Learning Together on the Land and Water

Pictured: Students create their own food web

Postdoctoral fellows from the Centre for Ecosystem Management (CEM) – Dr. Davis, Dr. Bernhardt, and Dr. Szojka – recently organized and led a PA Day science outreach event on the Saugeen Peninsula for 20 children from the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. The event focused on hands-on environmental learning, outdoor exploration, and building a safe, welcoming space where children felt encouraged to ask questions, try new things, and engage confidently with science.

The day was designed to be highly interactive, with activities centered on observing local wildlife and understanding how ecosystems function. “I’m excited to be working with the community and thrilled each time we get the opportunity to spend time on Nawash territory learning about the local ecosystem,” said Dr. Davis. The children brought a strong sense of curiosity and enthusiasm, asking thoughtful questions and actively participating throughout the activities.

Participants spent time outdoors spotting wildlife, with highlights including a newt, a tadpole, an adult frog, and a jelly fungus. The group also explored fishing concepts, with children demonstrating different lure types and explaining how their movements imitate animals in the water. A boardwalk hike provided opportunities to identify and discuss native plant species found along the trail.

A key activity was a hands-on food web game, which helped participants explore how fish depend on zooplankton, and how zooplankton, in turn, depend on phytoplankton. Children worked with real sampling tools to examine zooplankton and deepen their understanding of how changes at the base of the food chain can affect entire aquatic ecosystems. “The kids ask incredible questions, and we learn as much from them as they do from us,” added Dr. Davis. The day concluded with a strong sense of shared discovery, leaving both the children and the CEM team eager for future opportunities to learn together on the land and water.

Pictured: Dr. Kaleigh Davis strategizes with a student