Programs offered for Grades 7 and 8


  • *Programs can also be offered in French on request.*


Instincts for Survival - Created by Waterloo Outdoor Educator Frank Glew in 1991, this food web simulation game has become a staple in outdoor education across North America.  In this tag-style game, students are transformed into animals on different levels of the food web and must run, hide, and chase each other in order to survive, all the while searching for plant food and water.
Curriculum links:
Grade 7:
  • Learn roles and interactions of producers, consumers, and decomposers within an ecosystem.
  • Develop an understanding of an ecosystem as a system of interactions between living organisms and their environment.
  • Describe the transfer of energy in a food chain and explain the effects of elimination of any part of the chain.


Ecosystem Explorations: Biodiversity  - In this experiential activity, students will learn about the concept of biodiversity in many forms.  They will explore biodiversity at the species level in a local ecosystem.  Then, through hands-on activities, they will learn about the interactions of different species and how they are reliant on each other in a complex web of life.  They will also learn about and witness what happens when too many species are eliminated from the system.
Curriculum links:  
Grade 7:
  • Develop an understanding of an ecosystem as a system of interactions between living organisms and their environment.
  • Distinguish between primary succession and secondary succession.
  • Learn how matter is cycled in the environment and how it promotes sustainability



Under the Surface  - An abundance of life thrives below the water's surface, and we hope to see it first hand.  Using dip nets and observation containers, students will find and identify creatures in a local stream or pond ranging form aquatic insects to crayfish.  They will learn the concept of biodiversity, and why it is important for water quality.  They will also learn the concept of a watershed, how this particular body of water connects to it, and how that affects the water they use on a daily basis.
Curriculum links:
Grade 7:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of an ecosystem as a system of interactions between living organisms and their environment
  • Use scientific inquiry/research to investigate occurrences that affect the balance within a local ecosystem.
Grade 8:
  • Use scientific inquiry/research skills to investigate local water issues



Lost in the Wild - In this hands-on activity, students will learn the steps to take if they are ever lost in a wilderness setting.  They begin by learning what steps to take to stay calm, and plan their strategy.  They will then learn how and build their own survival shelters in the forest.  In the process, students will learn about concepts such as insulation, weather patterns, and structure.  The resulting shelters are usually quite impressive, and would serve well in a short-term survival situation.
Curriculum links:
Grade 7:
  • Investigate the factors that determine the ability of a structure to support a load
  • Use technological problem-solving skills to determine the most efficient way for a structure to support a given load
  • Identify and describe factors that can cause a structure to fail
  • Use technological problem-solving skills to identify ways to minimize heat loss
All Grades:
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution skills
  • Clearly expressing ideas and responses
  • Showing leadership, and applying conflict-resolution skills
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Team Building Challenge - Set the foundation for cooperation, coordination, communication, and collaboration right from the beginning of the school year, or build on what you've been working toward with your class.  Presented with a number of outdoor initiative challenges, students will work as a group to finish the task at hand and grow as a cohesive unit.  This is an excellent program to allow your class to grow and bond as a team at the beginning of the school year, but is just as valuable at any time of year.
Curriculum links: 
Health and Physical Education (all grades):
  • Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Observing non-verbal signals and body language.
  • Clearly expressing ideas and responses.
  • Demonstrating teamwork skills by working collaboratively with a partner or in a group to achieve a common goal.
  • Showing leadership, and applying conflict-resolution skills.
  • Arriving at a decision, conclusion, goal, or solution.