Ambassador Animal Programs
Grades 1 to 6 | 60 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Join us for an up close and personal encounter with our Animal Handler/Educator and a selection of three to five of our ambassador animals. Each workshop is broken up into short segments that have participants using all their senses. Choose from the following options:
• Animal Essentials (Gr. 1)
• Animal Lifecycles (Gr. 2)
• Homes and Habitats (Gr. 3 & 4)
• Creature Climates (Gr. 5 & 6)
Animal Life Cycles
Grade 2 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Learn about the life cycles of insects, birds, amphibians, spiders, fish, reptiles and mammals. Students will then tour through the Zoo to look at the animals' daily life. This is eggciting science!
Learning Outcomes: Grade 2 Science
Arctic Ecology
Grades 4 to 6 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Maximum 30 students
Discover what it means to be an Arctic ecologist. Students will discover the growing field of Arctic ecology through an active exploration of the Journey to Churchill exhibit.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 4 - 6 Science
Awesome Adaptations
Grades 1 to 8 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
How do animals survive the heat and rain of the tropics or the cold winters in the Arctic tundra? Students will learn how animals survive in their habitat and study specific characteristics of animals here at the Zoo through age appropriate activities! Choose from Arctic or Tropical Adaptations.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 1 - 8 Science
Bats
Grades 2 to 4 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Discover the fascinating and often misunderstood lives of the amazing creatures of the night. We will tour the Kinsmen Discovery Centre to learn about megabats and microbats!
Learning Outcomes: Grades 2 and 4 Science
Creature Classification
Grade 1 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Some animals have limbs and lungs. Others have fins and gills. Discover the differences and similarities among various animal groups by examining a selection of 'biofacts' and touring a section of the Zoo.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 1 Science
Gakina Ndinawemaaganag : Kakinow Niwahkomakanak (All My Relations)
Grade 4, 5 & 6 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people of Manitoba have distinct cultures connected by an intimate relationship with animals and the land. In this tour-based program, learn how all nature is inter-connected through Indigenous perspectives and explore how we can all be better stewards of the land.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 4 – 6 Social Studies, Grade 4 – 6 Aboriginal Languages and Culture, Grade 4 and 6 Science
Nature Photography
Grades 3 to 8 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park OR Zoo
Photography is a great way to connect with nature and take a closer look at the environment around you. Discover the Zoo through the lens of a camera and learn basic techniques that will help you take great outdoor photographs. Cameras are provided. This program is available September through April in the Zoo and year-round in the Park. Maximum 30 students
Learning Outcomes: Grade 3 - 8 Social Studies and Art
North American Animal Stories
Grades 1 to 6 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Aboriginal people use storytelling as means of entertainment but also as a way of passing important information from one generation to another. Through storytelling, our educators will introduce participants to our indigenous animals and their importance to Aboriginal beliefs, values and stories.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 1, 2, 4 and 6 Language Arts and Social Studies
Polar Bears
Grades 1 to 6 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Learn the remarkable stories behind the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s polar bears! Tour the Zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit and discover how bears have adapted to survive in their habitat. Students will also explore the unique and sometimes challenging relationship between people and bears encounter in the town of Churchill and the western Hudson Bay.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 1, 2, 4 & 6 Science, Grade 3 Social Studies
PURRfect Predators: Big Cats
Grades 3 to 7 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Learn about the distinct characteristics of tigers and leopards and compare their vocalizations to smaller cats such as cougars and lynx. Find out why two-thirds of the world’s cats are endangered and learn what Assiniboine Park Zoo is doing to conserve them.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 4 and 6 Science
Poetry in the Park
Grades 5 and 6 | 90 minutes | Qualico Family Centre
Let the gardens and forests of Assiniboine Park inspire you! We will guide students through a creative writing process that ends with a group poetry reading. Program includes an outdoor activity.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 6 Language Arts
A River Runs Through It
Grades 3 to 5 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park
The riparian forest is very special and important habitat to our local rivers, plants, animals and people. Students will unearth the ecological secrets of the riparian forest through water quality investigations, forest walks, photography, and sensory activities designed to enhance their appreciation and understanding of forests. This program runs April through early November, weather permitting. Sponsored in part by the RBC Water Wise Garden Program.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 3, 4 and 5 Social Studies; Grade 3 Science
The Dirt on Soil
Grade 3 to 4 | 90 minutes | Qualico Family Centre
Did you know a single teaspoon of dirt contains more than a billion microorganisms, that help sustain plant and animal life? This program delves into the nitty-gritty of dirt, its environmental value, and the conservation of one of the earth’s most precious resources - our soil.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 3 Science; Grade 4 Social Science