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 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 in STEM (High School)
Estimated duration: 1-1.5 hours (can make adjustments based on bell/class schedules)
The aim of this lesson is to invite learners into a deeper relationship with the plants, animals, and habitats in their community. Through lively discussions and outdoor activities, we’ll cover everything from ecology to sustainability to how we can help build a brighter future. STEM-based workshops connect with skills and learning objectives outlined in the BC curriculum for the following courses: Science 9/10, Life, Sciences 11, AP Biology 12
Anatomy & Physiology 12, Earth Science 11 and Outdoor Education 11. For courses not listed here, please indicate which course you teach when you register.
Cost: Free (donation recommended)
Place-Based Learning in Humanities & Social Sciences (High school)
Estimated duration: 1-1.5 hours (can make adjustments based on bell/class schedules)
These workshops focus on developing policy literacy and civic engagement skills. We provide on-the-ground examples and consequences of B.C.’s environmental policies and facilitate meaningful discussions about democratic systems of change. These sessions are curriculum-linked to the following courses: Social Studies 9/10, Law 12, Social Justice 12, Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12, Geography 12, Political Studies 12, Economics 12 (focus on B.C.’s resource-based economy and behavioural economics), Psychology 11/12 (focus on psychological barriers to environmental change). For courses not listed here, please indicate which course you teach when you register.
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!
Sign up for an environmental workshop today
Photo Credits: Mya Van Woudenberg and Mary Paquet