Grade 1 students meet nature photographer Jason Bantle
Posted onGrade 1 students at G.H. Dawe School have taken their love for animals to new heights, combining science, art, and conservation in an engaging classroom project inspired by Canada’s wildlife.
“Our Grade 1 class loves animals,” said Kathleen Erickson, Grade 1 Teacher at G.H. Dawe School. “It started with a love of birds. We have a tree right outside our classroom window, and we’ve watched the blue jays through the seasons.”
The class explored Earth systems and living systems as part of the curriculum, including how changing seasons affect animals. During a lesson on how bears prepare for winter, students were introduced to The Boss, also known as Bear 122 - a famous grizzly in Banff National Park believed to be the oldest and largest in the area. Last month, The Boss made headlines when he ventured into Harvie Heights near Canmore to feast on berries, a rare sight captured by renowned nature photographer and biologist, Jason Bantle.
“We showed the kids Jason’s footage of The Boss eating berries and getting ready for hibernation,” said Kathleen. “The kids loved it!”
Inspired by The Boss, Kathleen integrated an art project into the lesson. Using one of Jason’s prints, students followed an online guided drawing tutorial to create their own grizzly bear artwork. To add a creative twist, the students drew unique festive Christmas sweaters on their bears, incorporating patterns and math into the activity.
“The kids were so engaged from start to finish,” said Kathleen.
Impressed by their artwork, Katheen reached out to Jason’s team to share the students’ drawings. The response exceeded all expectations. Jason offered to drive from his home in Canmore to Red Deer to meet the students and give them their very own signed print of The Boss.
“It’s overwhelming!” said Kathleen. “We thought we might hear back from Jason, but the fact that he came to the classroom to meet the kids and give them a print of The Boss is incredible.”
Jason, who has spent more than 20 years as a biologist and nature photographer, was equally impressed.
“I was blown away by how good the art was,” said Jason. “Those are quality art pieces, and I’m honoured they chose to replicate my work of The Boss.”
Jason praised the class for fostering a connection to nature and conservation at such a young age.
“It’s fantastic to see these values being taught in schools,” he said. “I’m thrilled the students were inspired by The Boss and hope this experience encourages them to continue learning about and protecting our natural world.”
This unique project showcases the power of creativity and collaboration in education,leaving a lasting impression on students and their understanding of wildlife and conservation.
