Due to the uncertainty created by COVID 19 for both school and Park operations changes to our processes are being put in place for program bookings.

• Jr./Sr. High program requests can be made via email starting June 8 to roland.kirzinger@gov.ab.ca.  Requests via telephone will not be taken at this time.  All requests will be managed on a first come, first serve basis as usual.
• Kindergarten to Grade 6 program requests will not be taken for the fall period.  Program requests for K-Gr. 6 can be made via email beginning December 14, 2020 for programs starting January, 2021.  Requests are to be emailed to Fishcreek.education@gov.ab.ca as usual and will be managed on a first come, first serve basis.

All program requests will be logged and held until formal confirmation can be made based on the operation of both schools and the Environmental Learning Centre.

Other Options for Schools

Come to the Park Without a Program

• School groups are welcome to come to the park without a program.
• We ask that teachers NOT visit or conduct their own programs in the Bow Valley Ranch area during the fall/winter and Shannon Terrace area year round.  These areas are already very busy with groups booked into Park operated school programs.
• Please review our teacher-guided field studies information.

Bring The Park To Your Classroom

• Bring the excitement of Alberta Parks to any classroom, in any school in Alberta - or beyond.
• Join our education staff for a live, interactive one-hour videoconference on grasslands, amphibians or First Nations culture. Check out our videoconferencing opportunities.

Access our Program Resources

• Our education staff is happy to provide guidance and resources to ensure your students have an enriching and memorable experience in nature.
• Check our resource library (search term: education) for program ideas, worksheets and activities.

For Scheduled School Programs

Program Preparation Workshop

Teachers are required to attend a program workshop after a school booking is made. The workshop

• Familiarizes teachers with the facility, pathways, site, equipment provided and the program activities
• Provides teachers with program resource materials. It includes: details on the on-site activities, suggestions for preparatory and post field study activities, student worksheets and assessment ideas.

Logistics

• Staff provide an orientation to students and adult volunteers. The orientation introduces the value of parks, park rules, safety messages and pathways.
• Equipment for the students to use during the activities is provided.
• At Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, each group has a classroom to use as a base for the day.
• At Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre, a space in the theatre or exhibit area is provided to use as a base for the day's activities. School groups may eat their lunch outside on the lawn area. If the weather is inclement, they may eat inside the centre.

Note Regarding Teacher Resources

• The Kindergarten - Grade 6 Teacher Resource materials linked to the program titles below are being reviewed and updated.
• Some information is out of date. Staff are working to renew these resources to ensure information is accurate. Please note that contact information including listed telephone numbers, email and web addresses may be incorrect.
• For all elementary school enquiries, please e-mail Fishcreek.Education@gov.ab.ca. Do not use telephone numbers listed in the resource materials. Those phone numbers now belong to other staff.
• Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our programs and resources.

Listing of School Programs

1.Environmental & Outdoor Education Programs