Amazing Mammals
What do pine martin, deer, porcupine, black bear and coyotes have in common? They are all amazing local animals! Each one of them plays a special role in the local ecosystem web of life. We will examine their skulls as we explore their special adaptations.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3
Bear Aware
Get bear smart this fall with an entertaining, hands-on program that focuses on bear ecology and safety. Explore real pelts and skulls while learning to understand bear biology and natural bear behaviour. Your class will learn about management of bear attractants and how to avoid bear encounters. This program is sponsored by the South Okanagan Similkameen Bear Smart Project and is FREE for all classes.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5
Bully Plants: Let’s Weed Them Out
Learn about and understand the environmental impacts of invasive plants or “weeds” on natural habitats and agricultural areas in our region. This program encourages creative and scientific thought using props and interactive activities. This program is sponsored by the South Okanagan Similkameen Invasive Plant Society and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and is FREE for all classes.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Curator Kid Program
The Penticton Museum features a new Natural History gallery with school & family programs related to:
- ‘Fritz & Friends’ (explore our new live amphibarium with rare frogs, salamanders & turtles)
- ‘Rocking Around the Okanagan’ (Geology programs)
- ‘Dem Bones’ (Paleontology programs)
- ‘Species of the Okanagan’ (flora & fauna of the Okanagan)
- ‘Ecozones’ (Habitats of the Okanagan)
- ‘Living Larder’ (First Nation life on the land)
For booking, please book directly through OSCA.
For more info on the Curator Kid Program contact:
785 Main St, Penticton, BC V2A 5E3
Office Tel: (250) 490-2451
Fax: (250) 490-2442
http://www.pentictonmuseum.com
Program Type: In Community
Suitability: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Eat Dirt!
Composting comes to the classroom with an interactive worm composting program. Students learn about the composting process, why it is important, characteristics of red wrigglers and the relationship between worms and soil. This program is provided by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and is FREE for all classes.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Eating Like a Bird
Bird bills (beaks) are like specialized tools which help them get the best meal. Students will learn how different birds eat and what they feed on as they explore a number of interactive stations. Play hide and go “seed” and practice cracking open your own seeds like a feeder bird. Find out what happens when birds eat bad things that should not be a part of their diet.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6
Fall is Falling: How Plants and Animals Prepare for Winter
Experience the wonder of plants and animals as they get ready for the winter season. Students will discover the sights, sounds and smells of autumn and learn about the special ways in which plants & animals prepare for cold and snow.
Location is flexible. Available in French.
Program Type: In Nature
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1
Fur and Feathers
How does our body covering compare to the fur and feathers of wild animals? Visit interactive stations where students can try “zipping and unzipping” a feather to see the oil affects of plumage, paint with feathers and see examples of coyote, beaver, sheep, deer and bat furs. This is a “hands on” program with lots of visual material and activity.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4
Go Batty!
Did you know that the Okanagan is home to fourteen different bats? These diverse and wonderful mammals are often misunderstood. Debunk the myths surrounding these mysterious nocturnal flyers as you explore their behaviour, biology, habitat and their important roles in their ecosystem in this interactive program that features lots of visual and print support material.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Horns n’ Hoofs
Have you ever seen a ruminating ungulate? You will know how to recognize one after this program! Students will have an opportunity to learn about local horned and hoofed mammals, their habitats and why some of them are considered at risk. They will be able to see and touch a variety of antlers, horns and skulls in this program that involves lots of visual and print support material.
Available in French
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3
Interesting Insects
Did you know that we share this valley with preying mantis, tarantula wasps and ticks? Learn about the basic biology, habits and importance of insects in this informative and fun program. This program feature lots of visual props to examine. Find out if spiders are insects too…
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2
It’s Not Easy Being Green!
Making a living as an amphibian has always been a challenge in the South Okanagan and it’s getting tougher everyday! This entertaining and highly interactive program will examine the characteristics that make our amphibious friends such a unique group, with a special focus on the Okanagan species at risk. What does it take to survive and thrive as a frog, toad or salamander in our shared and ever-changing landscape? What kinds of challenges are they facing?
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7
Lunch Waste Audit
Students will analyse their lunches to determine how much garbage they have and then problem solve ways in which they could decrease the amount of waste. Students will learn about the 3 R’s, what recycled materials are made into and participate in a fun game show format quiz. This program is provided by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and is FREE for all classes.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Meet the Antelope 8 Gang
Have you ever heard of Antelope Brush? Well, the Antelope 8 (a motley mix of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) sure has! They will tell you the reasons why they depend upon the important antelope brush habitat which is a distinguishing feature of the unique ecosystem of the Okanagan Similkameen. Learn about the endangered or threatened status of these animals, human impacts and stewardship initiatives.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Okanagan Knowledge
Understand the Syilx (Okanagan) view of the land, life and natural laws that govern our relationship to all living things and how we are entrusted and responsible as being ‘keepers of the land.’ Your day begins with a short tour through the dynamic En’owkin Center, an Indigenous cultural, educational and creative arts institution. Afterward, enjoy a short video and presentation that describe and display the beauty and diversity of the Locatee Lands on the Penticton Reserve with a Syilx Knowledge Specialist. You will learn about some of the plants and animals that live in this incredible area that remains to be one of the last old growth Cottonwood stands in the Valley. You will be introduced to the important cultural systems of traditional ecological knowledge and learn why it is so critical to protect the unique habitats of the South Okanagan Similkameen.
