Canoeing

Class Description:

Students will use Wolf or Raven Lake as a classroom as they learn canoeing history and equipment and practice techniques on the lake. A short discussion at the canoe landing includes orientation to equipment and its proper use. Skills practice and safety orientation is also done on land. Students then spend 2 hours practicing skills on the lake. They will experience the value of canoeing as a physical activity and how it affects their relationship with the environment. A visiting adult in addition to the instructor is required for this class.

Total Time: 3 hours (all outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity Level: moderate
Travel: 1/2 mile
Total Uphill Travel: 250 ft.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Canoeing class students will be able to:

Describe the evolution of the canoe as a watercraft.

Choose the appropriate equipment for canoeing and demonstrate its use.

List the appropriate safety equipment and practdces needed for flatwater canoeing.

Work cooperatively with a partner to maneuver a canoe to specific destinations on a lake.

Summarize ways that canoeing can help to attain a relationship with the environment.

Describe ways canoeing can guide your ethics for future environmental decisions.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Canoeing class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Task Management Skills: Perseverance, Teamwork

• H.S. Decision making: Physical Education and Fitness: (B)

• 6-8th Decision making: Physical Education and Fitness: (6, 7)

• 4-5th Decision making: Physical Education and Fitnesss: (6, 7)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• We all have potential for physical activity and can improve our skills with patience and practice.
• Using physical skills allows us to reach remote natural areas, and gain a sense of place.
• Lifelong participation in outdoor physical activities promotes a healthy relationship between people and the environment.
• Outdoor experiences and behaviors help develop an environmental ethic.
• Safety is an important consideration in any activity.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Canoeing information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password