The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

Project School Visit:
Bellwood Public School

Visit sponsored by: Ontario Power Generation Pickering

On January the 22nd, 2004, we visited Whitby's Bellwood Public School. Below are some pictures and letters sent to us from the school.


by Dimi
by Grace


Our class thanks you for sending Maya Basdeo to our school with her peregrine falcon, Ariel. We thought it was a great presentation.

We learned so much about the peregrine falcon. We thought it was amazing how they have two eyelids to protect themselves when they do those killer high speed dives. It was interesting to learn about how the structure of the nose deflects the high forces created from the wind in the dives. We were saddened to hear how DDT nearly wiped out the species but we were glad to hear how they are making a return, even in large cities where they will use skyscrapers as a substitute habitat for cliffs. One thing that surprised us was how much the falcons weigh. They are so light! We were fascinated when Maya pushed a finger into Ariel's stomach area. We were surprised by Ariel's wingspan and age, we couldn't believe she was so old! Perhaps the coolest thing was learning about how the peregrines will break a prey's neck if it is not killed from the impact of the dive attack.

We would also like to pass on our thanks to Ontario Power Generation for sponsoring the program and allowing so many school children to see this phenomenal presentation. We think you are doing a terrific job. Keep up the good work!

With gratitude,
Mr. Lee's grade six class



I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful presentation that you delivered to our school in mid January. The grade 4 and 6 students that attended the presentation were so impressed with the information that was delivered (meeting Ariel didn't hurt either), 1 know that my class had many stories and positive comments to relay afterwards.

The presenter (Maya Basdeo) was extremely knowledgeable and related to the kids especially well, she even was able to field the difficult questions like "where is the alula?". Her enthusiasm for the Foundation and for Ariel was obvious and the students picked up on it. Thank you Maya and congratulations on your and Ariel's front page debut in Whitby This Week!

The other teachers and I all agree that the information that was delivered was directly relevant to the grade 4 and 6 science and technology curriculum with links to other strands such as social studies. Some of the specific expectations that were covered are included in the box below.

Grade 6 Science and Technology
6s6 - identify and describe the characteristics of vertebrates, and use these characteristics to classify vertebrates (the five main classes);
6s21 - describe specific characteristics or adaptations that enable each group of vertebrates to live in its particular habitat, and explain the importance of maintaining that habitat for the survival of the species;

Grade 4 Science and Technology
4s4 - identify through observation, various factors that affect plants and animals in a specific habitat; 4s16 - describe ways in which humans can affect the natural world (e.g., urban development forces some species to go elsewhere and enables other species to multiply too rapidly; conservation areas can be established to protect specific habitats): 4s17 - show the effects on plants and animals of the loss of their natural habitat;

Last but certainly not least a heartfelt thank you needs to go out to Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for their generous sponsorship of this unique and educational program. Without OPG's help the students would not have had the opportunity to partake in this wonderful presentation. They would have missed out on something really special.

Thank you again for enriching the scientific minds of our students and we will try our best to contribute in positive ways to the overall health and success of the Peregrine Falcon and the environment we all depend on.

With sincerest thanks,
Jason Bellinger on behalf of:
The staff and students of Bellwood

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