Education

Environmental Workshops for Students

Register for a workshop

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 the Okanagan area (School Districts 22, 23 and 67). Additionally, programs may be available in a limited capacity to other areas of B.C. We prioritize working outdoors with learners, but 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.

Cost: Free (donation recommended)

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.

Cost: Free (donation recommended)

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.

Cost: Free (donation recommended)

Cedar and the Sea: Sierra Club BC X Ocean Wise (Grades 3-5)

Estimated duration: 1 hour

In partnership with Ocean Wise, we have developed an in-person program for the Lower Mainland. This program is restricted to areas with access to the ocean. Together, we will dive into the deep end to talk about the connections between the ocean, cedar forests, and the beings that live alongside these landscapes.

Cost: Free (donation recommended)

Roots to Reef: Sierra Club BC X Ocean Wise (Online Program, Grades 3-5)

Estimated duration: 1 hour

In partnership with Ocean Wise, we have developed an online program about forests found in the ocean and on land. This program will do a deep dive into kelp forests, and together we will learn more about how kelp forests impact our everyday lives. We will also talk about how to nurture relationships with cedar forests along the coast! This online program can be requested for any area. Email us directly or register with the link below.

Cost: Free (donation recommended)

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.

Cost: Free (donation recommended)

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.

Cost: Free (donation recommended)

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.

Cost: Free (donation recommended)

Hear what teachers have to say about our workshops!

“One of the best presentations I have seen in a very long time. Super engaging, uplifting and inspirational for all age levels.”

Kindergarten teacher, SD 61 (Victoria)

“This workshop gave us some shared understandings about the land and relationships that we will be able to come back to in future lessons. We have several students in our group who routinely do not engage, and you managed to engage them! Thank you!”

Grade 2 teacher, SD 71 (Comox Valley)

“We are SO thankful that Sierra Club BC exists for schools who also have minimal budgets. Connecting students with experts to learn on the land and in the community is hugely valuable.”

– Grade 7 teacher, SD 61 (Victoria)

“As our funding is limited, we rely on free programs offered by organizations like Sierra Club BC to get our students engaged and coming to school. I thoroughly support Sierra Club BC’s programming and hope more high schools can also benefit from their great work.”

– High School teacher, Surrey (SD 36)

Sign up for an environmental workshop today

Photo Credits: Mya Van Woudenberg and Mary Paquet