At rare, we provide several opportunities for students and teachers to experience curriculum based learning outside the classroom. It is becoming increasingly important for students of all ages to be involved in a variety of outdoor education experiences.The programs provided by rare are helping to bridge the gap between the classroom and the natural environment through experiential and investigative hands-on learning. Though nothing beats visiting rare and experiencing the land and all the things that call rare home, we understand that schedules and budgets can make this difficult.
If you are unable to visit rare, consider inviting our education team to come to you! We offer presentations and seasonal modules that take place right in your classroom or on school grounds.
Our educators can come to you to present on a wide variety of nature-based and environmental topics. Take advantage of our FREE collection of Virtual Field Trips and follow it up with a presentation from rare Educators for an in-depth look, Q&A, or to explore a new topic.
Examples: Earth Day Assemblies, School Council presentations, etc.
Curriculum Connections:
A number of different curriculum connections can be made depending on the grade level of your class. Please contact us for more information.
Availability:
Presentations for school groups can be booked by request September to June.
Project Researcher:
Elaina Greaves, MSc Candidate
Project Supervisor:
Dr. Brian Husband
University of Guelph, Department of Integrative Biology
In this field study, I will determine if adding hybrid pollen to native crabapple trees can have an impact on the reproduction of the native species. This native species is relatively uncommon in Ontario and often grow in areas close to commercial grown domestic apple trees, or in areas where these domestic trees have escaped (called feral domestic apple trees). These two species can then hybridize, which is the crossing of two closely related species that produces an offspring. Using several series of pollination treatments on native crabapple trees at rare Charitable Research Reserve and one other location, I will address three questions: 1) what is the impact of hybrid pollinations on the population size and dynamics of crabapples; 2) does hybrid pollination influence the frequency of asexually produced offspring; and 3) what is the primary source of hybrid pollen, from orchards or feral trees? The results provide insights into the impacts of agricultural environments on native biodiversity. This information can also be transferred to other native species who have the ability of reproducing with their domestic relatives.
Project Researcher:
Aleksandra Dolezal, PhD Candidate
Project Supervisor:
Dr. Andrew MacDougall
University of Guelph, Department of Integrative Biology
The aim of the study is twofold: 1) to understand the combined effects of semi‐natural area and insecticide spraying on insect predator-prey populations and, 2) evaluate the importance of habitat for predator biocontrol service. An in-field cage experiment will be conducted using three treatments (habitat, crop, habitat+crop) and two levels of insecticide (sprayed and unsprayed) to assess recovery of predator and prey populations and the baseline level of biocontrol. The habitat treatment will consist of a plant community dominate in the oldfield ecosystem at rare Charitable Research Reserve, the crop treatment will be conventional soybean, and the habitat and crop treatment will be a 20% oldfield and 80% soybean plot which follows the Alternative Land Use Service (ALUS) model of farming. Each cage will be stocked at the beginning of the growing season (May 15) with 15 ladybird beetles (Hippodamia convergens) and 100 soybean aphids (Aphis glycines). Insect density and biocontrol will be monitored during the whole growing season from May- August. We expected that: (a) habitat plots will have a smaller benefit to biocontrol in sprayed than unsprayed cages and (b) recovery of biocontrol service after insecticide spraying will be faster in plots with habitat.
Project Researcher:
Kathleen Church Mitacs Accelerate Postdoctoral Fellow
Project Supervisor:
Dr. Christina Semeniuk
University of Windsor, Department of Integrative Biology, Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research (GLIER)
Monitoring behavioural changes in animals can tell us how pollutants, like microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm), are likely to affect populations. High numbers of microplastics are currently present in freshwater habitats, and these habitats are becoming more susceptible to microplastic pollution over time, especially in cities. Freshwater fishes, including salmonids, are known to mistake microplastic particles for food, and eat them. Laboratory studies show that behavioural changes often result from microplastics ingestion, including altered swimming and foraging behaviour, but it is currently unknown how these behavioural changes scale up to affect population size. This project aims to fill this knowledge gap by using Agent-Based Models (ABMs) to assess how behavioural changes that occur following microplastics ingestion will affect the population viability of stream-dwelling salmonids. This study identifies targets for microplastics pollution likely to prevent declines in salmonid populations, in combination with educational material for rare that aligns with the Canadian government’s intention to ban single use-plastics by the end of 2021, a first step toward zero plastic waste in Canada by 2030.
Project Researcher:
Aleksandra Dolezal, PhD Candidate
Project Supervisor:
Dr. Andrew MacDougall
University of Guelph, Department of Integrative Biology
BugNet is a global network of scientists that aims to better understand the impacts of invertebrate herbivores and fungal pathogens on different aspects of plant communities. While a few studies have shown big impacts of invertebrates and fungal pathogens, we know little about how generally important they are, and how their functional composition varies across a range of different ecosystems. A powerful tool to quantify the variation in plant consumer communities and their impact are globally coordinated experiments, using standardized measurements and replicated experiments across ecological gradients. The “Bug-Network” will be such a project and aims to explore the context dependency of biotic interactions within a coordinated research network comprised of many grassland- and shrubland sites worldwide.
Snowshoe through your schoolyard with a rare Educator as a guide to investigate animal migration, animal hibernation, signs of winter animal activity, and plant dormancy. Observe animal habitats, hunt for tracks, and learn which animals have snowshoes of their own! Snowshoes will be provided.
Curriculum Connections:
A number of different curriculum connections can be made depending on the grade level of your class. Please contact us for more information.
Availability:
Module available from December to March, dependent on seasonal weather. In the case of minimal snow accumulation, a hike without snowshoes is possible.
Cost: $12/student
Look for pollinators in your school yard or garden with rare Educators! Investigate the habitats required for pollinators to thrive and see how your own school grounds are meeting the habitat needs of pollinators including shelter, food, water, and warmth.
Curriculum Connections:
A number of different curriculum connections can be made depending on the grade level of your class. Please contact us for more information.
Availability:
Module available from April to June, dependent on seasonal weather.
Cost: $12/student
With the help of a rare Educator, construct and set up a vermicomposting bin for their classroom. Investigate the process and purpose of responsible waste management through vermicomposting and explore the role worms play within our ecosystems.
Curriculum Connections:
A number of different curriculum connections can be made depending on the grade level of your class. Please contact us for more information.
Availability:
Module available from September to November, dependent on available supplies.
Cost: $12/student
Learn all about bird adaptations and experience what it’s like to be a bird through various hands-on activities and games. Learn how to use binoculars and identify bird species, then explore your schoolyard with a rare educator to see what birds you find. Binoculars will be provided.
Curriculum Connections:
A number of different curriculum connections can be made depending on the grade level of your class. Please contact us for more information.
Availability:
Module available year-round
Cost: $12/student