Sturgeon are amazing fish that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. Human influences over the past 150 years have threatened their existence. In this program, students will learn about the sturgeon life cycle, survival needs, and what we can do to protect this remarkable species.

Grades: K-7                          Length: 1.5 hours               Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Introduction to sturgeon, threats to their survival, and conservation efforts.
• Explore sturgeon anatomy and life cycle, using models and biological specimens.
• Play a board game as a sturgeon attempting to reach adulthood.
• Age-dependant activity
  • Felt Board Habitat (K-2): Using a felt board, represent the many stages of a sturgeon’s life.
  • Water Testing (2-3): Test the turbidity and pH of the Fraser River, to see if it is acceptable for sturgeon.
  • Tagging Lesson (3-7): Perform biological tests on a model sturgeon, such as taking measurements and determining age.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

Indigenous people have relied on salmon since the fish became abundant in the Fraser River about 5000-6000 years ago. This program explores the connection between Indigenous people and salmon on the Fraser River. Students get hands-on experience with fishing technology, learn about wind-drying salmon, and discover that salmon is in the hearts of Indigenous people living along the Fraser River today.

Grade: 4-7                           Length: 1.5 hours                Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Watch and discuss a film, featuring two Indigenous Elders telling stories about how Salmon came to the Fraser River, and their connections to the Fraser River.
• Explore authentic and replica tools to learn about Indigenous fishing techniques, and create a group presentation.
• Learn about wind-drying salmon through the replica drying rack, and practice sharpening a kwetsetel (Indigenous slate knife).

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

The Fraser River is one of the world’s great rivers not only in its contribution to the environmental, cultural, and historical wealth of British Columbia, but because of its current pivotal role in the economy of BC.  We are going to explore how people have used and shared the resources of the Fraser River, focusing on the tumultuous time when Indigenous peoples and fur traders shared the river.

Grades: 4-7                          Length: 1.5 hours               Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Visual presentation introducing the history of trade on the Fraser River.
• Learn proper archaeological protocol, excavate archaeological artifacts, and learn what each represents.
• Keep an archaeologist’s journal, drawing diagrams and answering questions about stone and metal tools.
• Play a fun and competitive game to understand the value of items traded between First Nations and European traders.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

Students follow each step of the scientific method to conduct a water quality investigation. During this 2-hour workshop students observe and become curious about the Fraser River, do background research, construct hypotheses, test their hypotheses by doing experiments, analyze their data, draw a conclusion, and report their results.

Grades: 6-9                          Length: 2 hours                   Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Take a sample of the Fraser River and make observations.
• Conduct background research, using the exhibits as sources, and share with the other groups.
• Construct a hypothesis about salmon survivability in the Fraser based on turbidity and pH levels.
• Follow scientific protocol and test the turbidity and the pH level of the Fraser River sample.
• Compare results to the hypothesis.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

In this program, students learn about pollution by examining different types of pollutants and where they come from. They will then evaluate how individual actions contribute to the health of the river. A slide presentation introduces students to the Fraser River, then the class breaks into smaller groups to explore pollution sources and the way pollution moves through our ecosystems and communities. Student’s also discuss the difference one individual’s actions can make.

Grades: 2-5                          Length: 1.5 hours               Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Visual presentation on point source and non-point source pollution in the Fraser River basin.
• See the movement of different types of pollutants into the river and ocean using an interactive model.
• Track the spread of pollution through a terrestrial ecosystem through a fully immersive game.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

Prior to European colonization, Indigenous peoples got what they needed from the land and water around them. Indigenous peoples have relied on salmon since the fish became abundant in the Fraser River about 5000-6000 years ago. They used native plants for food, medicine, building materials and more. This program explores the connection between Indigenous peoples, salmon, and the broader Fraser River Basin. Students experience the movement of salmon, storytelling and oral histories, and the many uses of native plants through an Indigenous perspective.

Grades: K-3                          Length: 1.5 hours                Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Introduction to the First Salmon Ceremony through a storybook and discussion.
• Understand the stages of a salmon’s life cycle and migration by acting out the story of one salmon’s life.
• Learn about some of the edible and medicinal native plants in our region, and then create your own plant, including its uses.
• Hear the story of how sockeye came to the Fraser River from two First Nations elders. View map of the traditional lands of the First Nations people in the Fraser River Basin, and use a visual metaphor to understand how long the First Nations people have lived along the Fraser River.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

Kit includes:

• Detailed lesson plans
• Salmon life-cycle refresher (video or narrated storybook available, based on age)
• Salmon-arch building sets
• Replica skulls of some of the 138 species
• Water quality testing kits, including a Fraser River water sample

Click here to see how this kit supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for our itemized material replacement price list.

On your last walk through nature, what did you notice? What did you wonder? In this program students will explore the connections between living things within their local environment (Kingdom Plantae). They will learn the connection between science and our communities and how they can begin to identify plants in their everyday lives. Students will learn some of the key identifiers of each sub-category in the Kingdom Plantae and use these skills on a nature walk. This information can then be used in the classroom to further investigate plants and find connections between plants, and between people and nature.

