Education Programs for Your Classroom

Bear Necessities

There are three species of bears living in the Northwest Territories. Students will learn about the black, brown and white bears they share this beautiful land with. Parks Canada staff will engage students’ imagination with furs, molds of paw prints, and replicas of claws and scat (always a big hit!). In addition, storytelling is encouraged to help make connections between our natural and cultural worlds.

The Goose is Loose

This program is appropriate for grades 1 to 3. Students will learn about the stages of growth a goose goes through from egg to hatchling, They will also be guided through an exploration of which geese migrate to our region and which routes they take to get here. As with all of Parks Canada’s programs, they will be invited to share their own experiences on the land, and to make cultural connections. 

Xplorer Booklet

Parks Canada’s team in the ISR is proud to have produced the first Xplorers booklet written in a local Indigenous language. The Pingo Canadian Landmark Xplorers booklet is available in English, French and Inuvialuktun. Teachers report that the many local details make the learning come alive for their students.

Treasures of Time

This kit is made up of replicas of toys and tools that tell the story of what life was like in the area now known as Ivvavik National Park. These items bring to life the rich and vibrant experiences of the Inuvialuit who lived and travelled along the coast before they settled into communities like Inuvik, Aklavik, Paulatuk, and Tuktoyaktuk. The replicas represent items that the Inuvialuit would have used for hundreds or possibly thousands of years.

Cocoa Chemistry

This program is designed for middle and high school audiences. Students will learn chemistry concepts such as solids, liquids, and solubility.They will also get to taste a 19th century recipe for chocolate which was an exotic luxury that colonial settlers brought with them to the Canadian Arctic in the early years of European contact. The students will be able to reflect on the similarities and differences between how people lived their lives then and now.

Wildlife Watchers

This program is aimed at an elementary school audience. It was created with help from Parks Canada scientists and showcases how remote cameras work, and the growing number of ways that technology is helping to reduce harmful impacts on wildlife, as well as to significantly increase the amount of data researchers can collect. These exciting advances are helping to shed light on things like how wildlife are adapting to climate change.

Hug-A-Tree Program

The ”Hug-a-Tree” program is aimed at elementary school students. It was developed by AdventureSmart, an organization dedicated to helping Canadians safely enjoy the great outdoors. The language used age appropriate and reassuring. Your class will learn the four simple things that they can do to stay safe when they go out on the land.

Wear the Wild

This program is appropriate for all ages and can be adapted to a variety of subject areas. Students can learn about various plants and animals from our region by examining and discussing images taken in the national parks of the Western Arctic. 
This program can also be used as part of an art unit giving students the opportunity to turn their designs into buttons that they can wear or gift to friends and family. 
It can even be used as a case study about entrepreneurship. Our trained interpreters would be happy to discuss other ways to adapt this creativity-fostering program to your curriculum objectives. 

Parka, Parks Canada’s Mascot

Parka is the happiest beaver you will ever see. With her love of meeting new people and her sunny personality, she is a wonderful addition to your special events and classroom programming. Parka can sit for photos, play games, have dance parties and more! She is available for appearances lasting up to 30 minutes in both outdoor and indoor settings.

Fur and Function

Program details coming soon!