NAEC Students Learn With OFAH

Valerie Allan | Jun 20, 2013

Elementary students and staff at North Addington Education Centre met with a team from OFAH (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters) and participated in a series of activities which gave them a better understanding of their environment. This program was sponsored by OFAH at no cost to NAEC students (who would normally have to pay). The presentation of this program was organized by Student Success teacher Sarah Sproule, an avid hunter and fisher herself.

The presentations were designed for Kindergarten to Grades 5/6. Students rotated through ten different activities, learning as they went. The activities focused on different issues, and the weather co-operated with a lovely sunny day. Activities included a deer game, a fishing information session, a prey game, and a casting challenge.

Outside on the football field, groups learned about the balance between species and their predators and food sources. Students were divided into groups consisting of deer, resources and predators, and played a game that showed how populations shifted depending on availability of food sources.

Inside, in the new foyer, students watched an information presentation regarding different types of fish. They then played a Jeopardy game in which they identified different local fish, ranging from yellow perch to rainbow trout.

Outside once again, students investigated the difficulties encountered by birds when searching for prey. Students took it in turns to "be" an eagle and everyone else hid in the trees and bushes. The eagle was supposed to try to find his or her prey, while the prey tried not to be found.

In the gym, students did a "casting challenge". This took the form of a relay in which students formed a line and took it in turns to cast fishing lines into a hoop. After their cast, they ran to the back of the line, and worked their way up again.

The Kindergarten to Grade 2 students participated in the morning session, and the Grade 3 to Grade 6 group participated in the afternoon. The activities were run by 3 college/university students and one staff member employed by OFAH, and the event was a big success. "It was well organized, and the kids learned a great deal and had a lot of fun," said Ms. Buck, who teaches Grade 5/6.