EDUCATION PROGRAMS

PROGRAM SPONSORS

Hamber Foundation

WELCOME, TEACHERS & EDUCATORS!

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!

Our education programs, now offered on-site, in your classrooms, and online, are sure to connect your students more deeply to our home, the Fraser River Basin. Students will engage with a variety of topics through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, all supporting the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and socio-cultural. Keep reading to discover which program is right for you!

Are you a community organization, tour operator, seniors’ group, or daycare? Please email us at programs@fraserriverdiscovery.org to find out if our education programs can work for you!

MASK POLICY

Please note that masks are recommended for all school program participants, including students, staff, and parents. 

DISCOVER OUR PROGRAMS!

The FRDC’s education team connects with educators and facilitates learning about the Fraser River in many ways. We offer in-person field trips, educator kits for you to bring into your classroom, outreach programming where our staff brings some of our most popular programming to you, and even online programs!

We currently offer four different kinds of programming through our education department:

  • River School Field Trips– River School programs are place-based, interactive, hands-on programs at the Discovery Centre are designed to encourage students of all ages to feel connected to the Fraser River.
  • Education Kits – It’s all the hands-on learning you expect from the Fraser River Discovery Centre, conveniently packed into one easily transportable package.
  • Outreach Programs– Can’t come to the Fraser River Discovery Centre? No problem! Two FRDC staff will bring all the materials necessary to run some of our most popular River School Programs right in your own classroom!
  • Online Programs– Hosted through video conference software, an FRDC educator will lead your students through a fully interactive program, engaging them with the material by utilizing the latest tools in online and remote education.
  • Online Resources – Free resources developed by the education team, ready for you to use! Check them out here

Want information about the program that would be right for you? We are happy to answer any questions, or to take you on a FREE educator’s tour of the centre! Contact us at programs@fraserriverdiscovery.org or call 604-521-8401

We are now accepting bookings for the 2023/2024 school year.

DISCOVERY STORE

Make sure to check out our Discovery Store for great educational materials! We’ve got a fantastic selection of content-linked picture books, hands-on learning tools, and Indigenous-designed products. Check out our online shop, or visit us in person for the full inventory.

RIVER SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

All our place-based, interactive, curriculum-connected programs are designed to encourage students of all ages to feel connected to the Fraser River. Our team of fantastic, knowledgeable school program volunteers are ready to make your trip to the Discovery Centre an interactive and memorable experience.

We currently offer eight River School Programs. Click on the arrows to learn more.

COVID-19 Safety Information

Masks are recommended for all participants, students and adults.

LIVING DINOSAURS (GRADE K-7)

Learn about the sturgeon lifecycle, survival needs, and what we can do to protect this remarkable species.­­­­­­­­­­­

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.

OUR BONES ARE MADE OF SALMON (GRADE 4-7)

Explore the connection between Indigenous people and salmon on the Fraser River.

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 TRADING TRAIL (GRADES 4-7)

Explore how people have used and shared the resources of the Fraser River, with a focus on when First Nations and Fur traders first shared the river.

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.

TAKING THE PULSE OF THE FRASER (GRADES 6-9)

Follow each step of the scientific method to conduct a water quality investigation. Program is 2 hours long.

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.

FROM POLLUTION TO SOLUTION (GRADES 2-5)

Examine different types of pollutants and where they come from, and evaluate how individual actions contribute to the health of the river.

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.

WELCOMED BY THE WATER (GRADES K-3)

Explore the connection between Indigenous people and life in and around the Fraser River.

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.

GENERAL RIVER SCHOOL PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • Each program is 90 minutes in length (except where noted)
  • Offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00am or 12:30pm. Interested in a River School Program on a Saturday? Contact us at  to discuss possible dates!
  • $9.00 per student (minimum charge $108.00+GST); group size between 12 to 30
  • Included in the price is admission to the Centre. You are welcome to explore the exhibits before or after you program. We just ask that students are supervised, and are respectful of the other visitors in the Centre.
  • We have an across the board 25% discount on all programs, outreach and kits for inner-city schools.
  • Pre-registration and payment is required at least three weeks in advance.

