Compiled by: Meghan Burnham
Rivers2Lake Education Intern
OUTDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES
Possible Activities:
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Ice fishing
Examining snow for pollution and run off into water? How will this affect the water
quality in the spring?
Scavenger hunt winter theme
Ice Sublimation, does ice evaporate? Why do ice cubes/icicles shrink if they are left in
the freezer for a long period of time? Rate of sublimation?
Activities from a winter outdoor camp:
http://www.pioneercamp.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=106&Itemid=147
Broomball
The purpose of this activity is to have fun! Broomball is a very popular winter sport similar to
hockey in regards to the rules but not requiring the same amount of equipment. If the students are
not familiar with hockey, or are a younger group of students, the instructor may choose to spend
some time doing stick handling and passing drills before beginning the game. We encourage
team work and participation.
Guided Hike
This activity provides students with the opportunity to explore part of the 1000 acres of beautiful
mixed woodland surrounding Pioneer. Our instructors will make the hike as leisurely or
challenging as you would like. This activity provides an excellent opportunity for your students
to practice their photography, creative writing or sketching skills.
Maple Syrup Production
(My teacher did this with us in 5th grade, we got to tap the trees and make the maple syrup. Then
we tried it at school and I believe we got to take some home as well. Not only do the children
learn the process but they get to see what the end result is.) -Meghan
The sweet taste of pure maple syrup has been a joy for generations, what pancake breakfast is
complete without a side of maple syrup? Students will have the chance to see the progressive
change of maple syrup manufacturing over the years. Starting with aboriginal methods, through
pioneer methods all the way to modern evaporators, students will try their hand at making maple
syrup from scratch. (Available from mid March through mid April)
Compiled by: Meghan Burnham
Rivers2Lake Education Intern
Snowshoe Hike
Thousands of years ago, after observing animals living in the same habitat, the native North
Americans developed and perfected this unique method of traveling over deep snow. This
activity begins with a brief history and introduction to the snowshoe; then students will head out
for a short hike through the forest, discovering a new world of fresh snowfalls and crisp winter
air.
Snowshoe Survival
Snowshoe survival is a combination of a snowshoe hike and survival skills like fire and shelter
building. This activity provides students with the opportunity to explore some of the area around
Pioneer Centre, and possibly see some of the wildlife (or signs of the wildlife) that live on
Pioneer property. After hiking to a suitable location, the students will help gather material to
build a fire large enough to boil a pot of water for hot chocolate. Students will then have the
opportunity to make their own fire.
Wilderness Survival
Can you name three things that you need to survive in the wilderness? After this class your
students will be able to tell you. From camp a small group of survivors set out into the
wilderness. Working together, they must construct a shelter, build a fire, and boil water for a hot
drink.
Woodland Discovery
Trees of different types can be found in several different environments, and are often taken for
granted. Through a discussion of the role trees play in the woodland environment, and what they
provide for people, students may come to realize how important trees truly are. Students will
become amateur dendrologists as they test their tree ID skills on our challenging ID course.
Compiled by: Meghan Burnham
Rivers2Lake Education Intern
SNOW SCIENCE LESSONS EXAMINING SNOW FLAKES COOL!!!
http://web.archive.org/web/200012161825/http://teelfamily.com/activities/snow/science.html
Snow activities
http://web.archive.org/web/200102012154/http://www.teelfamily.com/activities/snow/activit
ies.html
Snow food
http://web.archive.org/web/200012161451/http://teelfamily.com/activities/snow/food.html
Building an igloo
http://web.archive.org/web/20001019025701/http://www.benmeadows.com/ResourceLibrar
y/igloo.html
ART Idea
http://www.examiner.com/article/educational-outdoor-winter-art-projects
Rather than sculpting with clay, create snow sculptures. Use kitchen utensils for carving,
sculpting, and shaping the snow. Follow this up with using spray bottles filled with food coloring
to paint each sculpture.
Something I thought of after reading the above was:
Students could get outside and color the snow with food coloring as an art project. They could
make Lake Superior? Design a map on the snow with food coloring.
Outdoor Education for Younger Children
http://voices.yahoo.com/educational-outdoor-winter-activities-toddlers-739133.html
MELTING PROCESS
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Not only will want you want to explain the snow melting process to your child, but you
will want to show it to them. You can do this by having your child collect a small pile of
Compiled by: Meghan Burnham
Rivers2Lake Education Intern
snow or even ice in a cup or a bowl to take indoors. They can watch firsthand as the snow
melts.
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In addition to simply taking one cup or bowl of snow inside to watch melt, you may want
to take in a few more. What you can do is place each cup or bowl full of snow in a
different areas of your home. You and your child can predict which snow will melt the
fastest and why. Areas of your home that you may want to pick include those in a dark
cupboard or closet, near a window, near a heat source, or in your freezer.
BUILD A SNOWMAN
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It isn't always possible. Successfully building a snowman will depend on a number of
factors, including how much snow you have and what type of snow you have. If you are
successful, your child will love this fun winter activity. If you are unable to build a
snowman, you can use the experience as an opportunity to explain to your child how
snow comes in a number of different formats.
ICE FORMATION AND SAFETY
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In addition to the snow, you may also want to show your toddler or preschooler ice that
has formed. You can explain the formation process to them. What is nice about this
winter activity is that you can also use it as a way to educate your child on outdoor safety
during the winter. Ice formations are dangerous when hanging from a building, like a
home. You can emphasize that although it is neat how they form, they can be very
dangerous.
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To ensure that you and your child are able to safely have fun outdoors, you may want to
spread ice melt or salt on slippery surfaces. This can be another great educational
experience for your toddler or preschooler. While you may not want to let them spread it
themselves, especially if your child is young in age, you can still show them how ice melt
and salt works. They may be amazed with the crackling sounds made or they may even
get to see the ice start melting right before their eyes.