Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 22, 2010--On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Ms. Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St.Paul, today launched Riding Mountain National Park’s new GIS (Geographical Information System) lessons for Grade 7 – 12 Manitoba students. This initiative highlights the successful collaboration between Parks Canada, the provincial Ministry of Education and various Manitoba education professionals.
“This is a win-win-win situation for teachers and students, Parks Canada, and Manitoba Education,” said Ms. Smith. “Teachers get a quality resource using real world data collected by Riding Mountain National Park employees, students feel connected to their national park through these real life scenarios and see themselves as having a stewardship role.”
Through GIS technology, students will be able to create maps while learning about real world issues in Riding Mountain National Park. They will investigate and stimulate making important decisions on themes such as visitor safety and wildlife, invasive species, reintroduction of species, and the role of fire in nature.
“As these lessons are used in more and more classrooms, students and teachers become aware of and understand national parks and come to see Parks Canada as a rich source of learning,” said Minister Prentice. “This program will enable students to learn about Riding Mountain National Park while preparing them for future careers where knowledge of the environment is critical.”
These GIS lessons were created and designed by Parks Canada in Riding Mountain National Park and with Parks Canada’s education specialists, in collaboration with Manitoba Education curriculum consultants to meet the needs of the teachers. The lessons were tested in over 20 Manitoba school classrooms in grades 7 to 12, and by Red River Community College GIS students, University of Winnipeg geography students, and University of Manitoba faculty of education students.
Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
Rosemarie Péloquin
Public Outreach Education Officer
Riding Mountain National Park
204-848-0046
Lise Boiteau
Education Specialist
Parks Canada
204-791-2024
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Riding Mountain National Park GIS Lessons for Manitoba students