EDUCATION KITS

Bring the joy of discovery into your classroom with our Education Kit! It is all the hands-on learning you expect from the Fraser River Discovery Centre, conveniently packed into one easily transportable package. Our Kit includes all the materials you will need, as well as detailed lesson plans, for inquiry-based learning about life right here in the Fraser River Basin.

COVID-19 Safety Information

The Kit is fully sanitized between uses.

138 REASONS (GRADES 2-7)

We all know that salmon are important for people, both culturally and economically, but did you know that there are 138 other species that rely on salmon for their survival? Learn all about them through hands-on or eyes-on materials, interactive lessons, as well as a scientific experiment!

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.

GENERAL EDUCATION KIT INFORMATION

  • Pricing for the educator kit is based on the number of students who will be using the kit during the 2-week rental. The kit is available for $50 for up to 30 students, and $75 for up to 60 students. Please do not share the kit beyond the number of students you have paid for as the FRDC is a non-profit organization whose model is based on cost-recovery. We would like to continue to make these kits accessible to all classrooms!
  • Friday/Saturday pick-up and return
  • All broken, misplaced, or damaged items are billed to the school.
  • We have an across the board 25% discount on all programs, outreach and kits for inner-city schools.
  • Pre-registration and payment is required at least three weeks in advance.

Want something different in an Education Kit? Feel free to email your comments to us at programs@fraserriverdiscovery.org

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Can’t come to the Fraser River Discovery Centre? No problem! We can come to you! FRDC staff will bring all the materials necessary to run some of our most popular River School Programs right in your own classroom! Programs are 1.5 hours long.

Don’t allow visitors in your classroom right now? No problem! We can run a 1-hour version two of the programs outside, on your school grounds. All we require is a quiet, covered area.

COVID-19 Safety Information

All materials will be fully sanitized between use, and the staff will wear masks. If there are additional safety protocols we need to follow, please contact us. Please note, small group work is part of each program, with frequent sanitation of touched objects.

  • Masks are recommended for all participants, students and adults, both indoor or outdoor.
  • Outreach programs that take place in a classroom require windows and doors to be open to provide maximum air circulation. If this requirement is not met, we may not be able to deliver your program. No refunds will be made.

NATURE WALK (GRADES 2-7) (NEW!)

Observe the Fraser River Basin in your own neighbourhood.

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.

RIVER CHAMPIONS (GRADES 3-12)

Explore how climate change and flooding is affecting the Fraser River Basin.

 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

RIVER OF STORIES (GRADES K-2) (NOW AVAILABLE)

Journey down the river of stories to learn all about the Fraser River Basin

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.

LIVING DINOSAURS (GRADE K-7)

Learn about the sturgeon lifecycle, survival needs, and what we can do to protect this remarkable species.

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.

OUR BONES ARE MADE OF SALMON (GRADE 4-7)

Explore the connection between Indigenous people and salmon on the Fraser River.

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 TRADING TRAIL (GRADES 4-7)

Explore how people have used and shared the resources of the Fraser River, with a focus on when First Nations and Fur traders first shared the river.

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.

WELCOMED BY THE WATER (GRADES K-3)

Explore the connection between Indigenous people and life in and around the Fraser River.

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.

COMPLEXITIES AND COMPROMISES (8-12)

Practice making complex decisions using a realworld, local example

Many of the big decisions we face as individuals, communities, or nations don’t have a correct answer. Making these decisions can be extremely challenging, as we grapple with information and misinformation, our own conscience, and strong opposing opinions. In the face of climate change, many of these decisions become even more challenging. In this program, students are tasked with deciding whether or not to approve a project that would have impacts on global scale. We go step by step through the process, conducting research, mapping out consequences, and ultimately: deciding.

Grades: 8-12            Length: 70 or 90 minutes            Maximum group size: 30 students

Curricular connections:

During this program, students will learn about the perspectives of local Indigenous peoples in the context of this project proposal. This program also has strong ties to social studies, as students learn about the connections between the physical environment and political change. Students will explore evidence-based decision making through science, the impact of technologies, how humans impact climate change, and how climate change impacts the environment. Most importantly, students will be better prepared to be civically engaged in our increasingly complex world.

