North Vancouver

Program Description & Details

Discover the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates. Take a close-up look at the interesting features of vertebrate skulls, bones, teeth, and claws. Learn about the amazing adaptations that help temperate rainforest animals thrive in this cool, wet environment. This program runs from 10am to 12pm. 

Duration: 
See notes.
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Months Available: 
Times Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

SCIENCE IN THE SUBALPINE

Our Junior Rangers program takes students on a thrilling ride up to our unique subalpine environment, 885 meters above sea level! We help teachers meet curriculum requirements with a dynamic and hands-on approach to learning. These courses are designed to engage students and connect them with nature and wildlife in an interactive way that encourages an inquiry-based method of learning.

GRADE K - 1: SEASONAL CHANGES AND THE NEEDS OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS

In this course, students learn about the unique ecosystem of the subalpine environment, how that environment changes throughout the year, and how our native plants and animals adjust to the seasons. We explore this vibrant mountain-top setting through hiking and group activities.

GRADE 2-3: THE FOOD WEB OF A SUBALPINE ECOSYSTEM

There is so much biodiversity and interconnected life in the subalpine! Grade 2 and 3 students will investigate the lifecycles, food webs and food chains found in this unique habitat. They will explore the Summit and take part in a team activity which demonstrates the sensitive relationships within a food web at this altitude.

GRADE 4: THE SUBALPINE BIOME AND ANIMALS WITH SUPER SENSES

In this course, we look into local wildlife biodiversity and discuss the topic of biomes. Together we learn about the delicate balance in the subalpine environment and what sustains a healthy ecosystem. We examine how animals, birds and reptiles use their senses to respond to other creatures and their environment. Students will discover just how vital these super senses are to some of our most familiar mountain residents.

GRADE 5-6: THE ROCK CYCLE

It is easy to see how amazing the local landscape is! From our Summit, each direction you look there is a rock feature of some kind. How did they get there and how did they form? Hiking our trails, students will discover how rocks transform from one type to another, and what forces build up the landscape and wear it down.

GRADE 7-8: ADAPTABILITY OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS IN THE SUBALPINE

The subalpine is home to some of British Columbia’s most fascinating wildlife and interesting plants. With specific reference to natural selection and the characteristics of life, students will discover the ways in which these plants and animals adapt to meet the challenges of finding food, avoiding predators, and surviving the changes of the seasons.

Duration: 
Half Day
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
Contact Us
Program Description & Details

Winter sports are an important part of physical literacy, and our new Summit Snowshoe course is a fun introduction to this fast-growing sport. Students learn snowshoeing basics for health and fitness, including how to prepare for a snowshoe hike, snowshoeing safety and techniques, and then test their skills with games and a hike on our snowshoe trails. This activity can be combined with tubing.

Duration: 
Half Day
For Grades: 
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Months Available: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
Contact Us
Program Description & Details

In the Sea to Sky corridor, we are fortunate to be surrounded by mountains and a vast amount of backcountry to explore. Take advantage of the wilderness we're lucky enough to call our backyard and hike off-trail to experience our backcountry under the expertise of our education guides.

Students will cover a selection of the topics below. The Sea to Sky Gondola Education Guide leading your group will decide which of the topics will be taught depending on the weather, size and age of the group.

Hiking 101

Imagine you are heading out for a hike in the backcountry. How to prepare? Learn about planning and packing for a safe day hike in the backcountry.

Avalanche Awareness

Another essential part of planning a safe day out includes route planning and weather. We examine types of snow, types of hazards, and risk assessments in planning outdoor adventures.

Wilderness First Aid

Your day in the backcountry has been going great until one member of the group falls and is now injured! Learn to treat a medical emergency in the outdoors. Build and use an improvised stretcher to carry your friend to safety.

Shelter Building

Even with the best intentions things in the backcountry don’t always go to plan! Explore the skills and techniques needed to build a good shelter. Will your shelter keep you warm and dry, or will you be wet and cold as the rain comes in?

Duration: 
Half Day
For Grades: 
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
Contact Us
Program Description & Details

A collaboration between Sea to Sky Gondola, Mountain Research Initiative, Geo Mountains, the University of Calgary, and the Arctic Institute, our Mountain Sustainability Program is designed for learners of all ages. Students take a global view of mountains around the world and initiatives in mountain resilience, examining how mountains are created, what changes them, and the shared responsibilities of mountain stewardship. We make the most of our unique subalpine environment with hands-on activities on weather, glaciers, and biodiversity. In support of the United Nations declaration that 2022 is the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development, the program is built around the question "What do mountains mean to you?" #mountainsmatter 

Students who have already done our course, can try our new mountain sustainability case studies on wildlife counts and nature-based solutions like ecological restoration.

