As schools prepare to re-open, we want to share our support. As a community partner to local schools and other education organizations, we want to continue to offer quality learning resources and adapt to our partner’s needs. We have always encouraged educators to use natural spaces as “outdoor classrooms” and design “walking field trips” for students. This year, Covid-19 demands more of this.
Since March 2020, Biosphere educators have been sharing learning activities and resources for families at home. We’re grateful to all the parents and teachers that let us know they successfully used them with their students and families.
Over 30 of the free Lessons in a Backpack for grades 1 to 10 are ready-to-teach and designed to meet Ontario’s science curriculum standards. We currently have several new lessons in development, follow us on social media or subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to be notified when they’re available online! Cumulatively, our lessons have been downloaded over 50,000 times from educators across Ontario and around the world. Our staff are always available by request of teachers or principals to present these.
Our educators are still here to do Covid-safe classroom visits, online sessions, and outdoor guided learning across the Board. We can:
- Provide Biosphere educators (including Indigenous educators) as a school resource to deliver outdoor/physical education.
- Offer virtual learning with online “Ask a Naturalist” sessions, on topics selected by the teacher, and can be used in conjunction with, or independent of, a Lesson in a Backpack.
- Webinars on popular subjects can be offered for large groups and viewed afterwards as a recorded resource to enhance learning.
- There’s more! If there are additional ways GBB staff can further support your students this year, contact us!
See our educational resources e-Newsletter here and read from CBC News about the recently renewed emphasis on outdoor learning.