Surrey

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

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

Invite OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society to join you in your classroom to learn about the amazing species of raptors that call BC home, the features and adaptations that make them unique, their life cycles, and about the dangers they face and how you can help. You also get the chance to meet some of OWL’s Raptor Ambassadors up close in person! Each program will be focused to each grade level that is participating.

Have a specific topic in mind? We are more than happy to work with you to make the program you are looking for. Some popular requests include focusing on a specific species, such as owls or just hawks, life cycles, or food chains.

https://www.owlrehab.org/education/in-class/

Duration: 
60
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Historic Stewart Farm is offering live, virtual school programs. Without leaving your classroom,  an experienced costumed guide will lead your class on a virtual Matterport tour around the Farmhouse, recently updated Pole Barn, and historic outbuildings while providing curriculum current interpretation. Explore the history of local community, immigration, family roles, and how newcomers shaped the environment around them. These programs work for both in-class, and blended groups - if some students or your whole class log-in from home.

Three programs are being offered for varying grade ranges:

Stories Shoots and Sprouts - Kindergarten - Grade 1

Dig, plant, discover! Learn about growing heritage vegetables and fruit through historical indoor and outdoor seasonal activities. Students get active as they explore the site, including the root cellar, garden, orchard, pole barn and farmhouse kitchen. A package will be provided for students to plant a Historic Stewart Farm heirloom seed in their classroom. 

Farm Kids - Grade 1 - Grade 2

Students travel back in time to the 1890s to live just like Surrey’s settler children did. They’ll learn how students in the past helped with family life, important chores around the site, and balanced all of this to get to school on time. Butter making supplies will be provided for classes.

Immigrant Perspectives - Grade 5 - Grade 6

Immigrants in turn-of-the-century Canada certainly faced some challenges. Students experience the cultural traditions of Scottish and Chinese settlers on the farm, and learn how culture, economy and technology influenced rural life in Surrey and across the country. A primary resouce package is provided about local history, immigration, and those who settled at the Historic Stewart Farm.

These 90-minute programs costs $94.80 and will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis between February and June 2021. 

To reserve your program spot please contact the Historic Stewart Farm at 604-591-4627 or email StewartFarm@surrey.ca. Please leave a message with the preferred date, program, number of students, and grade level.

Please Note: We will be using the Microsoft Teams platform to deliver this program. To ensure a smooth program we require a technical ‘check-in’ prior to your scheduled program - we will discuss this with you upon booking. A projector, screen, and a laptop with speakers and microphone are required.

City: 
Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 5, 6
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Times Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Historic Stewart Farm is now offering live, virtual school programs. Without leaving your classroom,  an experienced costumed guide will lead your class on a virtual tour around the Farmhouse, providing curriculum current interpretation. Explore the history of local holiday celebrations, family roles, and how newcomers shaped the environment around them. This 60-minute program costs $53 and will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs are available for booking now and take place Dec 2 to 18, Wed-Fri, at 10:30am.

To reserve your program spot please contact the Historic Stewart Farm at 604-591-4627 or email StewartFarm@surrey.ca. Please leave a message with the preferred date and grade level.

Please Note: We will be using the Microsoft Teams platform to deliver this program. To ensure a smooth program we require a technical ‘check-in’ prior to your scheduled program - we will discuss this with you upon booking. A projector, screen, and a laptop with speakers and microphone are required.

Hands On Activity Add-on:

A heritage craft activity is also available for an additional $25. The craft teaches students how to create their own wooden top, just like newcomer children in the past. This activity package must be picked up before your scheduled program and will be led by the heritage instructor after the program. The craft activity will take an additional 15-25 minutes after the program. 

City: 
Duration: 
75
For Grades: 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Months Available: 
Days Offered: 
Times Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Join OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society in this unique virtual experience to learn about the amazing species of raptors that call BC home, the features and adaptations that make them unique, how they respond to their environment, and about the dangers they face and how you can help. You also get the chance to meet some of OWL’s Raptor Ambassadors up close on camera! Each program will be focused to each grade level that is participating.

Have a specific topic in mind? We are more than happy to work with you to make the program you are looking for. Some popular requests include focusing on a specific species, such as owls or just hawks, life cycles, or food chains.

For more information or to book, please visit: https://www.owlrehab.org/education/virtual/

Duration: 
See notes.
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

The Owls for Tots program is targeted to the 3-5 year age group. It is a very basic program that does not go into a lot of detail but rather is kept simple and direct. During the program the students will learn what makes a bird a bird, how owls are different from other birds, what species of owls are found in Southern BC, some of the dangers they face, and what the students can do to help.

There will be a short question and answer period at the end of the program.

The students will have the opportunity to meet a live owl during their classroom program. As we are working with animals, we cannot guarantee which bird will be available on the day of the program, so we unfortunately don’t take special requests.

You can visit our Offsite Education Birds page to find out more about the raptors who may visit your classroom (scroll down to the “Offsite Education Raptor Ambassadors” section).

For more information or to book, please visit: https://www.owlrehab.org/education/owls-for-tots/

Duration: 
30
For Grades: 
K, 1
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

The first in a series of community Edukits and created in collaboration with members of Surrey's Punjabi community, this kit will explore aspects of history, immigration, arts, music, language, food, clothing, celebrations, stories and Surrey residents.  

