Learning

April to June, for Grades 1 – 4

Step into the world of amphibians at Ball’s Falls! Investigate ponds and streams, under rocks and logs, and in our forests, for frogs, toads, and even salamanders. Explore the life cycle of amphibians, and the impact that humans have on these and their habitats. Students will take part in an experiment and consider ways to protect these important indicator species in the environment.

• Max group size: 40 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 2 - 4 | Science, Technology, Languages, Physical Education

At-Home Resources: Activity Instructions

Suggested pairing for full day program: Spring Awakening, Journey to Glen Elgin, or Take a Hike

April to June for Grades 4 – 6

We are having an identity crisis! What kind of rock is underneath us? What varieties of rock can be found at Ball’s Falls? In this hands-on program, students will use their scientific skills to test and identify characteristics of Niagara Escarpment rocks. They will take a tour of important geological sites and features and will gain an understanding of how sedimentary rocks are formed.

• Maximum group size: 50 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 4 - 6 | Science, Languages, Technology, Geography

Suggested pairing for full day program: Journey to Glen Elgin, or Intro to Archery

May to October for Grades 6-7

The Carolinian Forest is the most biodiverse ecosystem of all ecosystems in Canada, and it just so happens that our forest at Ball’s Falls is part of it! In this fun program of discovery, students will explore three different habitats within the forest to see the numbers of different plants and animals that call that space home. Students will learn that every species has a role in the ecosystem and how relationships between biotic and abiotic factors help the community thrive.

• Max group size: 40 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grade 6 and 7 Science, and Health & Physical Education

Suggested pairing for full day program: Journey to Glen Elgin, Introduction to Archery, Team Time

November 22 – December 21 for Grades JK-6,

It’s a wonderful time of year to travel back through history to discover the Christmas past at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area! Students will get hands on and up close with historical traditions as they make their way through the village of Glen Elgin.

In our pioneer log cabin, students will use their senses to explore early settler winter activities. In the Ball Family Home, students will see the holiday wonder and learn of Christmas traditions during the Victorian Era. There is also a chance to play with historical toys and the creation of a winter craft to take home in store for students!

• Max group size: 60 students
• Times: Morning and Afternoon Programs Available. Programs are 2 hours in length

Duration: 2 hours

Curriculum Links: Grades: 2 - 4 | Social Studies, Geography, History, Language

Suggested pairing for full day program: Take a Hike

September and October for grades 2-4

Fall was a busy time of year for the early settlers at Ball’s Falls! Students will prepare for winter by preserving foods and seeds and next planting season. They will discover how Indigenous ways of living were used by early settlers in their winter preparation. Students will also learn how the early settlers built and operated the gristmill, help grind wheat into flour, and assist the blacksmith in his shop.Max group size: 45 students

• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 2 - 4 | Social Studies, Geography, History, Language

Suggested pairing for full day program: Take a Hike, Introduction to Archery, or Map Orienteering

Year-round for Grades 5 -12

How do humans impact our environment? What can we do to change the way we use our resources to protect our planet? Step into and around the Centre for Conservation at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area to see how the choices we make in buildings and homes can have a great impact on the world around us. Students will discover how our building design choices gave us a Gold LEED (Leadership in Environmental Engineering and Design) rating.

• Maximum group size: 30 students
• Duration: 1 hour
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 5- 12 | Science, Technology, Language

Suggested pairing for full day program: Biodiversity Discovery, Infamous Invaders, Watersheds and Water Quality, or Sustainable Ecosystems

May to October for Grades 6 and 11

Lurking in the shadows of our beautiful Carolinian Forest ecosystem at Ball’s Falls are some species with the power to shake up life in this habitat as we know it! These infamous invaders, or invasive species as they are more commonly known, have the ability to completely alter the biodiversity of our ecosystems. In this program, students will discover these invaders by getting up close and personal with the ones we can find here at Ball’s Falls. They will learn how they got here, the impact they have, and have the opportunity to be environmental stewards and rid some sections of these fortuitous fiends.

• Max group size: 40 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grade 6 Science and Health & Physical Education | Grade 11 Environmental Science

Suggested pairing for full day program: Follow our LEED, Journey to Glen Elgin, Take a Hike

April to June for Grades 1 - 4

Be an entomologist for the day! Students will discover what an insect is, and what habitats they live in. During this hands-on program, students will explore three habitats and discover what types of insects live in forests, watercourses, and meadows, and reflect on what humans can do to preserve these environments. Students will visit the solitary bee box and learn about the importance of pollinators in the environment. To be nature stewards, each student will plant a native seed.

• Max group size: 40 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 1 - 4 | Science, Technology, Languages, Physical Education, Geography

At-Home Resources

• Activity Instructions
• Research Activity: Investigating Insects Survey 
• Interactive Presentation 

Suggested pairing for full day program: Spring Awakening, Journey to Glen Elgin, or Take a Hike

Year-round for Grades 4-12

Students will be introduced to the sport of archery and will receive instructions on how to handle and utilize bows and arrows safely and precisely. They will try out a beginner’s archery course, and work as a team to achieve a high score for their class!

