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. Explore their special adaptations as you examine their skulls and bones.
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3
Bear Smart
Get bear Smart this spring with an entertaining, hands-on program that focuses on bear ecology and safety. Explore real pelts and skulls while learning the basic biology and natural habits of these great creatures. Your class will learn about the 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, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
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
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.
Held at Sun-Oka Park
Program Type: In Nature
Suitability: Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6
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 day-by-day! This entertaining and highly interactive program is perfect for students who want to explore what it takes to survive and thrive as a frog, toad or salamander in our shared and ever-changing landscape. This active program is perfect for open classroom settings or gymnasiums
Program Type: In Class
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Okanagan Knowledge
Understand the Okanagan First Nation’s view of the land as you take a tour of the beautiful and diverse locatee lands on the Penticton Reserve with a Syilx Knowledge Specialist. Your class will learn to recognize the plants and animals that live in this incredible area and will be introduced to the important cultural system of traditional ecological knowledge. This area is home to one of the last remaining old growth Cottonwood stands in the valley. Learn why it is so critical to protect the unique habitats of the South Okanagan Similkameen.
Held in Penticton at ECOmmunity Place
Program Type: In Nature
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Spring Has Sprung!
Experience the wonder of plants and wildlife as they awaken to spring! This interactive program will lead students on a sensory exploration of the sights, sounds and smells of spring. Learn how to identify some of the common native plants and flowers, trees and birds that live in the Okanagan. Participate in a fun, non-competitive “unnature hunt” to challenge the powers of observation.
Program Type: In Nature
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2
Trees Wanted: Dead or Alive
Within a forest, we find trees at different stages of growth and decay. A wildlife tree is any standing tree, whether it is dead or living, with special characteristics that provide important habitat for wildlife. Many animals, including endangered species, need these wildlife trees for food, shelter and nesting. Find out why these trees are so important, who uses them and learn more about the forest food web. Both indoor and outdoor programs are available. Program offered FREE of charge.
Program Type: In Nature
Suitability: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, 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