Grades: 2-7              Length: 1.5 – 2 hours                Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Introduction to Kingdom Plantae
• Explore and observe nature by going on a nature walk
• Practice observation skills through different activities
• Make connections between science and our communities
• This program starts with a 20-minute presentation inside, then takes place mostly outside.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum for Grades 2-7.

Click here for the pre-visit activity for River Champions Grades 2-7.

 The River Champions outreach program is available for students in grades 3-12, located in schools within the Fraser River Basin boundary. 

Click here to book a school visit!

Grades 3-5  

Students explore the basics of climate science and river processes. Using a stream table model, students model different climate change scenarios and design infrastructure that could mitigate the damage caused by climate change. 

Grades 6-12  

Students discuss connections between climate change and land management practices, both traditional Indigenous and current industrial. Using a stream table model, students model different climate change scenarios and design infrastructure that could mitigate the damage caused by climate change. For the optional follow-up action project, students research how their communities may be susceptible to flooding, and present their findings using ArcGIS Story Maps.

Online option available; click here to book the online program.

We’re a proud partner of GenAction; a national initiative designed to inspire youth to become innovative leaders in climate action now, and into the future. Visit GenAction for details.

Cost: $100 + GST*       Grades: 3-12              Length: 1.5 hour                Maximum group size per workshop: 30 students

*The cost for this program is $100 + GST total, regardless of number of classes/days an educator chooses to book. If this cost presents a barrier to your school/organization participating with the program, please feel free to contact the River Champions Program Coordinator (agarsson@fraserriverdiscovery.org).

Program Components:

• Understand basic river landscape geomorphology as well as traditional and industrial methods of flood risk management. 
• Learn how climate change will impact infrastructure planning across the Fraser River Basin. 
• Model climate change scenarios and design infrastructure using a stream table model. 
• Utilize design thinking and core competencies. 

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum for Grades 3-5.

Click here for the pre-visit activity for River Champions Grades 3-5

Click here to see how this program support’s BC’s curriculum for Grades 6-12

Click here for the pre-visit activity for River Champions Grades 6-12

Join us as we journey down the river of stories from the headwaters to the mouth of the Fraser. Travelling along an interactive map, students will learn all about the Fraser River Basin through stories from the near and distant past. The program ends with a reflection on our place in this landscape, as students add their own story to the map.

Grades:  K-2             Length: 70 mins           Maximum group size: 30 students

To participate in this program, you will need:

• A classroom with a projector we can connect our laptop or USB to

Curricular connections:

This program supports curricular competencies in English Language Arts as students engage actively as listeners, viewers and readers; create stories to deepen their awareness of self; and use oral storytelling processes. This program also supports competencies in Social Studies as students learn about cultural characteristics and ways of life of local First Peoples, and understand the significance of the Fraser River Basin to individuals and groups. This program incorporates the First Peoples Principles of Learning, specifically that learning is relational; recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge; is embedded in story; and requires exploration of one’s own identity. Further, this program supports students in the process of developing a positive personal and cultural identity.

Sturgeon are amazing fish that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. Human influences over the past 150 years have threatened their existence. In this program, students will learn about the sturgeon life cycle, survival needs, and what we can do to protect this remarkable species.

Grades: K-7                          Length: 1.5 hours               Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Introduction to sturgeon, threats to their survival, and conservation efforts.
• Explore sturgeon anatomy and life cycle, using models and biological specimens.
• Play an interactive quiz game to test your knowledge on sturgeon survival.
• Perform biological tests on a model sturgeon, such as taking measurements and determining age.

Outdoor Program: If you can’t allow visitors in your classroom at this time, we can run a 1-hour version of this program outside on your school grounds. All we require is a covered area. The program will include everything except the introductory Power Point presentation.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

Indigenous people have relied on salmon since the fish became abundant in the Fraser River about 5000-6000 years ago. This program explores the connection between Indigenous people and salmon on the Fraser River. Students get hands-on experience with fishing technology, learn about wind-drying salmon, and discover that salmon is in the hearts of Indigenous people living along the Fraser River today.

This program can also be run as a 1-hour program outside, in a quiet, covered area.

Grade: 4-7                           Length: 1.5 or 1 hour(s)                Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Watch and discuss a film, featuring two Indigenous Elders telling stories about how Salmon came to the Fraser River, and their connections to the Fraser River.
• Explore authentic and replica tools to learn about Indigenous fishing techniques, and create a group presentation.
• Learn about wind-drying salmon through the replica drying rack, and practice sharpening a kwetsetel (Indigenous slate knife).

Outdoor Program: If you can’t allow visitors in your classroom at this time, we can run a 1-hour version of this program outside on your school grounds. All we require is a covered area. The program will include everything except the introductory film, which you can watch with your students before or after the program.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

The Fraser River is one of the world’s great rivers not only in its contribution to the environmental, socio-cultural, and historical wealth of British Columbia, but because of its current pivotal role in the economy of BC.  We are going to explore how people have used and shared the resources of the Fraser River, focusing on the tumultuous time when Indigenous peoples and Fur traders shared the river.