• Max group size: 30 students
• Duration: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 4 - 12 | Health & Physical Education, Geography

Suggested pairing for full day program: Ball’s Falls Rocks, Winter Outdoor Adventure, Journey to Glen Elgin, Take a Hike, Team Time, Biodiversity Discovery

Year-round for Grades JK – 12

This guided tour is an introduction to the history of Ball’s Falls, suitable for all grade levels. The tour introduces students to one of the first communities established along the Twenty Mile Creek and teaches about early domestic life and the industrial era of Glen Elgin. At the Lower Falls, students will discover the importance of waterpower as a factor in settlement and community development. They will visit a gristmill that is over 200-years-old, a pioneer cabin and a Victorian home, and will have the opportunity to help in the blacksmith shop and make a pioneer craft.

• Maximum group size: 50 students
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: JK - 12 | Social Studies, History, Language, Geography

Suggested pairing for full day program: Amazing Amphibians, Insect Investigation, Winter Outdoor Adventure, or Intro to Archery

May to October for Grades 4 - 12

This program allows students to develop geographic skills while locating markers throughout the park. Students will begin with a short introduction to using compasses and maps and how to measure distance. Students will work in small groups to follow the markers throughout the park before returning to the start point. Control points are located throughout the park, and schools are provided with necessary maps and suggested rules of play. 

• Max group size: 40 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 4 - 12 | Health & Physical Education, Geography

The Ball's Falls Forest Playscape is a free-play forest area for children, youth, students, adults and families. It encourages free-form play, creativity, problem-solving, team-based thinking and physical activity, all while immersed in a forest area.

The playscape includes a cedar split rail fence and feature system, loose-parts for creative play, and natural materials for shelter and fort-building activities. 

This is a great teacher-led option to finish off your visit!

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

SAFE PLAYSCAPE INSTRUCTIONS

May to June for Grades 1 – 4

During this interactive program, students experience the lives of settler children by participating in a variety of seasonal pioneer chores, which may include: baking bannock bread in an outdoor bake oven, churning butter, quilting, assembling a timber barn frame, and planting and ploughing the spring garden. Students will make a pioneer toy to take home!

• Max group size: 60 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 1 - 4 | Social Studies, History, Language, Geography 

Suggested pairing for full day program: Amazing Amphibians, Insect Investigation, or Take a Hike

Year-round, all ages and grade-levels, tailored accordingly.

Take a hike through the beautiful and diverse Carolinian forest, along the Twenty Mile Creek and through an early settler village. These guided nature hikes showcase the diverse species of trees, plants, birds, insects, mammals, and their habitats. Students will learn about the history and cultural heritage of Ball’s Falls, how to identify certain plants and animals in the forest and will view spectacular scenery along the way.

• Max group size: 50 students
• Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 1 - 12 | Science, Language, Physical Education

This program can be tailored to meet your cross-curricular needs*

Suggested pairing for full day program: Ball’s Falls Rocks, Follow Our LEED, Amazing Amphibians, Insect Investigation, Spring Awakening, Fall Harvest, Christmas in the Country, Team Time, Sustainable Ecosystems, Watersheds and Water Quality, Infamous Invaders, or Step into Sampling

Year-round for Grades 6-12

Develop team spirit and cooperation within your class through a series of team-building activities. In this interactive program, students will get to know their classmates and themselves while undergoing challenges and adventures designed to bring the group together and introduce new ways of thinking, problem-solving and communicating. Students will design and take home their own team bandana/flag.

• Max group size: 40 students
• Duration: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 4 - 12 | Health & Physical Education, Language

Suggested pairing for full day program: Take a Hike, Intro to Archery, Biodiversity Discovery

May to October for Grades 8 and 11

Students will discover the Niagara Peninsula Watershed in this hands-on program all about our local water system. After learning the importance of watersheds and the work of Conservation Authorities, students will collect samples from the Twenty Mile Creek and the underlying water table for water quality measurement. They will conduct a macroinvertebrate field survey on the Twenty Mile Creek, in which organisms are used as bio-indicators of stream health. Using their collected data, they will be able to determine the health of the water system at Ball’s Falls and what we as individuals can do to protect our local water system.

• Max group size: 60 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grade 8 Science and Health & Physical Education | Grade 11 Environmental Science

Suggested pairing for full day program: Step into Sampling, Journey to Glen Elgin, Introduction to Archery, Team Time

January to March (Snowshoeing dependent upon suitable snow conditions) for Grades 4 – 12

Students will snowshoe along our trails in a guided trek, learning about wintertime habitats and environmental changes within the Carolinian Forest. Students will then warm up by roasting a treat over a campfire, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, and playing a winter-themed game. Students must dress appropriately for the weather, including clothing layers, winter boots, hats, scarves, and mitts.

