MABR Youth Program

Elementary School Workshops

This program is designed to teach students the importance of environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainability on a local scale. The MABR Youth Program will incorporate hands-on activities and outdoor field trips to provide experiential learning opportunities. There are three main workshops that instructors can choose from which investigate coastal ecosystems, terrestrial ecosystems, or sustainable development. These workshops are best suited for elementary school students. The program is available to any school or organization within the MABR cost-free. However, each class will be responsible for their own transportation to the described destinations. The workshop durations discussed below are approximations and materials can be modified to suit your classroom’s availability.

Coastal Ecosystems

The coastal workshop will explore the connection between humans and aquatic ecosystems. Topics covered include the role of local watersheds, local water pollution, biodiversity, marine food webs, and human impacts in the MABR. The workshop includes a presentation, classroom activities on marine food webs and water pollution, and a beach seine at a local beach or at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station. Total workshop duration is approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Terrestrial Ecosystems

The terrestrial workshop will explore local biodiversity, ecosystem services, and environmental sustainability. Topics covered include flora and fauna, food chains, connectivity, and human impacts in the MABR. The workshop includes an informative classroom presentation, classroom activities on soil types and food webs, followed by a field trip to a predetermined forested area where students will participate in a scavenger hunt in which they will search for local flora species. Total workshop duration is approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Sustainable Development

The sustainable development workshop will explore the three pillars of sustainability, ecological footprints, environmental responsibility, and developing sustainable local cities. The workshop includes an informative classroom presentation, and interactive activities based on ecological footprints and building sustainable cities. Total workshop duration is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

High School Workshops

Sustainable Development Goals

The sustainable development goals workshop will explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Topics covered include each of the 17 goals, how humans can contribute to the SDGs, and the importance of sustainability. The workshop includes an informative classroom presentation, and a Dragon’s Den inspired activity to create sustainable initiatives for the community. Total workshop duration is approximately 1.5 hours, but can be modified to your classrooms availability.

Contact

If you have any further questions or know of a class interested in participating in a workshop, please contact Jessica Pyett, MABRRI Research & Community Engagement Coordinator, at Jessica.Pyett@viu.ca or (250) 753-3245 (local 2802).

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