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Help us keep the program alive!
Please help us to reach as many students as possible through this unique inquiry-based program by donating to our campaign and helping us to spread the word! Further information can be found below.
How do I give?
In order to donate, please contact the University of Guelph’s Alumni Affairs and Development office by email (alumni@uoguelph.ca) or phone (1-888-266-3108) for assistance with payment methods.
Bringing Biodiversity Science to Canada’s Schoolyards!
Developed by the Education & Outreach team at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics at the University of Guelph, the School Malaise Trap Program has been providing a unique educational opportunity to Canadian students since the spring of 2013. What began with 60 schools across Ontario has now expanded country-wide, introducing thousands of students and educators to the exciting world of biodiversity science.

Program goal:
The School Malaise Trap Program’s goal is to encourage students to explore, question and understand the world around them – starting with their own schoolyard. Students are introduced to the life of a biologist and the exciting science of DNA barcoding through comprehensive lesson plans which address multiple specific expectations across elementary and secondary curricula.
Educational value:
The School Malaise Trap Program runs during the spring and fall of each year. Each participating school receives a program package, educational materials, and a Malaise trap to collect insects in their schoolyard for a specified two-week period. The specimens are sent back to the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics where they are identified through DNA barcoding, and a report package of the results is sent to each school.
Each school receives….
- An overall program report.
- A list of the species collected in their schoolyard.
- An image library of the species collected in their schoolyard.
- A pie chart showing the different types of specimens collected in their schoolyard.
In addition, the specimen data from every school and every program are uploaded to BOLD and are accessible to the public.
Experience citizen science!
Through hands-on research and inquiry-based learning, the School Malaise Trap Program encourages students to become actively engaged citizen scientists – their efforts contribute valuable data to the International Barcode of Life project – the largest biodiversity genomics initiative ever undertaken!
Scientific findings associated with the School Malaise Trap Program:
In the past three years, over 300 schools and 15,000 students have contributed 85,000 specimens, representing 8,119 different species, to BOLD (BIO’s online barcode reference library). 1,288 of these species were NEW to BOLD, having never been DNA barcoded before!
Program demand:
Although interest in the School Malaise Trap Program has grown rapidly since it began, our capacity remains unchanged. Each year we strive to involve as many schools as CBG’s resources allow. As resources diminish, we are asking for support from generous donors so that we may keep the program alive!
Your contributions will go a long way….
$25 – Covers 2,500 km worth of program material shipping across Canada!
$50 – Covers educational material and goodies for 30 students.
$100 – Covers delivery of a live webcast by a biodiversity scientist for up to 100 classrooms at one time!
$250 – Covers the cost of a new Malaise trap.
$500 – BIO staff can sort through, and pin, 7,125 School Malaise trap specimens.
$1,000 – Funds 1 school’s participation in the program (120 students, 285 DNA barcoded specimens, program package, educational material, Malaise trap, shipping, swag, & program results).
Thank you for your generous support!
How do I learn more?
Email: info@malaiseprogram.ca
Phone: 1-519-824-4120 x58125
Fax: 1-519-824-5703
CBG: biodiversitygenomics.net
BOLD: boldsystems.org
Follow us on Twitter: @Smtp_Canada
Like us on Facebook: The School Malaise Trap Program
How do I give?
In order to donate, please contact the University of Guelph’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office by email (alumni@uoguelph.ca) or phone (1-888-266-3108) for assistance with payment methods.
Is my donation eligible for a tax receipt?
Yes! You will get a tax receipt by email to the address you provide in the online donation form.