of the animals themselves, provide a thorough and comprehensive presentation that students truly respond to and remember.
Our presentations are not scripted and therefore can be adjusted to fit the particular grade level and curriculum for which they are provided. The following is a list of some of the subjects that are covered in our basic presentation, as well a list of advanced subjects that are available upon request.
Although we are capable of providing presentations to groups of 100 students or more, our experience has taught us that smaller groups permits is us to tailor the content to better suit individual needs. Also, this allows for a greater degree of interaction with each student. We feel no more than two classes per presentation is ideal.
Another unique feature of our Outreach program is once we are at a school we are willing to provide multiple presentations at no extra cost. The fee we charge is only to cover expenses incurred through travel and the ongoing care of the animals. Also we are able to give a list of the species used in each presentation prior to our visit so that students are better able to research and prepare questions in advance. Some teachers have used our visit as part of a test the next day or as a great introduction or ending to a particular study unit. Many schools use our annual visits as an enhancement to their environmental science curriculum each school year. When requested, we are able to provide recommendations from other teachers.
Once we are at the school, an option would be to do two demos. One done for a lower and the other for a higher grade. For example, grades 3 and 6 each year. In this scenario our content would be of a more general nature for the younger students and more advanced for the older class. Our Outreach program is very flexible and we are always willing to work with each school to find a solution that works best for them.
The Centre offers its Outreach program to schools and youth groups throughout eastern Ontario. We use a variety of birds of prey in our presentations including Peregrine Falcons, Ferruginous Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls and Snowy Owls just to name a few. Generally we bring at least 4 different species of birds. We also bring 3 species of bats including Vampire Bats and two species of fruit bats. Although we primarily use only birds and bats we feel that a better understanding of these groups of animals encourages students to learn more not only about them but all living things.
Thousands of students ranging in age from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12 have benefited from our unique and highly educational presentations. One of the many ways our program is different from similar organizations is that we not only entertain but also enlighten during our presentations. For example, most people are aware that Owls are able to turn their heads almost completely around. However, not many people know why they need to do it, and what the physical adaptations are that allow them to do so. Another example is that many people do not fully understand why so many species of bats are so “ugly”. We explain why, bats need special adaptations to help with their echo-location.
Another part of our presentations that we are proud of is how interactive they are. We allow children to touch as many of the animals as possible. This includes touching the wing of a bat, and also at least two of the birds we bring. We also encourage question and answer sessions whenever possible. We have, on many occasions, talked to students who years later vividly remember being able to touch a live Snowy Owl or see a real Vampire Bat up close.
Our combination of hands-on interaction and high quality scientific education, coupled with the beauty of the animals themselves, provide a thorough and comprehensive presentation that students truly respond to and remember.
Our presentations are not scripted and therefore can be adjusted to fit the particular grade level and curriculum for which they are provided. The following is a list of some of the subjects that are covered in our basic presentation, as well a list of advanced subjects that are available upon request.
Although we are capable of providing presentations to groups of 100 students or more, our experience has taught us that smaller groups permits is us to tailor the content to better suit individual needs. Also, this allows for a greater degree of interaction with each student. We feel no more than two classes per presentation is ideal.
Another unique feature of our Outreach program is once we are at a school we are willing to provide multiple presentations at no extra cost. The fee we charge is only to cover expenses incurred through travel and the ongoing care of the animals. Also we are able to give a list of the species used in each presentation prior to our visit so that students are better able to research and prepare questions in advance. Some teachers have used our visit as part of a test the next day or as a great introduction or ending to a particular study unit. Many schools use our annual visits as an enhancement to their environmental science curriculum each school year. When requested, we are able to provide recommendations from other teachers.
Once we are at the school, an option would be to do two demos. One done for a lower and the other for a higher grade. For example, grades 3 and 6 each year. In this scenario our content would be of a more general nature for the younger students and more advanced for the older class. Our Outreach program is very flexible and we are always willing to work with each school to find a solution that works best for them.
Now here is a well trained relaxed and calm Snowy Owl.
The same Snowy Owl, hardly notices he is being touched.
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GENERAL SUBJECTS
GENERAL SUBJECTS |
• Species role in an ecosystem -
The complex puzzle that is our environment and how each species fits into it-
• Habitat -
Description of the different types of habitat that species live in as well as their natural range.
• Worldwide distribution -
General explanation of the worldwide distribution of birds of prey and bats.
• Local species -
We compare species used in our presentation to similar native species as well as give a general overview of species that are found throughout Ontario.
• Physical characteristics -
General description of the anatomy of birds of prey and bats.
• Special adaptations -
Explanation of the special adaptations of each species.
• Food sources -
Description of the food birds of prey and bats consume.
• Food gathering tactics -
General explanation of how birds of prey actually catch their prey, as well as the many different ways bats gather food.
• General life cycle -
Brief explanation of the specimens age and life span.
• Benefits to man -
General description of the vital role all animals including birds of prey and bats have in maintaining the delicate balance in nature and how important this is to mankind.
• Conservation status -
General overview of the status of bird of prey and bat populations in the world.
• Species role in an ecosystem -
The complex puzzle that is our environment and how each species fits into it-
• Habitat -
Description of the different types of habitat that species live in as well as their natural range.
• Worldwide distribution -
General explanation of the worldwide distribution of birds of prey and bats.
• Local species -
We compare species used in our presentation to similar native species as well as give a general overview of species that are found throughout Ontario.
• Physical characteristics -
General description of the anatomy of birds of prey and bats.
• Special adaptations -
Explanation of the special adaptations of each species.
• Food sources -
Description of the food birds of prey and bats consume.
