Environmental education programs for schools, clubs and youth groups.
Book your school workshop or community program now!Youth Programming
Designed for: Grades P-3
Status: Booking now for 2024-2025 school year!
Language: This program is currently delivered in English. However, French resources for learners are available after receiving the program.
Eddie is a cat, a loveable puppet and an environmental superhero who is standing up for all the critters of the world and the environment they live in. Through fun, engaging and interactive performances filled with humour, rhyming and song, Eddie teaches elementary schoolers about the importance of keeping their neighbourhoods clean from litter.
“Our students were so engaged. Such a great way to teach the children the importance of taking care of our earth. And such wonderful activities for teachers to continue working on with their students!”
– Primary/Grade 1 about Eddies Litterless Quest
Eddie’s visit
Eddie will visit a classroom for an in-person or virtual performance about his quest to rid the world of litter.
Time requirements: One hour (in-person); 45 minutes (virtual).
Location requirements: Classroom or gymnasium environment.
Technology requirements (for virtual): Computer, webcam, reliable internet connection, external speaker(s) and the ability to project to a large screen for all too see.
The Quest
Following Eddie’s visit, the Quest component of this program will challenge learners to reduce the waste in their classrooms and lunches over the course of a month. Learners will participate in a variety of educator-led activities that will teach them about waste, health and nutrition through a cross-curricular approach, as well as how to make a positive environmental impact in their communities.
Time requirements: One month (flexible).
Completing the Quest
To cap off the program, the class will receive a virtual visit from Eddie and Big Foot to congratulate them on their Quest!
Time requirements: 15-20 minutes (virtual).
Location requirements: Classroom.
Technology requirements: Computer, webcam, reliable internet connection, external speaker(s) and the ability to project to an audience.
Designed for: Grades 7-8
Status: Booking now for 2024-2025 school year!
Language: This program is available in English and French.
Solutions to climate change are out there – happening right now! To take action on climate change, we need to know what it is, why it’s happening and how it will impact the planet. In this workshop, Grade 7 or 8 learners will gain foundational knowledge on the science behind climate change, and make connections between climate impacts and real-world solutions. Using probeware, conducting experiments, exploring simulations and using two-eyed seeing to consider Indigenous evidence of a shifting climate, learners will then use their own skills and interests to act on an issue that is important to them.
Requirements
Format: In-person.
Time requirements: Three hours.
Location requirements: Classroom environment, optional outdoor portion if a suitable space is available at your school.
Designed for: Grades 7-8
Status: Bookings available until October 31 and from April 1 to June 20.
Language: This program is available in English and French.
Clean Water School is a three-part, experiential education program for learners that takes place in the natural environment.
The Coastal version of the program helps teach Grade 7 and 8 learners about shorelines and coastal areas and the impacts that humans have on them, while inspiring them to explore various ocean-related technologies careers. It also introduces them to lab and field skills, scientific observation methods and the concept of two-eyed seeing.
The Stream version of the program helps teach Grade 7 and 8 learners about watersheds and the impacts humans have on them, while encouraging them to dive into various scientific and water-related careers. It also introduces learners to lab and field skills, scientific observation methods and the concept of two-eyed seeing.
“[I liked the] relaxed pace of activities to take our time with observations and recording; incorporating two-eyed seeing; using tools we don`t have access to at class; [and] being outside all day.”
– Grade 7/8 teacher about Clean Water School
Clean Water School – Coastal
Field Day Foundations Virtual Workshop
The first part is a virtual workshop, where Clean Educators introduce learners to the important concepts, skills, and safety considerations that they will need to know for the program.
Field Day
Learners get to use their new knowledge and skills to be a “coastal scientist” and collect data from the ocean’s edge.
This involves making detailed observations of coastal zone features and evidence of processes such as erosion, as well as examining the shoreline for evidence of human impacts.
Taking Action
The last part of the program invites the class to create an environmental stewardship plan to support the health of a coastal area near their school or community.
Clean Water School – Stream
Field Day Foundations Virtual Workshop
The first part is a virtual workshop, where Clean Educators introduce learners to the important concepts, skills, and safety considerations that they will need to know for the program.
Field Day
Learners get to use their new knowledge and skills to be a “water scientist” and collect data from their local watershed.
Learners will be conducting chemical tests on water samples, collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates (bugs), looking at the features of the stream and determining potential human impacts.
Taking Action
The last part of the program invites the class to create an environmental stewardship plan to support the health of a coastal area near their school or community.
Requirements
Time requirements:
– One hour for the Field Day Foundations virtual visit.
– Three and a half hours of programming time for the Field Day Excursion (does not including travel to and from field site).
– Follow up period at your discretion to address your classes environmental stewardship plan.
Location requirements: This program is designed for schools that are within walking distance to a stream, river or coastline. Our team can work with you to identify a safe and ideal location for the Field Day. If you have concerns around field site accessibility and/or learners’ abilities, please contact us to discuss your options.
Technology requirements: Groups will join the Field Day Foundations virtual workshop via a laptop connected to a screen at the front of the class.
Chaperones requirements: We require three chaperones in addition to the teacher per class group (max. 30 learners per class group; up to two classes can participate at a time depending on the field site and on chaperone availability).
Planning conversation: After receiving your booking request, we will reach out to schedule a video or phone call to plan your Field Day Foundations and Field Day sessions. During this call we will address scheduling, ensure chaperone needs can be met and discuss any questions you or your administration may have.
Designed for: Grade 6
Status: Booking now for 2024-2025 school year!
Language: This program is available in English and French.
