Northern Tails
Classroom Challenges
Watch. Learn. Go Wild.
Northern Tails Classroom Challenges turn the science, stories and ideas from Northern Tails into fun, hands-on activities for elementary and middle-school students.
Watch an episode. Get curious. Then head outside and see what you can discover in your own community.
No complicated lesson plans. No fancy equipment. Just a sense of adventure, teamwork, and a willingness to get a little wild.
The Challenges
Each challenge connects to a Northern Tails episode and invites students to observe, investigate, create or take action. Watch the video to learn more, then take the challenge!
Supermarket Challenge
Explore your local “nature’s supermarket”! Students create a creative commercial featuring the plants and animals that depend on this ecosystem.
Forest Communication
The forest is talking—can your students decode the message? Explore the fascinating ways animals communicate through sounds, scents, body language, vibrations and visual signals.
Chain Reactions!
One small change can create a BIG ripple effect. Students explore how plants, animals, climate and people are connected by tracing a chain reaction through the ecosystem.
Bug Discovery
Tiny creatures, BIG jobs! Students become junior entomologists and spotlight insects from their region and the important roles they play.
Forest Predator Patrol
Calling all wildlife detectives! Students investigate predators from their region, uncover their hunting skills and adaptations, and explore their important role in a healthy ecosystem.
Birdwatching Broadcast
Grab your binoculars and look up! Students become wildlife reporters, exploring the birds in their region and what makes them special.
How It Works
WATCH
Choose a challenge video and then watch the associated Northern Tails episode listed below it. Meet the animals, scientists and wonderfully questionable TV personalities of the boreal forest.
LEARN
Discover the science behind the story: from animal adaptations and migration to wetlands, wildfire, biodiversity and the changing climate.
GO
Now it’s your turn. Students start observing, investigating, creating or taking action in their own community.
Once you’re done, you can share it with your friends or, even better, share it with US! You can complete one challenge or take on all six!
Made for Busy Classrooms
We know teachers have enough on their plates. Classroom Challenges are designed to be flexible, accessible and easy to use.
Challenges can be:
Done as a class, in groups or individually
Adapted for different ages and abilities
Completed indoors or outdoors
Adjusted to fit your community and the season
Each challenge includes:
✓ A simple classroom activity
✓ A connection to a Northern Tails episode
✓ Real-world observation or exploration
✓ Opportunities for teamwork and creativity
Show Us What You Discover
We want to see what your students come up with!
Share your projects, photos and creations with us using the upload button below.
We may even feature some of our favourites on the Northern Tails TV YouTube channel.
You Don’t Have to Live in the Boreal Forest
The boreal forest stretches across much of Canada and many of the ideas explored in Northern Tails apply well beyond it.
Whether your students are from the North, Canada, or anywhere in the world, the goal is the same: Get curious about the natural world right outside your door!
Ready to Go Wild?
Pick a challenge. Gather your class. See what you can discover.
WATCH. LEARN. GO.