Grades: 2-5                          Length: 1.5 hours               Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Visual presentation introducing the history of trade on the Fraser River.
• Read a story about voyageurs and play an interactive quiz game to test your knowledge.
• Keep an archaeologist’s journal, drawing diagrams and answering questions about stone and metal tools.
• Play a fun and competitive game to understand the value of items traded between Indigenous peoples and European traders.

Outdoor Program: If you can’t allow visitors in your classroom at this time, we can run a 1-hour version of this program outside on your school grounds. All we require is a covered area. The program will include everything except the introductory Power Point presentation and the quiz game.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

Prior to European colonization, Indigenous peoples got what they needed from the land and water around them. Indigenous peoples have relied on salmon since the fish became abundant in the Fraser River about 5000-6000 years ago. They used native plants for food, medicine, building materials and more. This program explores the connection between Indigenous peoples, salmon, and the broader Fraser River Basin. Students experience the movement of salmon, storytelling and oral histories, and the many uses of native plants through an Indigenous perspective.

This program requires a large space, and can ONLY be run outside, in a gymnasium or some other large open space. Large outdoor space must be covered.

Grades: K-3                          Length: 1 hour                Maximum group size: 30 students

Program Components:

• Introduction to the First Salmon Ceremony through a storybook and discussion.
• Understand the stages of a salmon’s life cycle and migration by acting out the story of one salmon’s life.
• Learn about some of the edible and medicinal native plants in our region, and then create your own plant, including its uses.
• Hear the story of how sockeye came to the Fraser River from two First Nations elders. View map of the traditional lands of the First Nations people in the Fraser River Basin, and use a visual metaphor to understand how long the First Nations people have lived along the Fraser River.

Click here to see how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here for pre- and post-trip activities.

Join us as we journey down the river of stories from the headwaters to the mouth of the Fraser. Travelling along an interactive map, students will learn all about the Fraser River Basin through stories from the near and distant past. The program ends with a reflection on our place in this landscape, as students add their own story to the map.

Cost: $65            Grades: K-2            Length: 75 minutes            Maximum group size: 30 students

To participate in this program, you will need:

• A stable internet connection.
• The ability to join the video conference with the FRDC educator and project it with sound for the whole class to view.

Curricular connections:

This program supports curricular competencies in English Language Arts as students engage actively as listeners, viewers and readers; create stories to deepen their awareness of self; and use oral storytelling processes. This program also supports competencies in Social Studies as students learn about cultural characteristics and ways of life of local First Peoples, and understand the significance of the Fraser River Basin to individuals and groups. This program incorporates the First Peoples Principles of Learning, specifically that learning is relational; recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge; is embedded in story; and requires exploration of one’s own identity. Further, this program supports students in the process of developing a positive personal and cultural identity.

Did you know there’s a 6-meter-long, 100-year-old fish living in the Fraser River? Learn all about the endangered white sturgeon through interactive activities, with both Indigenous and Western science perspectives. Students will listen to a First Nation’s story about sturgeon, construct theories from available research, and communicate their learning through art.

Cost: $50           Grades: 4-8           Length: 1 hour           Maximum group size: 30 students

To participate in this program, you will need:

• A stable internet connection.
• The ability to join the video conference with the FRDC educator.

Curricular connections:

This program incorporates the First Peoples Principles of Learning, specifically that learning is relational; recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge; is embedded in story; and requires recognizing the consequences of one’s actions. This program supports science competencies through analyzing data and constructing theories, and applying First people’s perspectives. This program supports the ELA Big Idea that stories help us make connections with others and the world. And this program supports the Arts Education competency of expressing feelings, ideas, stories, observations, and experiences through the arts.

Click here to see how the full breakdown of how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

You may know your human neighbours, but do you know which birds live in your local area? Which bugs? Do you know the names of the plants growing on the sidewalk? Do you want to? If you do, then this is the program for you!

First, you’ll join an FRDC educator on Zoom for 1 hour to learn how to set up and conduct a biological survey of your neighbourhood. A survey creates a list of all the species that live in an area. Second, you’ll go out on your own to conduct the survey. Third, you’ll share your findings with the other workshop participants through a invite-only video message board.

A survey can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, so all ages and levels of experience are welcome. You don’t need any prior knowledge; this workshop will give you all the tools you need to conduct a successful survey!

Cost: $50             All ages!           Length: 1 hour           Maximum group size: 30 participants

To participate in this program, you will need:

• A stable internet connection.
• Mobile devices or tablets, to run the Seek app. A data connection for the device is recommended, but not required. Participants can work independently or in groups.
• The ability to see and hear a video conference with the FRDC educator, on a device separate from the one running Seek.

Curricular connections:

This program fully supports curricular competencies in the science curriculum as students go through the entire scientific process: questioning and predicting, planning and conducting,  processing and analyzing data and information, all the way to communicating. A super scaleable activity, it also has applications at every grade level.

Click here to see how the full breakdown of how this program supports BC’s curriculum.

Click here to see the technical over of the program, which outlines the digital tools students will use.