Programs at The Leaf
Welcome to the Leaf! We are very excited to be offering our first ever school programs in this iconic new facility. The Leaf is a botanical conservatory that will play a critical role in shaping how our community perceives, interacts with, and understands nature. All programs touch on a variety of subject areas and are curriculum-linked with a focus on our intricate relationship with plants. Our engaging programs offer hands-on activities that will immerse your students in an experience that would normally require a trip to a tropical or Mediterranean climate. Education for sustainable development will be woven throughout all programs as we explore the past, present, and future reliance that cultures from around the world have with plants.
Programs are facilitated by our skilled staff and volunteer interpreters. To ensure our programs are interactive and engaging, we will maintain a ratio of 1:15, leader to students. Programs will include a tour of the biomes, plus supporting activities both indoors and out.
Program Availability: March 1, 2023 - June 23, 2023
Maximum Group Size: 45 Students
90 - 120 Minute Program Fee: $10.25 + GST/child (minimum $150.00 plus GST)
Please note, re-entry into the biomes after your program is not included in your program price.
A Tree For Every Season | Pre-K - Grade 1
Grades Pre-K – Grade 1 | 90 minutes
When we use our senses, we are fully engaged in nature rather than just passing through it. Our journey will take us through the Leaf and the outdoor gardens as we explore what makes trees so terrific! We’ll engage our entire bodies as we use dramatic play to understand the vital role trees play in our lives and in our environment and how they change throughout the seasons.
Subject areas: Science & Social Studies
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Connecting Our Roots | Grades 2/3
Grades 2/3 | 120 minutes
Have you ever thought of the role plants play in your family, community, and the world around you? Through stories from our local and global communities, we will recognize the ways people have connected with plants in the past, present and future. Together, we will understand the integral role plants play in our lives.
Subject areas: Social Studies
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Plant Pals Forever - How Plants Make Friends For Life | Grades 2/3
Grades 2/3 | 120 minutes
Students will learn all about the life cycles of flowering plants, from seed to flower. They will discover how plants use clever ways to make sure their lifecycles happen again and again. Seed dispersal, flowering times, pollination, and fruit growth will also be covered with fun interactive games.
Subject areas: Science
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Mashkiki Babaamose: Medicine Walk | Grades 4/5
Grades 4/5 | 120 minutes
Join us on a walk through the Indigenous Peoples’ Garden where we learn not only about the four Sacred Medicines, but also the many plants that have sustained Indigenous peoples’ on these lands since time immemorial. Our indoor portion will explore the biomes to discuss other significant plants to Indigenous cultures from around the world.
Subject areas: Science, Social Studies, Aboriginal Languages and Culture
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
diverCity | Grades 6/7
Grades 6/7 | 120 minutes
Through science inquiries and art expression, students will develop a deep appreciation of how cultural diversity is rooted to biological diversity. Biodiversity provides culturally significant foods, art inspiration, languages, and a sense of self and community. Climate change has been linked with biodiversity, which has been declining at an alarming rate. Together, we will examine ways to support biodiversity so nature and culture can continue to thrive.
Subject areas: Science, Social Studies, and Education for Sustainable Development
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Bananas, Avocados, and Chocolate, Oh My! | Grades 7 - 9
Grades 7 – 9 | 120 minutes
Not each food story is a happy one. This program will delve into the political, social, environmental, and economic implications of some very popular plant-based food items. Through a series of hands-on activities, we will examine the production of chocolate, avocados, almonds, and coffee among other food crops, their environmental impacts, and the ramifications for global communities.
Subject areas: Science, Social Studies, Education for Sustainable Development
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Book Your Program
When submitting a request for a program, please provide a minimum of three dates that work for you and your school schedule. Our Education & Programs team will reach out to confirm your program.
Chaperone Policies
- Chaperones must be responsible adults (i.e. teacher, volunteer, or parent).
- Chaperones who fall within these ratios are included free of charge:
- 1:10 for grades K - 6, 1:15 for grades 7 - 12, 1:25 for post-secondary students.
- Extra chaperones cost $15/adult plus GST.
- Bus drivers and one-on-one aides are free.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
- If you need to cancel your program, please do so as soon as possible.
- 15+ business days in advance = full refund
- 11–14 business days = partial refund (cancellation is subject to a $35 plus GST administrative fee)
- 10 or less business days = no refund
- We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any program.
- A full refund will be issued if the Education Department cancels your tour or program.
- All programs are subject to a minimum charge of $150 + GST, regardless of the number of participants.
- An invoice for the balance owing will be emailed upon your booking being processed. The remaining amount can be paid upon arrival for your program with cash, debit, MasterCard, Visa, or business cheque to “Assiniboine Park Conservancy."
- All prices are subject to change.
Printable Program Guide
For more information please contact:
Phone: 204-927-6070
Email: education@assiniboinepark.ca