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

Can’t come to the Fraser River Discovery Centre? No problem! We can come to you! Two FRDC staff will bring all the materials necessary to run some of our most popular River School Programs right in your own classroom!

All materials will be fully sanitized between use, and the staff will wear masks. If there are additional safety protocols we need to follow, please contact us. Please note, small group work is part of each program, with frequent sanitation of touched objects.

Cost: $9 per student, plus $0.90 per kilometer between FRDC and your school.

Programs:

  • Nature Walk (Grades 2-7)
    • On your last walk through nature, what did you notice? What did you wonder? In this program students will explore the connections between living things within their local environment (Kingdom Plantae). They will learn the connection between science and our communities and how they can begin to identify plants in their everyday lives. Students will learn some of the key identifiers of each sub-category in the Kingdom Plantae and use these skills on a nature walk. This information can then be used in the classroom to further investigate plants and find connections between plants, and between people and nature.
  • Our Bones are Made of Salmon (Grades 4-7)
    • 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.
  • Living Dinosaurs (Grades K-7)
    • Sturgeon are amazing fish that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. Human influences over the past 150 years have threatened their existence. In this program, students will learn about the sturgeon lifecycle, survival needs, and what we can do to protect this remarkable species.
  • Trading Trail (Grades 2-5)
    • The Fraser River is one of the world’s great rivers not only in its contribution to the environmental, cultural, and historical wealth of British Columbia, but because of its current pivotal role in the economy of BC. We are going to explore how people have used and shared the resources of the Fraser River, focusing on the tumultuous time when First Nations and Fur traders shared the river.
  • Welcomed by the Water (K-3)
    • Prior to European colonization, Indigenous peoples got what they needed from the land and water around them. Indigenous peoples have relied on salmon since the fish became abundant in the Fraser River about 5000-6000 years ago. They used native plants for food, medicine, building materials and more. This program explores the connection between Indigenous peoples, salmon, and the broader Fraser River Basin. Students experience the movement of salmon, storytelling and oral histories, and the many uses of native plants through an Indigenous perspective.
    • PLEASE NOTE: This program requires a large open space, like a covered play area or gymnasium.
  • River of Stories (Grades K-2)
    • Join us as we journey down the river of stories from the headwaters to the mouth of the Fraser. Travelling along an interactive map, students will learn all about the Fraser River Basin through stories from the near and distant past. The program ends with a reflection on our place in this landscape, as students add their own story to the map. 
  • Complexities and Compromises (Grades 8-12)
    • Many of the big decisions we face as individuals, communities, or nations don't have a correct answer. Making these decisions can be extremely challenging, as we grapple with information and misinformation, our own conscience, and strong opposing opinions. In the face of climate change, many of these decisions become even more challenging. In this program, students are sasked with deciding whether or not to approve a project that would have impacts on a global scale. We go step by step through the process, conducting research, mapping out consequences, and ultimately: deciding. 

For more information, visit our website or email us. 

Online booking form here

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

Can't visit the gallery? The School Art Program has created classroom art kits to bring the exciting world of contemporary art into the classroom or home classroom.  Each kit is a combination of online content plus specialty art supplies for each student.  The online content contains videos of our art educators guiding students step by step through 3-5 different art lessons which are all connected by the themes of our gallery exhibitions. Also included are virtual exhibition tours and video interviews with gallery artists and a teacher guide so students can learn about contemporary Canadian Artists and connect their work and experiences to the exhibition artworks.  For more information or to book a kit check out our gallery website.

Duration: 
Outreach Kit/Online Resource
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Bring the joy of discovery into your classroom with one of our brand new Education Kits! It’s all the hands-on learning you expect from the Fraser River Discovery Centre, conveniently packed into one easily transportable package. Our Kits include all the materials you’ll need, as well as detailed lesson plans, for inquiry-based learning about life right here in the Fraser River Basin. The Kits are fully sanitized between uses.

We currently have one on offer, but check-back soon, as more are in development!

138 Reasons We all know that salmon are important for people, both culturally and economically, but did you know that there are 138 other species that rely on salmon for their survival? Learn all about them through hands-on or eyes-on materials, interactive lessons, as well as a scientific experiment!

  • Kit includes:
    • Detailed lesson plans
    • Salmon life-cycle refresher (video or narrated storybook available, based on age)
    • Salmon-arch building sets
    • Replica skulls of some of the 138 species
    • Water quality testing kits, including a Fraser River water sample

For more information, visit our website or email us. 

Online booking form here

 

Want something different in an outreach kit? Please fill in our educator survey to tell us what you need from an outreach kit, or email us your comments to programs@fraserriverdiscovery.org

Duration: 
See notes.
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Times Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
Contact Us
Program Description & Details

Tuesdays | October 17, 2023-June 18, 2024

Referencing works from the City's Permanent Collection, participants explore the progression of themes and techniques in contemporary Coast Salish art. Discussions on appropriation and use of copyrighted work will be discussed within this program. Students will finish the workshop by creating their own collograph print.

Curriculum Tie-ins: Indigenous Art, Ecology/Environment, Art Education

Duration: 
90
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Days Offered: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No

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