Find EducationalResources Now

Full Description

THE RIVERWATCH MISSION: The RiverWatch Institute of Alberta delivers science education and environmental awareness experiences along Alberta’s rivers and watershed systems. Through our professional river guides, school science float trips, stewardship activities, and water monitoring equipment, participants learn about the science and health of our waterways. By becoming watershed knowledgeable, Albertans of all walks of life will better understand, enjoy and care for our environment.

YOUR RIVERWATCH SCHOOL SCIENCE FLOAT EXPERIENCE

We believe the best way to study a river is by taking your science classes on a float trip aboard our professionally guided large rafts, fully equipped as floating laboratories! Our science education programs align DIRECTLY with the Alberta provincial curriculum and have been a go-to resource for Alberta secondary science classes since 1995. Our hands-on and experiential science float programming is offered in the fall from early September to the end of October and again in the spring (late April to mid-June) once the ice is off the river.

With a laser focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), students explore their local river ecosystem aboard rafts equipped as mobile water quality laboratories. A day of guided rafting takes the student classroom into the real natural world to experience an interesting mix of ecology, wildlife, history, geology, engineering, technology, industry, water quality monitoring and data collection. Our programs showcase science in ways students have never seen before, creating an experience they’ll never forget, INCLUDING A TOUR OF LOCAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS! Over the years, close to 200,000 students have adventured out with us to become young scientists for the day.

YOUR RIVERWATCH GUIDES

All RiverWatch guides are highly trained and possess a minimum Class 1 PROAOA certification to meet Transport Canada Commercial Rafting Standards. All our river guides complete an intense week of training involving rafting, emergency response, health and safety, bus driving, equipment maintenance, water quality monitoring, and local/natural history interpretation. To work for RiverWatch Guides must possess Standard First Aid certification and/or may also have Wilderness First Aid, National Lifeguard Society, Swift Water Rescue or Emergency Medical Responder training. The result is an experienced group of certified and professional river guides ready to provide a safe, engaging and fully immersive rafting experience. Your RiverWatch raft guide will help students gain new insights and appreciation for our rivers’ history, culture, bio-diversity and stewardship. Everyone will finish the day more connected to nature and the river!

Full Description

In this one-hour program, students will learn all about the Edmonton Humane Society, what an animal shelter is and what goes on behind the scenes to make the work we do possible. Discover the different animals we’ve helped and how you can help animals in your community today.

Themes Covered

Different types of pets

Basic needs of animals

Five domains of animal welfare

Responsible pet guardianship and enrichment

Full Description

Be a bug detective when insects examples are brought to your classroom. *Available April, May and June.

Available to schools in Langley.

Duration 60 minutes. Cost $95

Full Description

Engage students in an interactive online course, where students will be exposed to Coast Salish environmental knowledge, the Southern Resident Killer Whales, and the threats facing these species at risk. Students will learn to become effective environmental stewards, making a real difference in protecting the ocean.

This five-hour, virtual course offers a self-paced online experience, ideal for students who can engage independently with minimal guidance. The course can also function as guided lessons or activities between students and teachers. Through interactive learning modules and hands-on projects, students will gain insight into the Salish Sea, orca behavior, and the broader impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. The course incorporates the rich knowledge and history of the Coast Salish peoples, highlighting their connection and stewardship of the Salish Sea. Students will be inspired through this course to take sustainable action to protect orcas, and become environmental stewards.

Orcas in the Salish Sea meets B.C. Curriculum Connections and Learning Outcomes for Grades 3-8, and the First Peoples Principles of Learning. This online, self-paced course is available nationwide for students and educators. Thank you to Prince of Whales for sponsoring this course.

Full Description

Host a case study competition with your class and learn more about Canada's grassland ecosystems!

The Grasslands Case Study will guide students through developing a conservation plan that will maximize biodiversity in the Canadian grasslands.

This resource includes a student workbook and teaching guide. The case study is designed by scientists and education staff from Ducks Unlimited Canada and includes questions to assist students in their research as well as resources to support their learning.

Full Description

In this experiential course, Grade 10-12 students will learn through site visits, hiking tours and guest speakers about everything that connects them to the environment. The 3-credit course is part of the Career and Technology Studies area of the Alberta curriculum. Students will learn about topics from human-wildlife coexistence, vegetation identification and waste water treatment to energy production, Îyethka traditional knowledge, Indigenous practices to care for the land and the Nakoda language. We also welcome you to explore the Activity Guide.

