Virtual Field Trip Chapeau Rouge Trail

I. Briefly review the project proposal form. Discuss the project theme, outline and time line; review the project and curriculum objectives.

Project theme: Provide photographs, identify flora and fauna and describe the geology of an ecological trail in St. Lawrence.

Project Outline and Timelines: Chapeau Rouge [Bishop's Cap] is a lookout over the St. Lawrence Harbor. A 3 kilometer trail winds through forested and boggy terrain to the lookout which provides a panoramic view of two harbors. Along the way there is a seashore and good view through the bedrock of the region. The trail is well-maintained and popular. It provides a sampling of the Burin Peninsula's common flora. We will document the changing face of the trail over Winter and Spring via photographs of the trail. We will include pictures of the plants and diagrams and photographs of the prominent geological points of interest. The site will provide a useful guide to aid those using the trail. If successful, we will expand on the project in late summer and early fall of next year. This project is part of a School Board Grassroots project to explore and document sites of ecological interest on the Burin Peninsula. [Contact Jordan Wood].

Outline: Choose main project group of students [10] to establish links with town council to oversee the project. Obtain photographs and samples. Obtain background information [geological data, plant identification, animal identification]. Construct web page to illustrate the information in the form of a virtual walk through the trail, with photographs and text keyed to a map of the site. Assess value of project for school groups' ecological studies, town council and other interested groups' views on the benefit to tourism.

II. Show the audience the outcome of the project proposal.

Results and a tour of the project can be seen at: http://www.k12.nf.ca/slch/chapeau/index.html

III. Briefly comment on any successes or problems that were encountered throughout the life of the project.

Very pleased with the enthusiasm. Didn't get nearly as far on the virtual tour and natural history aspects as I would like.

IV. Comment on any aspects of the project that you would do differently.

Would have started earlier in the year.

V. Comment on if and how the project can be expanded next year.

It covers two areas of the grade nine curriculum very well: environmental awareness and science fair projects. I will likely get all students out for a field trip for the environmental awareness aspects and have 2-4 students work on the site analysis and web update for their science fair project. We will expand particularly the virtual tour aspects and the coverage of natural history.