Education
Environmental Workshops for Students
Our Approach
Since 1998 we have offered a variety of free, hands-on environmental education workshops directly in your neighbourhood — in your classroom, school yard or local outdoor space. We embrace a place-based education model, which means each of our programs is tailored to celebrate your unique community! This includes speaking about local plants, animals and respectfully incorporating local Indigenous knowledges.
Where We Run Our Workshops
We deliver programs in the Greater Vancouver area (School Districts 36-45) and Capital Regional District (School Districts 61-63). Additionally, programs may be available in a limited capacity to other areas of B.C. We prioritize working outdoors with learners, however there may be a short indoor component.
Pick a workshop
Nature and Gathering Places (Kindergarten)
Estimated duration: 1 hour
This program focuses on the double meaning of gathering: how beings are shaped by the places where they gather and the things they gather to survive. The aim of this lesson is not just to learn about plants and animals, but also the roles they play in their ecosystem. We’ll use storytelling to teach about the environments that we live in. Note: They might get their hands dirty!
Optional ocean focus: A marine version of this workshop is available for those able to meet at a location with ocean access. Please make a note of this in your workshop request form.
Lifecycles and Ecosystems: Reciprocal Relationships (Grades 1-2)
Estimated duration: 1 hour
The aim of this lesson is to introduce the lifecycles of different beings. How do animals and plants change throughout their lives? How does the lifecycle of salmon connect with bears, birds and trees? This program answers questions like these using art and exploration.
Optional ocean focus: A marine version of this workshop is available for those able to meet at a location with ocean access. Please make a note of this in your workshop request form.
Plants & People: Making Connections (Grades 3-5)
Estimated duration: 1 hour
The aim of this lesson is to explore intertwining relationships between humans and other beings. Learn about different species that you can find in your backyard, their gifts and what role they play in the ecosystem.
Optional ocean focus: A marine version of this workshop is available for those able to meet at a location with ocean access. Please make a note of this in your workshop request form.
Climate and Place: Community-Based Thinking (Grades 6-8)
Estimated duration: 1-1.5 hours
The aim of this lesson is to start conversations about the changing climate, how it affects people and what we can do to create change. This is a free-form program which includes elements such as the science of climate change, teamwork, and self-expression through art. This program has a lot of room for adaptation and change depending on the facilitator.
Place-based Learning: Reimagining our Relationships With Other Beings (High School)
Estimated duration: 1-1.5 hours
The aim of this lesson is to invite learners into a deeper relationship with the plants, animals and habitats in their community. This is a free-form workshop that is guided by conversations between participants and time spent out on the land. Through lively discussions and outdoor activities, we’ll cover everything from ecology to sustainability to how we can help build a brighter future.
Homeschool Workshops
Estimated duration: 1-1.5 hours
All of the workshops listed here are available in adapted forms for groups of homeschool learners and their caregivers throughout the school year.
All programs weave in diverse Indigenous perspectives and emphasize our ability to change the systems we live in.
Hear what teachers have to say about our workshops!
Sign up for an environmental workshop today
Photo Credits: Mya Van Woudenberg and Mary Paquet