April

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!
 

September 15, 2025-June 25, 2026

Discover the interwoven worlds of math and art. Using tessellations as a foundation, each workshop explores pattern making and mathematical elements of design. Workshops examine the artwork of Coast Salish contemporary artist Dylan Thomas, and how he has connected math and geometry to his art practice.

Curriculum tie-ins: Art Education, Indigenous Art, Earth Science, Math, STEAM

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!