Summer Learning Series for Educators

Get ready for Back-to-School and explore the how-to's of outdoor learning!

Nature teaches many lessons. Outdoor experiential education is more than just curriculum learning. It is immersive and provides many benefits:

Provides hands-on experiences where students learn by using their senses
Helps children be healthier and happier, leading to better academic performance
Improves attention and memory, elevates moods, decreases stress and anxiety, increases physical activity and reduces screen time

Thank you for your interest. Registration is now closed.

Workshop Details

Workshop 1: Introduction to Outdoor Learning

Dates: Aug 23, 25 and 27
Time: 9am – 11am
Grades: All – General
Cost: $79 + HST

Learning in nature has many proven benefits for learners and educators. Not sure where to start? This workshop is designed to help you build confidence in taking instruction outdoors. From risk assessment, establishing your learning community to setting expectations for participation and behavior. We will share a multitude of tips, tricks, learning sparks, games and activities in this engaging learning sessions. You'll also receive ready-to go resources so you can get started right away!

Workshop 2: Getting Little Feet Wet & Growing Up WILD

Dates: Aug 23, 25 and 27
Time: 9am – 11am
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 2
Cost: $79 + HST (price of session includes webinars, books + shipping + exclusive Authority developed resources to support these two courses)

Getting Little Feet Wet allows young learners (pre-K to Grade 2) to explore different aspects of water—from water properties to water sounds. (Project WET)

Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that builds on children's sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, Growing Up WILD provides an early foundation for developing positive impressions about the natural world and lifelong social and academic skills. (Canadian Wildlife Federation).

Workshop 3: Loose Parts and Risky Play

Dates: Aug 23, 25 and 27
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 2
Cost: $79 + HST

Play is the most important activity for young children outside, especially in today's ever-increasing digital world. Outdoor play offers unique learning opportunities for children, that are essential to healthy child development, physical literacy, mental health and wellbeing, and cognitive development. During this workshop, participants will gain a better understanding of the importance of outdoor risky play and place-based learning.

Workshop 4: Tech for Nature – Aquatic Systems

Dates: Aug 23, 25 and 27
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Grades: Intermediate, Senior (Grades 7 – 12)
Cost: $79 + HST

Learn about exploring the benthic and microscopic aquatic organisms found in local water systems and how to determine water quality with these biotic factors. You'll also learn how water quality can be assessed by conducting water chemistry testing and analysis.

Workshop 5: Climate Change from a Local Perspective

Dates: Aug 24 and 26
Time: 10:30am – 12pm and 1pm – 2:30pm
Grades: Junior, Intermediate, Senior (Grades 5 – 12)
Cost: $79 + HST

This workshop is designed to provide educators with information and activities to teach and demonstrate Climate Change from a local perspective. You will learn how local outdoor spaces can be utilized as a venue for learning and allow students to use their learning in a practical way that makes connections beyond the classroom.

Who are these workshops for?

Education Professionals
Pre-service teacher candidates
Day care providers
Homeschoolers

What equipment do I need?

Participants will need access to:

Computer, tablet or smart device
Zoom for webinars

All resources will be shared using a learning platform such as a Google site
Optional: Teacher Resource kits have been developed as starter kits to assist with using outdoor spaces to augment learning. Items in the kits have been specifically chosen to provide a wide range of uses and are available for purchase for an additional $50 plus HST (shipping included) if they are ordered prior to the start of the workshops. Although not required, teacher resources kits are highly recommended. Register and order yours today.

For more information, contact education@LSRCA.on.ca.

Additional Information

All workshop content is delivered from a local perspective that focuses on how to create hands-on, experiential learning for students.
Minimum registration of 10 participants must be met for each workshop to run.
Workshops will be recorded to provide flexibility in attendance.
Written notification of a cancellation must be received at education@LSRCA.on.ca. Cancellations made 10 business days prior to the start of the workshop will receive a refund less a $25 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 10 business days of workshop start date. There is no refund for days missed.
Certificate of Completion will be provided at end of workshop.
Space is limited, register early to avoid disappointment.