• Max group size: 50 students
• Duration: 1½ -2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 4 - 12 | Health & Physical Education, Geography, Science

Suggested pairing for full day program: Journey to Glen Elgin, or Intro to Archery

Year-round for Grades 5 -12

How do humans impact our environment? What can we do to change the way we use our resources to protect our planet? Step into and around the Centre for Conservation at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area to see how the choices we make in buildings and homes can have a great impact on the world around us. Students will discover how our building design choices gave us a Gold LEED (Leadership in Environmental Engineering and Design) rating.

• Maximum group size: 30 students
• Duration: 1 hour
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 5- 12 | Science, Technology, Language

Suggested pairing for full day program: Biodiversity Discovery, Infamous Invaders, Watersheds and Water Quality, or Sustainable Ecosystems

Year-round for Grades 4-12

Students will be introduced to the sport of archery and will receive instructions on how to handle and utilize bows and arrows safely and precisely. They will try out a beginner’s archery course, and work as a team to achieve a high score for their class!

• Max group size: 30 students
• Duration: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 4 - 12 | Health & Physical Education, Geography

Suggested pairing for full day program: Ball’s Falls Rocks, Winter Outdoor Adventure, Journey to Glen Elgin, Take a Hike, Team Time, Biodiversity Discovery

Year-round for Grades JK – 12

This guided tour is an introduction to the history of Ball’s Falls, suitable for all grade levels. The tour introduces students to one of the first communities established along the Twenty Mile Creek and teaches about early domestic life and the industrial era of Glen Elgin. At the Lower Falls, students will discover the importance of waterpower as a factor in settlement and community development. They will visit a gristmill that is over 200-years-old, a pioneer cabin and a Victorian home, and will have the opportunity to help in the blacksmith shop and make a pioneer craft.

• Maximum group size: 50 students
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: JK - 12 | Social Studies, History, Language, Geography

Suggested pairing for full day program: Amazing Amphibians, Insect Investigation, Winter Outdoor Adventure, or Intro to Archery

May to October for Grades 9 and 10

Sustainability and climate change are an important aspect of both science and everyday life. In this hands-on program, students will discover the roles of water, air, soil, and biodiversity in sustainable ecosystem by completing a variety of tests and experiments. Students will learn about benthic macroinvertebrates and their role as bio-indicators of stream health; lichens as bio-indicators of air quality; soil chemistry and its impact on plant growth; and biodiversity within an ecosystem. At the end of the program, students will link their learning to determine whether the ecosystem at Ball’s Falls is sustainable, and if not, suggest ways in which humans can lessen their negative impact.

• Max group size: 40 students
• Duration: 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grade 9 and 10 Science

Suggested pairing for full day program: Follow our LEED, Take a Hike, Journey to Glen Elgin, Introduction to Archery, Team Time

Year-round, all ages and grade-levels, tailored accordingly.

Take a hike through the beautiful and diverse Carolinian forest, along the Twenty Mile Creek and through an early settler village. These guided nature hikes showcase the diverse species of trees, plants, birds, insects, mammals, and their habitats. Students will learn about the history and cultural heritage of Ball’s Falls, how to identify certain plants and animals in the forest and will view spectacular scenery along the way.

• Max group size: 50 students
• Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 1 - 12 | Science, Language, Physical Education

This program can be tailored to meet your cross-curricular needs*

Suggested pairing for full day program: Ball’s Falls Rocks, Follow Our LEED, Amazing Amphibians, Insect Investigation, Spring Awakening, Fall Harvest, Christmas in the Country, Team Time, Sustainable Ecosystems, Watersheds and Water Quality, Infamous Invaders, or Step into Sampling

Year-round for Grades 6-12

Develop team spirit and cooperation within your class through a series of team-building activities. In this interactive program, students will get to know their classmates and themselves while undergoing challenges and adventures designed to bring the group together and introduce new ways of thinking, problem-solving and communicating. Students will design and take home their own team bandana/flag.

• Max group size: 40 students
• Duration: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
• Curriculum Links: Grades: 4 - 12 | Health & Physical Education, Language

Suggested pairing for full day program: Take a Hike, Intro to Archery, Biodiversity Discovery

The Ball's Falls Forest Playscape is a free-play forest area for children, youth, students, adults and families. It encourages free-form play, creativity, problem-solving, team-based thinking and physical activity, all while immersed in a forest area.

The playscape includes a cedar split rail fence and feature system, loose-parts for creative play, and natural materials for shelter and fort-building activities. 

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

SAFE PLAYSCAPE INSTRUCTIONS

School Groups and Organized Groups wishing to visit NPCA Conservation Areas for self-guided activities are subject to admission fees.

• 2021 Bus rate: $135.00

To book, please contact programming@npca.ca or ext. 326.

School Groups wishing to visit NPCA Conservation Areas for a specialized ecological tour or demonstration by experts on staff with the NPCA, please contact programming@npca.ca or ext. 326.

Program fees apply (per student and per group rates available)