Clean Energy School helps learners explore the science of electricity and energy! Through participation in an interactive hands-on workshop, Grade 6 learners develop their knowledge of a variety of renewable energy sources. They then reflect on the choices they make, and the advances in technology, that are having positive environmental impacts.
Learners will explore wind and solar energy through experimentation and are introduced to geothermal energy, biofuels, marine technology and other emerging fields. We will do our best to work with the time you have available in your classroom.
“The kids loved playing with the solar panels and wind turbines. Some of this equipment could be expensive to purchase as a class set, so it is nice for the kids to have the opportunity to see these items in action.”
–Grade 6 teacher about Clean Energy School
Requirements
Format: In-person.
Time requirements: Three hours.
Location requirements: Classroom environment, optional outdoor portion if a suitable space is available at your school.
Powering our Province
Designed for: Grade 9
Status: Booking now for 2024-2025 school year!
Language: This program is available in English and French.
Nova Scotia has pledged to acquire 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. How can we achieve that goal? What technologies will get us there? What jobs and careers will be created?
Working in teams, learners will become energy experts by exploring real-world examples of existing and upcoming renewable energy projects across our province and the technology behind them. Empowered with their new knowledge, teams will use provincial maps, discussion, and debate to draft the perfect location to host a powerplant of their own, all with the mission of exploring how can we ‘Power Our Province’ with renewable energy sources now and in the future!
Requirements
Format: In-person.
Time requirements: This program is run optimally in 2 class periods (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes); we will do our best to accommodate your period length and class schedule.
Location requirements: Classroom environment, optional outdoor portion if a suitable space is available at your school.
Designed for: Grades 6 and 7
Status: Booking now for 2024-2025 school year!
Language: See language offerings for each I Wonder? program below.
‘I wonder…’ workshops are fun, engaging and designed to ignite the curiosity of learners. Our programs cover the topics of renewable energy and coastline changes, with more workshops to come in the future!
These workshops are delivered online and are accompanied by activities that encourage learners to dive deep into the subject matter, ask their own questions and make connections to curriculum.
I wonder what renewable energy looks like?
Designed for: Grade 6
Learners will get an introduction into how electricity is generated and how that differs between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Nova Scotian renewable energy examples are highlighted.
Language: This program is currently delivered in English and French.
I wonder what our coastline will look like in 100 years?
Designed for: Grade 7
Learners will understand how erosion and deposition on land and coastlines occur, and how these processes have been and could be affected by human activity in the future.
Language: This program is currently delivered in English. However, French resources for learners are available.
Requirements
Time requirements: One hour, with additional time needed for pre- and post-workshop activities to support curriculum-alignment and learners’ curiosity (flexible).
Technology requirements: Classrooms joining virtually will need to join on a computer or device (preferably with webcam), via a solid internet connection. We strongly recommend a screen at the front of the room for learners to see. Learners may also join via individual devices. Some easy-to-find materials may be required for pre- or post- webinar activities.
Community programming
Designed for: Ages 5 and up
Status: Booking now for 2024-2025 school year!
Language: These programs are available in English.
Sign up your local youth group, such as Guides, Scouts, 4-H and others, for one of Clean Foundation’s free environmental programs. Our fun, interactive and memorable sessions promote science literacy, environmental awareness and community-based climate action.
Through our community programs, children and youth can learn about water and carbon cycles, explore humans and animals’ interconnectiveness and work together to find sustainable solutions to climate challenges. Read about our themed sessions below to learn more and find the best fit for your group.
“The girls loved the interactive nature of the different activities. The presenter had great energy that really captured the girls’ attention. It was nice to have an interactive presentation so the girls could really engage with the learning”
– Girl Guides leader about Water Ways
Buzzing with Life
Designed for: Ages 5-8 and 9-12
Everyone’s buzzing about Nova Scotia’s native species! Through interactive games and activities, youth will learn about critter connections and discover the needs of diverse local species at risk, from the mighty moose to the mini monarch. Donning their Naturalist bandanas, youth will get to practice their citizen scientist skills with a habitat observation experience using both Western and Mi’kmaw Ways of Knowing! Youth will leave this session feeling empowered by taking action to help support our province’s biodiversity, including building tools they can take home to support the species in their own neighbourhoods.
Water Ways
Designed for: Ages 5-9
See the water cycle as you never have before! This session dives into how water moves in our natural world, through observation, experimentation and condensation. A stream of experiments will get youth in the flow and thinking about the properties of water, while a fun and engaging game will get them moving and circulating. Youth will reflect on some changes that they, and their households, can make to ensure the health of our freshwater systems for generations to come.
Carbon Nation
Designed for: Ages 9-12
Carbon Nation? It’ll be a sensation! During this program youth will explore the carbon cycle, gaining an understanding of why switching to renewable energy and preserving the world’s forests and oceans is so important. Using experiments, observation and game play, youth will explore what carbon sources and sinks are. We’ll also look at some household and community actions that youth can take to support the healthy, natural balances between carbon sources and sinks, as well as explore other forms of climate action.
Characters of Change
Designed for: Ages 12 and up
In a world facing climate challenges, how can we work together to find sustainable solutions? This session will focus on how to take action to combat climate change, using games to get youth thinking and collaborating. By celebrating examples of youth and organizations who are characters of positive change, youth will leave this session with the inspiration and resources they need to start taking community-based climate action themselves.
Requirements
Time requirements: One to two hours.
Location requirements: These workshops can be run indoors in a classroom-sized space, or outdoors (weather-dependent).
Each of these sessions involves physical activity. Please inform our Educators if any of your participants will require special accommodation for this or any other reason.