• Food gathering tactics -
General explanation of how birds of prey actually catch their prey, as well as the many different ways bats gather food.
• General life cycle -
Brief explanation of the specimens age and life span.
• Benefits to man -
General description of the vital role all animals including birds of prey and bats have in maintaining the delicate balance in nature and how important this is to mankind.
• Conservation status -
General overview of the status of bird of prey and bat populations in the world.
The complex puzzle that is our environment and how each species fits into it-
• Habitat -
Description of the different types of habitat that species live in as well as their natural range.
• Worldwide distribution -
General explanation of the worldwide distribution of birds of prey and bats.
• Local species -
We compare species used in our presentation to similar native species as well as give a general overview of species that are found throughout Ontario.
• Physical characteristics -
General description of the anatomy of birds of prey and bats.
• Special adaptations -
Explanation of the special adaptations of each species.
• Food sources -
Description of the food birds of prey and bats consume.
• Food gathering tactics -
General explanation of how birds of prey actually catch their prey, as well as the many different ways bats gather food.
• General life cycle -
Brief explanation of the specimens age and life span.
• Benefits to man -
General description of the vital role all animals including birds of prey and bats have in maintaining the delicate balance in nature and how important this is to mankind.
• Conservation status -
General overview of the status of bird of prey and bat populations in the world.
A thoughtful close up look at a trained Ferruginous Hawk
ADVANCED SUBJECTS
ADVANCED SUBJECTS
• Advanced life cycle-
This covers the entire life cycle of a bird or bat from birth through reaching maturity and mating, all the way to the end of the animals’ natural life span. This gives a thorough overview of the many different challenges that animals face in their natural habitat. Due to the length of this topic, it is recommended for more advanced students.
• Impact of habitat and climate change-
This gives an overview of the many challenges animals face as their habitat is altered by human interference as well as climate change in general. This also includes examples of how species such as Snowy owls, Ferruginous hawks and bats in general are specifically affected. Due to the length of this topic it is recommended for more advanced students.
• Advanced food gathering tactics-
This is an in depth explanation of the many different strategies and styles birds of prey employ while hunting their prey. Also, more complete information about how bats locate, catch and consume their food. This is recommended for grades 6 and up.
• Intelligence and communication-
Discussion on the many different types of animal intelligence and the unique ways in which they communicate. For example what is smarter, a raptor, a parrot or a crow? Also the many different ways birds and bats communicate with each other. This is recommended for grades 6 and up.
• Falconry-
The birds used in our presentations have all been trained using traditional falconry techniques. The sport of falconry dates back over 5,000 years and actually originated in the Middle East before spreading throughout all of Europe. This subject can be offered as a brief overview or comprehensive unit.
• Advanced life cycle-
This covers the entire life cycle of a bird or bat from birth through reaching maturity and mating, all the way to the end of the animals’ natural life span. This gives a thorough overview of the many different challenges that animals face in their natural habitat. Due to the length of this topic, it is recommended for more advanced students.
• Impact of habitat and climate change-
This gives an overview of the many challenges animals face as their habitat is altered by human interference as well as climate change in general. This also includes examples of how species such as Snowy owls, Ferruginous hawks and bats in general are specifically affected. Due to the length of this topic it is recommended for more advanced students.
• Advanced food gathering tactics-
This is an in depth explanation of the many different strategies and styles birds of prey employ while hunting their prey. Also, more complete information about how bats locate, catch and consume their food. This is recommended for grades 6 and up.
• Intelligence and communication-
Discussion on the many different types of animal intelligence and the unique ways in which they communicate. For example what is smarter, a raptor, a parrot or a crow? Also the many different ways birds and bats communicate with each other. This is recommended for grades 6 and up.
• Falconry-
The birds used in our presentations have all been trained using traditional falconry techniques. The sport of falconry dates back over 5,000 years and actually originated in the Middle East before spreading throughout all of Europe. This subject can be offered as a brief overview or comprehensive unit.
This covers the entire life cycle of a bird or bat from birth through reaching maturity and mating, all the way to the end of the animals’ natural life span. This gives a thorough overview of the many different challenges that animals face in their natural habitat. Due to the length of this topic, it is recommended for more advanced students.
• Impact of habitat and climate change-
This gives an overview of the many challenges animals face as their habitat is altered by human interference as well as climate change in general. This also includes examples of how species such as Snowy owls, Ferruginous hawks and bats in general are specifically affected. Due to the length of this topic it is recommended for more advanced students.
• Advanced food gathering tactics-
This is an in depth explanation of the many different strategies and styles birds of prey employ while hunting their prey. Also, more complete information about how bats locate, catch and consume their food. This is recommended for grades 6 and up.
• Intelligence and communication-
Discussion on the many different types of animal intelligence and the unique ways in which they communicate. For example what is smarter, a raptor, a parrot or a crow? Also the many different ways birds and bats communicate with each other. This is recommended for grades 6 and up.
• Falconry-
The birds used in our presentations have all been trained using traditional falconry techniques. The sport of falconry dates back over 5,000 years and actually originated in the Middle East before spreading throughout all of Europe. This subject can be offered as a brief overview or comprehensive unit.
"No Fair! -That tickles!!!"
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PRESENTATION
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PRESENTATION
If you are interested in our outreach program and would like further information regarding dates and pricing, please feel free to contact us at:
705-778-5273 or Email us at: staff@conservationcentre.org
If you are interested in our outreach program and would like further information regarding dates and pricing, please feel free to contact us at:
705-778-5273 or Email us at: staff@conservationcentre.org
Would you like to learn how you can help the Centre?
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