Ecological Field Study Welcome to the Biogeoscience Institute School Programs!

Biogeoscience Institute WEBSITE: The Biogeoscience Institute is a University of Calgary research institute with two field stations: R.B. Miller Barrier Lake

Barrier Lake Field Station University of Calgary Environmental Research Centre: 1966-present This is the site of our Education Programs! Federal Forest Experimental Station: WW II POW Camp:

Experienced science, interpretive, outdoor school, and education staff Teaching and learning approaches based on current education and science research Science Education & Outreach Awards 1999 Alberta Premiers’ Award for Partnership 2000 Emerald Award for Environmental Education 2006 ASTech Excellence in Public Awareness Prize Program Staff

The Big Picture

Facilities

Accommodation  Dormitory-style based on double occupancy in the main lodge, or a duplex.  Students are required to bring their own sleeping bags/blankets, and towels.  Bedcovers and pillows are supplied by the facility.

Meals Students should bring a LARGE, NUT-FREE bagged lunch and drink for the first day. The first meal we serve is dinner. A thermos is a nice addition for wet, cold field trips. If your student is a big eater, we have fruit and yoghurt between meals. They can bring their own nut free snacks if they wish. PLEASE let us know about special diets. We can accommodate most requests. If parents are concerned with food issues, participants can provide their own meals and won’t be charged for food. Please advise your teacher if this is your plan.

Safety When working near flowing water, we assess the stream discharge. We do not take students in a stream that is over boot height. All of our study sites are checked for safety hazards every season.

Program Safety Management CBE & YouthSafe Outdoors Codes of Practice Seasonal Safety Assessments for activities & sites Communication of Hazards and Controls Kananaskis Emergency Services (Radios): 15 minutes from Field Station We are within a 911 Service Area Staff are trained in wilderness first aid

Safety Management Complete any medical forms in detail and remember to send enough medication. IMPORTANT: any student with a potentially life threatening allergy or medical condition that does not bring an epi-pen, asthma inhaler or proper medication cannot participate in the program.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS! It may be warm where you live, but the weather in the mountains changes quickly. This is an OUTDOOR program! We head out NO MATTER what the weather. A HOODY doesn’t count as a coat. Please make sure your child is equipped with layers. They need water resistant rainwear for all field trips. Wool socks are best for wearing in rubber boots. Students need long pants and shirts in the field. No sandals/flip flops please. A ball cap is a great wet weather hat.

Staying Healthy All of the staff at BGS are practicing protocol for infectious disease prevention. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD ON THIS TRIP IF THEY HAVE A FEVER OR FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS. If participants become ill, we will call home to arrange for their safe return home. We ask parents to discuss hand washing, sneezing and coughing away from others. We will remind students to wash hands and use anti bacterial hand wash. We will all work at keeping communal surfaces clean.

Communication Back Home Please discuss with your child that they are not to contact you directly during the field trip, as we ask that they communicate with you through their teachers. Occasionally, we have a student texting home and alarming a parent many kilometers away with their concerns that can usually be remedied on site! In the event that you need to contact program leaders or your child during the program, please don’t hesitate to call.

Personal Electronic Devices While we struggle with the need to be connected, please discuss with students that unless requested, we discourage the use of cell phones, personal computers and other hand held devices while in a BGS program. We encourage students and staff to immerse themselves in the life of a field scientist while on site. Thanks for your cooperation.

Phone Numbers BGS Administration: 8am-4pm BGS Staff/teachers: 4pm-10pm (403) or (403) Cell phone coverage on our site is limited.

Program Contact Environment & Ecology Education Programs University of Calgary Biogeoscience Institute Phone:(403) Fax:(403) School Program Coordinators