Held at the En’owkin Center, Penticton.
Program Type: In Community
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Okanagan Salmon
Join us to learn about the impacts and the important habitat needs of salmon and their surrounding environment. Your class will be able to observe our sockeye broodstock collection program, observe salmon being bio-sampled and screened for disease. This program is provided by the Okanagan Nation Alliance Fisheries Department and is FREE for your class.
Held in Oliver.
Program Type: In Nature
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Owls of Canada
Whooo are the owls that range this country? Whooo are the owls that live in the Okanagan? Why are some of them threatened or endangered? Find out the lifestyles and habits of these amazing nocturnal predators. Find out what the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Center for Owls is doing to protect and save these birds. If you have any questions, you can ask the live owl that will visit your classroom!
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Reconnecting Wetland/Riparian Spaces, Reconnecting People
We are excited to present the return of the Reconnect Project where the youth of the South Okanagan & Similkameen can get their hands dirty. The goal is to create a fun community-based project that involves restoring natural habitat (fall) and monitoring for plants and species (spring) in areas that are ecological ‘corridors’ between different natural habitats. The project will involve participation from First Nation and non-First Nation communities working together to restore these natural corridors, while at the same time encouraging fun and engaging networks between the two communities.
The restoration of these natural corridors is directly linked to the human communities that inhabit the South Okanagan Similkameen. Like natural habitats, community connectivity is vital to ensure social groups share the responsibility for protecting greenspaces and keeping them maintained. A key goal of the project is to build skills in cooperative land use management so that different community groups and schools can share in the delivery of these conservation goals. In the South Okanagan Similkameen, the social and geographic relationships between the First Nation and non-First Nation communities make this a natural partnership which would strengthen not only the natural corridors that pass through these communities, but also the human networks that criss-cross the land.
The Penticton Indian Band, The Osoyoos Indian Band and The Lower Similkameen Indian Band have strong Traditional Ecological Knowledge ties to the land both on and off rese rve. In parallel, the non-First Nation communities of Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos have a history of land stewardship work that has been fashioned over the years through governmental and nongovernmental programs. By combining the two, the Reconnect Project will ensure a mutual responsibility for the protection of key habitats is developed and celebrated.
Locations vary. Site specific workbooks provided.
Four sites have been designated for the Reconnect Project:
- ECOmmunity Place (Locatee Lands), Penticton
- Shuttleworth Creek, Okanagan Falls
- Kobau Park, Cawston
- Winter’s Property, Osoyoos
Please contact Jacquie Likins at 250-492-4422 or for further information and/or to arrange a booking. Please note that spaces for this project are limited.
Program Type: In Nature
Suitability: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Snakes of the South Okanagan Similkameen
The South Okanagan Similkameen is home to seven species of snakes! Four of these species are currently endangered or threatened. Learn to recognize these different species by examining their shed skins. Explore some of the ways these creatures lead their limbless lives in their natural habitats. Learn some simple steps you can take to avoid contacting the one species that is poisonous.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Trees: Keep Your WiTs About You
Within a forest we find trees at different stages of growth and decay. Many animals, including endangered species, need these wildlife trees in their habitats. Find out why these trees are so important while exploring a wildlife tree habitat with the Wildlife Tree Stewardship Program (WiTS).
Held at Sun-Oka Park.
Program Type: In Nature
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Water: The Myth of Abundance
Water appears to be abundant in our region, however every drop we use must come from somewhere with a consequence on community growth and the environment. Water use within the Okanagan Water Basin competes with wildlife, fish, agriculture and people. Once we identify methods to reduce water waste, we realize “I don’t have to do without to be Water Smart”. This series of presentations is a companion to the “Okanagan Basin Waterscape Poster” and the accompanying teacher’s guide. Class discussion and exercises focus on using water wisely. This program is offered through the City of Penticton and is FREE to all classes.
Program and materials available in French.
Please note: Available within Penticton city limits only.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
What’s the Buzz?
Tell me what’s happening inside those big white bee hives! Biologists and beekeepers Janelle and Kevin explain the fascinating world of bees. Learn the importance of these insect pollinators and honey producers. Taste fresh local honey, try on a beesuit, and get a close look at live bees behind glass. Topics include insect ecology and biology, metamorphosis, social structure of a hive, beehive products and agricultural significance.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Where does all the garbage go?
Have you ever wondered what happens to your garbage after it leaves the curb? Do you know why it’s important to recycle? Did you know that there are more than 20 different materials recycled at the Campbell Mountain Landfill? Book your bus and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will provide a tour guide who will lead your group on an exploration of the landfill, where all will be revealed! This program is FREE to all classes and must be booked well in advance by contacting the EcoStudies Coordinator.
Campbell Mountain Landfill, Penticton
Program Type: In Community
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