Duration: 
Half Day
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
Contact Us
Program Description & Details

Take your students on an educational adventure that combines a treasure hunt and ecology knowledge! Led by clues and a forest map, your students will decode the mysteries of temperate rainforest plants and animals, searching for the secret of life in the rainforest. You’ll also have a chance to view forest life up close with our amazing projector!

 

Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

The River Champions outreach program is available for students in grades 3-12, located in schools within the Fraser River Basin boundary. 

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 action project, students research how their communities may be susceptible to extreme weather events and climate change, and present their findings using ArcGIS Story Maps. A follow-up online workshop connects students to knowledge holders.

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.

Click here to book!

Duration: 
80
For Grades: 
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Availability: Native-Newcomer Relations PDF

The Native Voice was the first newspaper to focus on Indigenous issues in Canada. Through four case studies, students critically analyse articles from The Native Voice and other newspapers to look at the topics of Indigenous rights and land title in British Columbia. This program has been organized with the Squamish Nation Education Department and made possible in part through a grant from the Museums Assistance Program, Department of Canadian Heritage.

Your students will:

  • Analyze archival and contemporary newspaper articles relating to Indigenous rights and land title.
  • Answer and discuss critical thinking questions to develop a deeper understanding of the topic.
Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Students come to know səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Chief Dan George through historical photographs, images of his belongings, video footage, and his writing. They discover how his acting career helped change the image of Indigenous people in the media and how his activism raised awareness of Indigenous rights in Canada.

Your students will:

  • Analyse primary source evidence to assess historical significance
  • Discuss the ‘Lament to Confederation’ and consider modern perspectives on the piece
  • Watch a unique video about Chief Dan George produced by the NVMA.
Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Students explore and analyse archival photographs featuring Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people and places chosen from an exhibit presented at the North Vancouver Museum & Archives (NVMA) in 2010. This was a shared project of the NVMA and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). The Squamish Elders and Language Authority chose these photos that represent local landscapes, the community and individuals, and contributed to exhibit research.

Your students will:

  • Recognize that the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is an active community today on the North Shore.
  • Discover aspects of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) history and culture through photos.
  • View primary source evidence and develop photo analysis skills.
Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Grade appropriate activities help students explore the strength and resilience of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) cultures. Researched by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh author and language teacher Khelsilem with MONOVA staff members, this fully-illustrated, limited edition book, looks at the traditional and contemporary history and culture of both Nations. The Book and Teaching Package will be provided electronically. This program is available in French and English.

English: Intermediate Education and Secondary Education

French: Intermediate Education  and Secondary Education

Your students will:

  • Explore the cultures and histories of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) nations.
  • See contemporary & historic photos of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) communities.
  • Think about the cultural resilience of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people.
Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
Yes
Program Description & Details

Listen to the voices of BC mountaineers, analyze photographs of their expeditions and tools of the trade, and discover their role in wilderness conservation. This education kit investigates the relationship that the Indigenous people have had with local mountains, the scientific and technical advances made by mountaineers, the impact of Mountaineers on wilderness conservation, and how mountain experiences have influenced our cultural heritage. It is based upon the virtual exhibit of the same name (available in French and English).

Your students will:

  • Learn how people have interacted with the North Shore mountains over time.
  • Explore primary source evidence of mountaineering history in BC.
  • View primary source evidence and develop photo analysis skills.
Duration: 
75
For Grades: 
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
Yes
Program Description & Details

Through images and activities, students come to know səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Chief Dan George and understand his historical significance. They discover how his acting career helped change the image of Indigenous people in the media and how his activism raised awareness of Indigenous rights in Canada. This Kit includes lesson plans to encourage discussion and critical thinking.

Chief Dan George Story Kit 2021-22

Your students will:

  • View primary source evidence and develop photo and artifact analysis skills.
  • Assess the historical significance of Chief Dan George.
  • Read and discuss poetry by Chief Dan George, including his ‘Lament to Confederation’.
  • Watch a unique video about Chief Dan George produced by the MONOVA.
Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

These entertaining videos and activities, are a great way to engage students with the history of Burrard Inlet, including early industry, settlement, and shipping. Activities will capture your students’ imagination and are great launch pads for further discussions about primary and secondary sources and learning from photographs.

Your students will:

  • Learn about Moodyville, our early stevedores, and port operations past and present.
  • Take a short and entertaining quiz to help them remember the video content.
  • Play a puzzle game to reveal real historic photographs the Archives.
Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Students match, compare, and critically analyze a set of two dozen historic and modern images of North Vancouver. They consider the continuity and change of many features of North Vancouver. The photographs are accompanied by directed learning activities.

English: Teacher’s Package (pdf) and Student’s Activity Sheets (pdf)

French: Teacher’s Package (pdf) and Student’s Activity Sheets (pdf)

Your students will:

  • Explore the themes of communities and common experiences.
  • Discover the rich history of North Vancouver’s development through archival photos.
  • View primary source evidence and develop photo analysis skills.
Duration: 
65
For Grades: 
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Times Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No

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