GENERAL OUTREACH PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • $9.00 per student (minimum charge $108.00+GST) plus $0.90 per kilometre between FRDC and your school (both ways); group size between 12 to 30
  • We have an across the board 25% discount on all programs, outreach and kits for inner-city schools.
  • Pre-registration and payment is required at least three weeks in advance
  • While at your school, we are happy to deliver the chosen program to multiple classes! Booking can be done as a group, but the program will be delivered one class at a time.

ONLINE PROGRAMS

Whether you are near or far, you can still learn all about the Fraser River through our online school programs! Hosted through video conference software, an FRDC educator will lead your students through a fully interactive program, engaging them with the material by utilizing the latest tools in online and remote education.

LET’S DESIGN A CLEANER CITY (3-6)

Identify urban and industrial sources of pollution, and solve real world problems.

Let’s Design a Cleaner City is an online program that empowers students to solve real world problems. In this program, students expand their knowledge of urban challenges by learning about major sources of urban and industrial pollution. Students will then use the design thinking process to imagine and create a cleaner city.

Cost: $80           Grades: 3-6           Length: 1.5 hours           Maximum group size: 30 students

To participate in this program, you will need:

  • A stable internet connection.
  • A device for each student (laptop, chromebook, iPad running iOS 13 or later) with a stable internet connection. They will use this throughout the program for the interactive activities.
  • The ability to join the video conference with the FRDC educator. This can be done one of two ways: the teacher can join the video conference and project it with sound for the whole class to view; or each student can join on their device with headphones.

Curricular connections:

This program supports curricular competencies in the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) curriculum as students ideate or generate ideas, share their designs, create prototypes, and gather peer feedback. This program also supports curricular competencies in Science, as students identify their impact on the environment, contribute to the care of their communities, and apply learning to new scenarios, and problem solve. The interdisciplinary approach to problem solving also aligns with the core competencies in the B.C. curriculum.

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

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

Click here to see the Program Pre-Assignment.

RIVER OF STORIES (K-2) (NOW AVAILABLE)

Journey down the river of stories to learn all about the Fraser River Basin.

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.

COMPLEXITIES AND COMPROMISES (8-12) (NOW AVAILABLE)

Practice making complex decisions using a realworld, local example

Many of the big decisions we face as individuals, communities, or nations don’t have a correct answer. Making these decisions can be extremely challenging, as we grapple with information and misinformation, our own conscience, and strong opposing opinions. In the face of climate change, many of these decisions become even more challenging. In this program, students are tasked with deciding whether or not to approve a project that would have impacts on global scale. We go step by step through the process, conducting research, mapping out consequences, and ultimately: deciding.

Cost: $65            Grades: 8-12            Length: 70 or 90 minutes            Maximum group size: 30 students

To participate in this program, you will need:

  • A stable internet connection.
  • A device for each student (laptop, chromebook, iPad running iOS 13 or later) with a stable internet connection. They will use this throughout the program for the interactive activities.
  • The ability to join the video conference with the FRDC educator. This can be done one of two ways: the teacher can join the video conference and project it with sound for the whole class to view; or each student can join on their device with headphones.

Curricular connections:

During this program, students will learn about the perspectives of local Indigenous peoples in the context of this project proposal. This program also has strong ties to social studies, as students learn about the connections between the physical environment and political change. Students will explore evidence-based decision making through science, the impact of technologies, how humans impact climate change, and how climate change impacts the environment. Most importantly, students will be better prepared to be civically engaged in our increasingly complex world.

ALL ABOUT STURGEON (4-8)

Learn all about sturgeon from both an Indigenous and Western science perspective.

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.

MEET YOUR NATURE NEIGHBOURS (K-12)

Learn how to set up a simple and fun biological survey of your local area. Great for homelearners and students of all ages!

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.

GENERAL ONLINE PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • Each program’s length and cost is noted in the program description.
  • Offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
  • Maximum class size 30 students
  • We have an across the board 25% discount on all programs, outreach and kits for inner-city schools.
  • Pre-registration and payment is required at least three weeks in advance.