Fish Ways

Overview

Canadian teachers are falling hook, line, and sinker for Fish Ways. And for good reason. This fish habitat education program instils in kindergarten to Grade 12 (and OAC) students a lifelong concern for the wise use of fishes and the conservation of their habitat. Modelled after Project WILD, the program was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and recently adopted by the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

• Fish Ways consists of two resource guides for teachers and youth leaders: one for the primary/junior division and one for the intermediate/senior division.
• Fish Ways has been designed to complement curriculum guidelines for environmental science, geography, health, history, physical education, mathematics, and science courses.
• Not only does the program help young people acquire an awareness of fishes and their habitats, it also cultivates social and technical skills to solve problems associated with fisheries management.
• Other educational objectives include helping youth acquire knowledge of aquatic ecosystems; cultivate positive attitudes towards fishes to ensure their protection and rehabilitation; understand an ecosystem approach to responsible fisheries management; and develop respect for the environment and a commitment to the wise use of resources.

How to Participate in a Fish Ways Workshop and Receive Your Resource Guide

• Fish Ways is offered through six- to eight-hour training sessions by qualified leaders.
• Currently available only in Ontario, the program will soon be offered in other provinces and territories.
• Workshops include a program overview, information on learning objectives and curriculum links, background on aquatic habitat conservation, participation in Fish Ways activities, and plans for using Fish Ways with primary/junior or intermediate/senior students.
• Participants become familiar with Fish Ways materials, activities, and strategies. Through hands-on practice, they gain the experience needed to use Fish Ways with youth and to integrate program materials and activities into their own teaching.
• Educators receive a Fish Ways resource guide — either the primary/junior or the intermediate/senior manual. This guide is only available to workshop participants.

See WILD Workshops or contact us for a list of scheduled workshops and registration information.