Thursday

Looking for a new and exciting way to connect kids with Parliament? Sign your class up for The Parliamentary Play and Tour for Schools, an interactive new program that includes a guided tour of the parliament buildings and a travelling historical play on the grounds. 

The program runs from May 22 to the end of June, 2023.

Program Information:

The Parliamentary Play and Tour for Schools begins at the rear library steps. From there, the group will join a performance of My Place in Politics. This interactive, child-friendly travelling play that whisks audiences back in time, to 1947. They will meet suffragists, students, and the participants of the Chocolate Bar strike, who will teach them about different ways that Canadians have advocated for change in the past. Then, the group will enter the buildings for a guided tour that focuses on how change is made at the Parliament Buildings today. 

While The Parliamentary Play and Tour for Schools is fun for all grades, it has been designed with the Grade 5 and 6 social studies curricula in mind. The play focuses on participation and representation in Canada's systems of government and how groups developed a plan of action to address issues like discrimination, inequality, and the fight for human rights. It can also be modified to fit the Grade 10 Social Studies Curriculum.

Drawn to History is where art and history meet. With historical photos and artifacts as inspiration, the activities in this kit take students through perspective drawing, contour shading, drawing faces, and contemporary issues with indigenous rock art. This kit is suitable for grades 5 to 12 (may be altered for lower grades), with strong curriculum connections in art and social studies.

Our Regional Indigenous Basketry explores the different weaving and dyeing techniques used by this region’s Indigenous Peoples. With a focus on the Sinixt Peoples, students will explore weaving, dying, food collection, and Indigenous language through a series of activities. From designing a basket to making a traditional Sinixt recipe, this kit provides a glimpse into the traditions of this area’s first peoples. This kit is suitable for grades kindergarten to grade 7, with curriculum links to Social Studies, Arts, Science, and Language Arts.

Explore the historic houses and engage in story time and eye-spy activities to learn about Steveston's unique cultural community. Students will participate in a shopping relay game while representing a family that may have lived in this community. Experience what life may have been like for the workers, families and children from diverse cultures who lived and worked here together. 

Crossing Borders, Removing Barriers is a free resource for teachers.

“Low Yuet Wing was the first of the Lowe family to arrive in Canada in 1913 from Toishan, Guanghai, China. Without any family abroad, he sailed across the Pacific, likely with mixed emotions of fear and excitement. As the Gold Rush of the 1870’s generated lots of hope for him escaping poverty and war in China, the allure of opportunity in the West (known as “Gum Shan” or “gold mountain”) was very appealing as he was sent abroad to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway.”

Based on the real life story of the Great Grandfather of Lorraine Lowe, Executive Director of Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, it highlights issues surrounding early Chinese immigration to Canada as experienced through his eyes.

This resource is based around the BC Social Studies curriculum and is aimed at Grade 5 level but with options for extension questions for higher grades.

There are 3 lessons:
Lesson 1: Early Chinese Immigration

Lesson 2: Life in Canada

Lesson 3: Human Rights

PLease see our website for more details and to download the resource. 

https://vancouverchinesegarden.com/schools/history-and-immigration/crossing-borders-removing-barriers/

Classroom kit also available!
 

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!

The River Champions outreach program is available for students in grades 3-12, located in schools within the Fraser River Basin boundary. Note* This is offered ONLY as an in person field trip.

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!