Leg Up Foundation Education Programs
Presented by
The Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation is pleased to announce the continuation of the School Tours Education Program featuring Nutrien, GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION©. The school tours program features highly interactive sessions geared towards the grades 4-6 curriculum that focuses on agriculture, wetland ecosystems, horse anatomy, health & welfare, and the importance of bees to our ecosystem.
Since its inception in the spring of 1976 by Mrs. Southern herself, the 'School Tours' program has educated tens of thousands of Calgary and surrounding area students incorporating the Alberta-based curriculum into the sessions. The interactive sessions are designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the impacts their decisions may make in a fun and engaging manner.
2025 School Tours Education Program Dates Coming Soon!
- Upon completion of your tour at Spruce Meadows, students will be able to:
- Identify the elements that plants need to grow and survive
- Understand the importance of the bee in our world and environment
- Recognize and understand the challenges of the urban/rural interface
- Appreciate the sensitivity and diversity of the wetland ecosystems and the web of life
- Better understand horse care and animal welfare
- Have an appreciation for the sport of show jumping
The day starts upon your school’s arrival at 10:00 am and we will end at 2:00 pm. Participation in program is free. Schools are responsible for arranging and paying for your bus and each child, teacher and chaperone are responsible for bringing their own bagged lunch (microwaves are not available).
APPLICATIONS - Applications for 2025 will open soon!
School Tour Stations
Students will explore interactive stations, coordinated and staffed by experienced educators. The stations are equipped with unique hands-on activities that are designed to engage the young scholars in a memorable and fun way.
Upon completion of your tour at Spruce Meadows, students will be able to:
• Identify the elements that plants need to grow and survive
• Understand the importance of the bee in our world and environment
• Recognize and understand the challenges of the urban/rural interface
• Understand the role that the horse has played in the history of Alberta
• Appreciate the sensitivity and diversity of the wetland ecosystems and the web of life
• Understand the evolution of the horse and its role in ancient times and present day
• Better understand horse care and animal welfare
• Have an appreciation for the sport of show jumping
Spruce Meadows hopes our programs are a continued journey toward a lifelong love of horses, education and the environment.
Station 1: Seed Survivor
Seed Survivor will teach students about the importance of agriculture to their daily lives and growing healthy plants with a focus on water, soil, sunlight, and nutrients. Following a presentation, students will explore multimedia games, interactive displays, and a hands on planting station.
Station 2: ABC Bees
ABC Bees will share their excitement for pollinators through a fast-paced pollinator pathway game. Students will learn the social structure of a beehive, interact with bee keeping equipment and learn how to help honeybees and other native pollinators.
Station 3: Horse Anatomy
Students will have an opportunity to see a model of the inside of a horse's belly and skeleton. They will also learn about how to look after a horse to keep it healthy and minimize the risk of diseases transferred to people.
Station 4: Introduction to the Stoney Nakoda Nation
Storytelling from Stoney Nakoda Elders and Knowledge Keepers will teach the culture of Stoney Nakoda Nation, the People and Language. Stories about the Importance of the Horse and the importance of their Tipi. Classroom will be inside a Tipi.
Station 5: Wetlands
This interactive station has students learning about pond dipping, how to make their own pond dipping equipment at home, identification and release of aquatic invertebrates while learning their roles within a wetland ecosystem.
