Free School Programs 2009/2010

Learn through hands-on activities at Downsview Park.

School groups from JK to Grade 9 are invited to take part in Downsview Park's FREE curriculum-based programs that focus on sustainability.

Downsview Park's Free School Programs is proudly sponsored by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

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Education in the Park

Designed to support Ontario's Ministry of Education Curriculum Guidelines, Downsview Park's free school programs include interactive lessons, memorable crafts, and fun activities both inside and outside Downsview Park's Discovery Centre. All school programs are half-day workshops, with the opportunity to combine a morning and afternoon session. Environmental education programs may be eligible for points in EcoSchools certification.

Who can book a program? Teachers, community groups, home schooling associations, etc.

Choose from the following programs:

Park in Fall
Grades 1 - 4 (September-December)
Enjoy a nature walk through the heart of the Canada Forest and learn how local plants and animals adapt to seasonal changes.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Park in Winter
Grades 1 - 4 (January-March)
Experts from the Toronto Wildlife Centre help teach students about winter habitats and explain how wild animals spend the coldest months of the year.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Park in Spring
Grades 1-4 (April-June)
Learn about natural habitats and observe the interdependency of plants and animals in the Canada Forest.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Food in the Park
Grades 1 - 4 (April - June)
Get your hands dirty in Downsview Park's Teaching Garden and learn about growing food locally.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Butterfly Landing
JK & SK (April-June)
Learn about the lifecycle of butterflies and explore the Canada Forest.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Waste Not Want Not
Grades 1 - 4 (Year round)
Learn how to use resources more effectively while reducing the amount of waste generated.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Water World
Grade 2 (Year Round)
This program introduces students to the Earth's water cycle and highlights the importance of water conservation.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Tree City
Grade 3 (Fall, Spring)
Investigate the important role that trees play in an urban environment and get your hands dirty planting in the Canada Forest.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Air, Energy & Conservation
Grade 5 (Year Round)
Learn about air pollution and the positive role that energy conservation can play. See renewable energy technology in action.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Flight in the Park
Grade 6 (Year Round)
Learn about the history of Canada's aircraft industry at Downsview Park and make kites to see the four forces of flight in action.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Downsview Park Stewardship Program
Grades 7 & 8 (Year Round)
The Downsview Park Stewardship Program has two components. First, a Downsview Park representative will visit your classroom for a two-hour sustainability workshop in the fall or winter. Second, the class will visit Downsview Park in the spring to plant trees.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

The Canada Forest
Grade 9 Geography (Year Round)
Learn about the important role that trees play in an urban setting and participate in tree monitoring fieldwork.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Sports, Health & Sustainability
Grades 4-9 (Year Round)
Enjoy participating in a healthy dose of physical activity at Downsview Park's Sports Centre while learning about nutrition and the many benefits of exercise.

For more information or to register for any of our School Programs, please contact us at (416) 952-2222 or learn@downsviewpark.ca. You may also choose to register online here.

Other Educational Programs offered by Downsview Park SCHOOL EVENTS In addition to school programs, Downsview Park offers free special school events throughout the year for various grade levels. Each event has a unique educational theme and multiple classes are invited to attend. Some examples include: Farming in the City Remembrance Day National Flag Day EDUCATIONAL CAMPS Downsview Park offers affordable day camps during the spring and summer breaks. The educational camps focus on the themes of nature, art, science and sports. For more information please phone 416-952-2222. SUMMER PROGRAMS Visit Downsview Park with your daycare, camp or community group for a customized summer program of sustainable fun! Activities available include: nature walks, gardening, animal studies, arts and crafts, soccer, basketball, volleyball, ball hockey and much more! CONTACT US For more information or to register for any of our programs please contact Downsview Park at 416-952-2222, or learn@downsviewpark.ca.