Full Description

NatureWILD is BC’s only full-colour, educational nature magazine for kids aged 5-12 and their families! Through the NatureKids BC website, find a portfolio of downloadable nature-based colouring pages, drawing activities, crafts, guided outdoor activities and experiments, puzzle and activity sheets, and read aloud stories. Originally published in NatureWILD, these activities are ready to print and share with young nature lovers!

Full Description

We also offer the opportunity to book a lesson with our educator to accompany the EduKit. Please note the teacher or a representative for your educational institution is responsible for picking up and dropping off the EduKit from our office.

Full Description

Participants will learn how to recognize key signs of canine body language, understand common reasons for bites and practice respectful approaches to dogs. These skills will help build confidence and foster positive relationships.

The goals of this program are to:

Gain a better understanding of commonly misunderstood animal behaviours and challenge misconceptions that lead to injuries or fatalities.

Mitigate unnecessary risks to both animal companions and the community through greater education and awareness of animal welfare.

Empower youth and children to become more compassionate companions and better advocates for the animals in their homes and communities.

Full Description

Location
Strathcona Community Gardens (759 Malkin St) and Renfrew Ravine (3998 Renfrew St)

Program Detail & Focus

Program dates & focus areas are posted on our website seasonally. There are Spring, Summer, and Fall intakes. Most programs run for 10 sessions

Eligibility
Youth ages 14-18 who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, living with a disability, or from other equity-denied communities.

Supports
You will receive up to $20/day honorarium based on attendance and youth must attend a minimum of 4 program days to receive an honorarium. Lunch and bus tickets are provided. We also have some outdoor clothing available to borrow, including rain jackets and boots.

Full Description

Dr. Megan Zeni offers online workshops, in person teacher professional development, keynote addresses, research collaboration, and specialized consultation services. Schools, school districts, non-profit organizations, university faculty, teacher education programs, funding agencies, and education specific think tanks interested in building capacity for effective and sustainable environmental learning in rural or urban elementary school gardens and outdoor classrooms are invited to submit a request for services. Specific areas of expertise include: Curriculum & pedagogy l Outdoor play and learning across the curriculum l Risky play in schools l School garden planning, start up, and long-term maintenance.

Full Description

Water Scientists will learn about the water cycle, and make a water necklace. *This workshop is free for schools in the Township of Langley (limited spaces available).

Available to schools in SD35 and SD36

Schools outside of Langley will be charged mileage. Teachers outside of these districts may enquire about workshop availability.

Duration 60 minutes

Cost $95

Full Description

Students use an open inquiry model to investigate processes taking place in aquatic, forest or winter ecosystems. They will be given an opportunity to explore a novel environment and develop and test a scientific question. They will explore local and current research and utilize scientific equipment to conduct an investigation from start to finish. Students will construct a question, conduct background research, revise their question, collect data, synthesize data and ultimately finish with a poster and/or paper outlining their research and conclusions. Our programs take place at the Barrier Lake Field Station, in Kananaskis Country, 80km west of Calgary, AB.

Full Description

At Cheakamus Centre, learners of all ages connect with nature, community, and Indigenous culture on a 165-hectare ecological reserve. Field School programs feature outdoor studies, recreation, and team building in day or overnight formats, all tied to the BC curriculum. Indigenous Cultural Programs, led by Skwxwú7mesh educators, immerse participants in Coast Salish traditions through hands-on, interactive learning in the longhouse and rainforest, fostering curiosity, understanding, and respect.

Full Description

Our aim is to help teachers get students outside, make scientific observations in the natural world, and submit these observations to projects that assist the work of professional scientists! Help your students connect with nature and protect it using technology.

"Birds," "Pollinators," and "Urban Wildlife” are the three Edu-Kits currently offered.

Full Description

Host a case study competition with your class and learn more about sea level rise in Atlantic Canada

The Sea Level Rise Case Study will guide students through the background, research, and presentation of a plan to adapt to sea level rise.

This resource includes a student workbook and teaching guide. The case study is designed by scientists and education staff from Ducks Unlimited Canada and includes questions to assist students in their research as well as resources to support their learning.

Full Description

Discover the hidden secrets and stories of the forest in this sensory journey through nature. Awaken your senses as you explore the temperate rainforest. Find tiny life forms with magnifiers, meet bugs, feed trees, and transform into a bat while learning how all of these forest elements are connected. One-and-a-half-hour program for students in Pre K- Grade 3.

Full Description

Full Description

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).

Full Description

The Eco 360 program offers a flexible learning experience, featuring a variety of hands-on activities ranging from 1-3 hours. This program provides opportunities to expand learning through topics including types of plastics, waste in the environment, understanding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in relation to a circular economy and so much more! Educators and learners can select activities that align with their needs, making it a very adaptable program.