We know that in-person field trips to the farm are out of the question for a lot of schools and divisions, but the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre (FFDC) can bring the farm to your class, virtually! FFDC is now offering virtual field trip sessions for a fraction of the cost in two great options!
One-Hour Virtual Farm Tour - $75.00 + GST
- A virtual tour of the hog barn & dairy barn at the Glenlea Research Station
- FFDC staff will speak to a pre-recorded farm tour and include the opportunity for students to ask questions live
- Digital follow material for you to use in your class
Two-Hour Virtual Field Trip - $200.00 + GST for 30 students*
*Additional supply fees may apply for groups over 30 students depending on the program selected
- A virtual tour of the hog barn & dairy barn at the Glenlea Research Station
- FFDC staff will speak to a pre-recorded farm tour and include the opportunity for students to ask questions live
- A virtual presentation selected from our program options (see below)
- A hands-on activity for students to complete that aligns with the program you select
- All supplies for the activity will be prepared following COVID-19 safety procol and delivered to your school in advance
- Activities will be designed to follow COVID-19 safety protocol
Two Hour Program Options
As indicated above, all include a virtual farm tour.Early Years Options:
Discovering DairyStudents will learn about how dairy gets from farm to glass and about the many jobs associated with dairy production. They will extend this knowledge further by turning cream into butter making individual portions to enjoy on crackers.
- ‘Where Does Your Milk Come From’ presentation
- ‘Butter-in-a-Jar’ activity
Extraordinary Eggs
Students will learn about how laying hens are housed and care for in Manitoba and how eggs get from farm to plate. They will also discover how a hen builds an egg in her body by individually building a model egg using craft supplies in the activity led by FFDC staff.
- ‘Extraordinary Eggs’ presentation
- ‘Build-an-Egg’ activity
Life in a Handful of Soil
Students will unearth the intricate ecosystem of organisms and inorganic materials that make up a healthy soil. Select one of two activity options to apply the knowledge gained during the presentation.
- ‘Healthy Soil’ Presentation
- Activity Option 1: ‘Scrumptious Soil’: Students will make a layers ‘soil pudding’ snack discussing the different components of a healthy soil. They will be able to eat their individually prepared snack afterwards.
- Activity Option 2: ‘Draw-Your-Own Soil Organism’: Students will apply the knowledge learned during the presentation to create their own soil organism that will contribute to a healthy soil.
Insect Investigation
Insects are both beneficial and detrimental to farm operations. Students will learn about different types of insects, their body parts and how they function in the ecosystem of a farm. They will then apply that to create their own farm insect that will either beneficial or damaging to the farm.
- ‘Incredible Farm Insect’ presentation
- ‘Draw-Your-Own Farm Insect’ activity
Middle Years Options:
Extraordinary Eggs
Students will learn about how laying hens are cared for in Manitoba, about different breeds of hens and how their environment and diet affect the eggs they lay. They will then put on their detective caps for a crime scene style activity using the knowledge gained during the presentation, their problem solving skills, and provided evidence (hints) to match the cracked eggs to the correct suspect (hen).
- ‘Extraordinary Eggs’ presentation
- ‘Egg CSI’ activity
The Great Grain Exchange
Students will discover how crops are grown in Manitoba, what varieties are popular and what type of environment fosters optimum growth. The class will work together to decide on the variable and constant factors used to sprout seeds and prepare samples. They will then start their week-long experiment to see what factor results in the best growth for a seed by tracking changes on their ‘Experiment Observation Chart’.
- ‘Grain Grain Exchange’ presentation
- ‘Seed Sprouting Science’ activity
This is our planet: Understanding Global Warming
Students will discover the relationship between greenhouse gases, farming and sustainability during this program. A brief presentation will cover the basics of sustainability in farming and the ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’ documentary will challenge their pre-conceived notions. Lastly, the Carbon Cycle game will help students visualize how carbon moved through the Grasslands of Canada and how modern farming can increase carbon sequestration.
- ‘Greenhouse Gases in Agriculture’ presentation
- ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’ documentary viewing
- ‘Carbon Cycle Game – Grasslands Edition’ activity
Discovering Dairy
Students will learn how calcium intake directly affects their bone health both now and into their future. They will then apply the knowledge gained in the presentation and their math skills to build various snacks that will lead to their recommended daily calcium intake.
- ‘Calcium for Bone Health’ presentation
- ‘Calcium Rich Snack Builder’ activity
Senior Years Options:
From the Farm to Your Fork
Students will discover the role agriculture plays in the creation of the foods they eat every day. ‘The Real Dirt on Farming’ presentation discusses the accurate and balances information on hot topics in agriculture and food production including GMOs, hormones, animals and more. Students will test the knowledge gained during the tour and presentation with a friendly game of Kahoot… because who doesn’t love some competition!?
- ‘The Real Dirt on Farming’ presentation
- ‘Real Dirt’ Kahoot! game – based on the information learned in the presentation, students will compete in an individual Kahoot! game with prizes for the top 3.
This is Our Planet: Understanding Global Warming
Students will discover the relationship between farming and sustainability during this program. A brief presentation will cover the basics of sustainability in modern farming and the ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’ documentary will challenge their pre-conceived notions. Lastly, the Carbon Cycle game will help students visualize how carbon moved through the Grasslands of Canada and how modern farming can actually increase carbon sequestration.
- ‘Sustainability in Agriculture’ presentation
- ‘Guardians of the Grasslands’ documentary viewing
- ‘Carbon Cycle Game – Grasslands Edition’
Discovering Dairy
With so many milk and dairy-alternative drink options, choosing the right one for your health, needs and values can be complicated. With this program, students will learn the importance of including protein and calcium in their diets as it related to health and optimized function. They will then compare the nutrition fact tables of various dairy milk and non-dairy beverages for nutrient differences including calcium, protein and vitamins. Afterwards, the group will discuss the differences and the factors that contribute to why someone may pick one option over another.
- ‘Protein & Calcium Needs for Optimized Health’ presentation
- Dairy & Milk Alternative Comparison activity
Ready to Book? Here's How!
Book your virtual tour or field trip by filling in our booking request form.Dates are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and will be confirmed via e-mail by FFDC staff. If you have any questions, please e-mail FFDC at ffdc@umanitoba.ca
BONUS - enter to win!
To celebrate these new programs, we are giving away eight (yes 8!) FREE 2-hour programs. All you have to do is fill in this contest form for your chance to win! Thsi contest closes at 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Good luck!
