We are so impressed by the number of students and their school communities who were committed to environmental action throughout this challenging year. We’re thrilled to announce 747 schools across Canada took action as part of the EcoSchools certification program in 2020-21.
This year, we learned more about what environmental education looks like from coast to coast to coast. As the EcoSchools Canada network grows, we are committed to continuing to collaborate with school communities to meet their needs and listen to the stories of young leaders that highlight the vibrancy and diversity across this country. As we look toward September, we can’t wait to support all schools in Canada on their sustainability journey and are excited to welcome new and returning schools to the EcoSchools international network.
EcoSchools by the numbers
- 101 school boards and districts reached
- 9 provinces and territories
- 500,000 students reached
- 1,219 schools reached
- 9000 environmental actions complete
- Over 1 million hours of outdoor learning took place in EcoSchools
Read more about the power of collective impact in our National Impact Report 2020-21.
EcoSchools in the news
Wheatland Elementary in Strathmore, AB made small changes in their school’s behaviour which led to a huge positive impact and Platinum certification!
Learn how student Green Teams in Delta, BC have taken action and achieved certification this year.
Walk and Roll to school takes off as 6 schools in the Windsor-Essex region lead the way in climate action.
EcoSchools Canada, in partnership with the Alberta Council for Environmental Education, was pleased to hear how students in Calgary achieved their environmental initiatives at the Mayor’s Environment Expo. Thank you Mayor Nenshi for highlighting the work of EcoSchools in your city!
YRE 2021 Winners
Congratulations to the students who submitted their entries to the national environmental journalism competition this year. Check out the winning entries here. Good luck to those moving on to compete in the international YRE finals!
Tria Talks x EcoSchools Canada
On Tuesday, June 29 at 1:00 pm ET, EcoSchools alum Maggie Chang and YAC member Boluwatife Ogunniyi sit down with host Trina Hiscock on Tria Talks to promote environmental leadership among youth. EcoSchools ED, Lindsay Bunce and interim ED Geoff MacDonald of The Gaia Project will discuss how to reduce the ecological impact of schools and builds sustainable school communities.
Register here.
EcoSchools over the summer
This summer, EcoSchools will be making exciting enhancements to the online Certification application. As we prepare for the Fall, stay tuned to our social media channels for professional development opportunities from our partners and what environmental actions our team will be doing over the break.
Climate Change Education – Professional Learning Community
Interested in bringing climate change education to your class, but not sure how to do it? A new Professional Learning Community (PLC) of teachers is forming, dedicated to collaboratively learning how to bring climate action into their classrooms. Members of this PLC will support each other in transforming their teaching practices into action for positive social and environmental change. Register here.
Take Me Outside Student Video Challenge
The TMO Student Video Contest is a country-wide competition aiming to get students outside by encouraging them to submit their best, self-made video, featuring how they like to find adventures and spend their time exploring the outdoors in Canada. This year’s theme is: Canada’s Backyard. The competition is open for submissions and the deadline for all video submissions is September 17th, 2021. Students can win a 3-day trip to Banff National Park
EcoSchools Scavenger Hunt
Looking for more fun in the sun? Safely get outside this summer with these Scavenger Hunts! Share your treasure finds with us on social and tag @EcoSchoolsCAN.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt 1
In a nearby outdoor space, find…
- A terrestrial habitat
- An aquatic habitat
- Something that is more than 100 years old
- Something that looks different depending on the season
- Something that looks more interesting when you see it up close
- Something an animal has interacted with
- Something that looked different before human interaction
- An invasive species
- Something you didn’t notice until this visit
- The best spot to have a picnic
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt 2
In a nearby outdoor space (different from last time, if possible)…
- See:
- Where birds like to land
- Animal footprints
- An insect habitat
- Something you’ll show a friend the next time you visit
- Listen to:
- Whatever can be heard from the highest point in the space
- Whatever can be heard from the lowest point in the space
- Feel:
- The bark on the oldest tree
- Three different textures: soil, leaves, and grass
- Smell:
- What you think is the best smelling thing in the space
- The space, and try to identify the scent that is strongest
Bonus: Indoor Scavenger Hunt
In your indoor space, find something that is…
- Canadian made
- Used for outdoor activities
- Sentimental
- From the outdoors
- A great educational tool
- Delicious, and everyone should have it in their kitchen
- Your favourite piece of art media (film, music, a novel, etc.)
- Proudly displayed when company comes over
- A good home office hack
- A good organizational hack