North Vancouver

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

Beyond just a place for growing food, the farm is the perfect spot to exercise your creative muscles. Whether it’s the stark beauty of winter foliage, the rich greenery that follows spring rain, the beautiful blooms of summer, or the striking colours of fall, nature provides a natural palate to inspire the artist inside all of us. We’ll explore both Loutet Farm and the surrounding forest, gathering material and learning about how we grow such a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Students will learn how some plants have been used for many generations to create works of art, natural dyes, and more. Hands-on opportunities abound in this field trip, with a chance to make their own nature-inspired art throughout the visit.

Duration: 
60
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Months Available: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Want to enjoy the bounty of a productive urban farm day without worrying about planning and planting months in advance? Come join us for the best part of the season... eating delicious, fresh, local produce! Tour the farm and explore what’s currently growing while learning about our organic, low-till practices. Students will find themselves helping out with each step of the process: harvesting, washing, and preparing a salad for everyone to enjoy. We’ll also make a delicious dressing by hand (with honey from our bees!) to complement the meal we share together at the tour’s conclusion.

Duration: 
60
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Months Available: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Format: The kit is entirely online at https://monova.ca/cdg-online-program/

Students will explore the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George through video, primary source texts and archival images. The lesson plans will allow for a critical assessment of his historical significance as well as a discussion of modern perspectives of his ‘Lament for Confederation’.

Duration: 
See notes.
For Grades: 
9, 10, 11, 12
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

This large-format, illustrated book and Teacher's Package look at the history, traditions and culture of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Written by Squamish language teacher Khelsilem, the book highlights significant aspects of traditional and contemporary cultures.

The Kit includes lesson plans for intermediate or secondary levels that encourage discussion and critical thinking at all grade levels. Also available in French: Le livre des peuples autochtones a Vancouver Nord.

Format: The Kit comes with one hardcover copy of the book as well as an electrionic copy of it, 22 laminate pages from the book, and lesson plans for intermediate or secondary grades.

Visit https://monova.ca/indigenous-peoples-in-north-vancouver/ to view the intermediate and secondary teacher's guides.

Duration: 
See notes.
For Grades: 
4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
Yes
Program Description & Details

Through images and activities, students will explore the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George. Themes include the significance of his acting career, activism, and his efforts to preserve local indigenous traditions. The kit includes lesson plans which encourage discussion and critical thinking.

Visit https://monova.ca/the-chief-dan-george-story-kit/ to view the teacher's guide.

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

Learn to ski or snowboard at Grouse Mountain! Students will develop skills and good sportsmanship in a fun and playful winter environment.

One and four day sessions available.

Please visit our PureClean initiatives for the health and safety of our guests.

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

The Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife offers programs that make learning about nature fun and fascinating! Our programs align with the BC Curriculum for science, social studies, and physical education, and our experienced educators teach outside in the natural beautiful setting of Grouse Mountain.

Wildlife Education: Pick from a range of interactive curriculum-focused activities and build an unforgettable field trip for your students. Duration: Full or Half Day

Hiwus Feasthouse Cultural Program: Step into an authentic Pacific Northwest Longhouse and let Kwel-a-a-nexw, our Squamish First nations elder, take you back in time to discover the traditional way of life of our First Nations people. Duration: Full Day.

Peak of Christmas: (December) Engage your students in the magic of the holidays: visit live reindeer, discover snow-fleas, take a scavenger hunt, play in the snow and more. Duration: Full or Half Day

 

Visit our PureClean initiatives.

Duration: 
See notes.
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

Fun for all ages! Join our experienced guides for outdoor adventure program sessions.

Snowshoe Tours: Wander through the snowy trails exploring the sub-alpine forest of the Coastal Mountain Range. Students will learn outdoor safety and survival skills and avalanche awareness. Duration: 1.5 hours

Alpine Wilderness Survival: A blend of hands-on survival skills and outdoor adventure experiences, neatly bound by friendly group competition. Duration: ull Day

Scavenger Hunts: The Mountain Scavenger Hunt takes school groups on an adventure to stunning locations and hidden hideouts of Grouse Mountain. Duration: 3 hours

Mountain Ropes Adventure: A series of four aerial ropes courses with varying degrees of difficulty. Balance, jump, climb, swing and zip your way to the finish! School group pricing available. Duration: variable

Ziplining: Our dual-line, five-line circuit gives you an adrenaline-pumping tour across the peaks and canyons of Grouse and Dam Mountains. School group pricing available. Tour Duration: 2 hrs

The health and safety of our guests and team members is our highest priority. We want you to enjoy everything Grouse Mountain has to offer with absolute confidence so we developed Grouse Mountain Resort PureClean to elevate our existing high standards of hygiene and cleanliness procedures.

Duration: 
See notes.
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

September 16, 2024-June 27, 2025

Referencing works from the City's Permanent Art 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 collagraph print.

Curriculum Tie-ins: Indigenous Art, Community, Art Education

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

Many of us have an idea about the importance of pollinators, and how they’re necessary for ¾ of our major food crops. But who exactly is doing all the pollinating around here? People often first think of honeybees, and that’s our starting point for this tour: visiting Loutet Farm’s two resident hives and getting the basics of pollination down. But there’s so much more to it than that! Students will get a chance to try their own hand at the process while identifying different parts of flowers, both wild and cultivated. We’ll talk about the importance of a diversity of pollinators and their associated habitats, how evolution plays a part, the struggles facing pollinators, and what we can do to help.

Duration: 
60
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Months Available: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

Did you know that soil is actually extremely rare? In this truly groundbreaking field trip, students will come away understanding the important differences between soil and dirt. They’ll dig deep into the properties and composition of soil, the amendments we add, and the benefits of supporting a healthy underground ecosystem where just one tablespoon could contain 50 billion microbes! We’ll find some of the larger invertebrates commonly found at Loutet Farm and investigate the cycle of compost on-site, where we build our own soil. Your day exploring one of the most species-rich habitats on earth will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the ground beneath your feet and inspiration for building and protecting it.

Duration: 
60
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Months Available: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No
Program Description & Details

What's the story of the plants we eat? Students will explore the journey of a vegetable from seed to plate, studying the seeds of plants grown on the farm, learning about their unique differences. Through a guided tour, students will see plants in different stages of their reproduction and their life cycle, relating this knowledge to our choices about what we eat in which season, and why that may be. As always, there's a chance for hands to get dirty after touring our farm, where we experiment with seed saving and understanding local adaptations. Students will harvest or plant seeds either at the farm, or to take home and plant in their own gardens or patios.

Duration: 
60
For Grades: 
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Months Available: 
Maximum Students: 
Offered In French: 
No

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