Place-Based Learning

Place-based learning uses the local environment and community as the starting point for teaching the objectives of the curriculum. We will provide resources and create opportunities for cross-curricular learning on the land while fostering relationships between school and community. Teachers are expected and supported to take more learning outdoors for all the health and learning benefits that come with spending time outside and in nature.  Examples of this work include:

•Investment in equipment for outdoor activities and learning

•Ensuring all students have access to clothing, and footwear for outdoor activities

•Participation in the year-long Take Me Outside For Learning Challenge

•Support for educator participation in learning opportunities to build capacity for outdoor learning (Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers Association workshops and network, Environmental Education Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) partnerships, Open Learning Store webinars, Outdoor Council of Canada certification, other)

•Interactive digital map of place-based learning sites, resources, and opportunities

•Relationships with community educators, organizations, and facilities to bring community educators into the classroom and students out into community settings

•Independent Directed Study (IDS) framework to honour community and cultural learning with graduation program credits

Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER in, on, with, and from the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District land and communities:

Horse Lake Staff Members Participate in "Below Zero" Activities

Horse Lake Elementary

Several members of the Horse Lake Staff gathered on Professional Day for a workshop on taking learning outside with Below Zero Activities. Facilitated by Roland and Jessica from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the workshop provided participants with many outdoor activities that take advantage of our winter climate that they could use with their students. Our teachers studied snow flake patterns, animal adaptations in winter, animal tracking in the snow, and conducted experiments that demonstrated the insulating qualities of snow and other natural and synthetic materials. We all left the workshop with an Activity Guide full of outdoor activities that address our curricular goals across all grades.

Scout Island Visit

150 Mile Elementary

Students form Mrs. Coulombe's K/1 class visited Scout Island to learning about animal behaviours and habitat through winter months, local ecosystems and walk the trails. Huge shout out to the staff at Scout Island for their dedicated work hosting our students.

Wild & Immersive Program at Tatla Lake

Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Students recently participated in a Wild & Immersive learning experience at Tatla Lake, where they explored their local environment through hands-on activities and practical skill-building. They identified animal tracks like wildlife biologists, honing observation skills while discovering the behaviors and habitats of local species. Fire-building activities challenged students to use flint and steel and bow drills. Crafting makeshift snowshoes highlighted resourcefulness and connected students to traditional methods of navigating snowy terrain. These activities not only taught essential survival skills but also fostered critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. The day’s highlights included moments of teamwork and reflection, such as gathering around a campfire to share bannock and roast marshmallows. This 'Wild' experience demonstrated the power of place-based education to inspire and build curiosity.

Winter Poetry

150 Mile Elementary

Our Grade 2/3 and 4/5 "Reading Buddies" took to the outside for some language arts. Moving to the WLFN Creek area behind the school the students used the outdoors for inspiration for their poetry writing activity. The venue proved great for inspiring our students to write some very creative poems.

A Trip to Polley Mine

Marie Sharpe Elementary

After completing a unit on resource management, Mr. Parkin took his grade 5/6 class to Mt. Polley Mine for a tour. Students were treated to a full tour of the mine and its operations. This was an amazing day that enriched the learning and had students fully engaged. A huge thank you to Mt. Polley and their employees for taking the time to do this for us.

Animal Adaptations

Nesika Elementary

Winter weather is here, and classes are learning about local animal adaptations. Students in Mme Jones' class know that huddling up like a nest is a great way for small mammals to stay warm. As they demonstrate, it's good for fourth and fifth graders too!

Students at Scout Island

Chilcotin Road Elementary

Grade 5/6 students learning from experts in their field at Scout island. Excellent learning can happen outside the 4 walls of the classroom.

Sledding

Lac La Hache Elementary

It was wonderful to see how active and playful the students were after our first snowfall of the season. What a wonderful to turn our setting into a natural playground.

Deer Scavenger Hunt

Lac La Hache Elementary

Scout Island Environmental Educator Mary Forbes used the grounds around Lac La Hache school to help the students recognize various signs that demonstrated that deer had been in the area. Through this experience the students became much better at observing nature and were surprised with just how much evidence we were able to uncover for deer as well as other animals. It was great to have nature be our classroom.

E3: Environmental Experience Exposure---Growing Day

Lake City Secondary

On a classic autumn day, a group of LCSS students were taken to Puddle Produce, a local organic vegetable farm to meet Brianna Van De Wijngaard. The students toured the site and then participated in some late fall garden chores in the lower fields along the Fraser River.  The goal was to expose student to the opportunity of growing organic vegetables in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.  Special thanks to Martin Kruus (Scout Island), Mark Gill (UBC Wild and Immersive), Puddle Produce, and DRAX Community Fund!

Nesika School Learns HCTF Project WET

Nesika Elementary

On Take Me Outside for Learning day, staff and students at Nesika participated in a full day of station rotations learning all about WATER. In Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation's (HCTF) "Project WET" workshop, educators learn all about teaching about water and watersheds. Educators must take the workshops as part of our commitment to being an HCTF WILD School. We choose to do our learning alongside our students as it's a richer learning experience for all of us. Thank you Martin Kruus for leading our workshop and supporting our work to take students outside for learning!

On the Land Learning and Playing

Chilcotin Road Elementary

Grade 5/6 went to Gavin Lake for a wonderful time of outdoor learning and play. They are building memories to last a lifetime.

TMOFL Grade 4's Living Their Best Life Outside

Chilcotin Road Elementary

Mrs. Ferguson's grade 4's are learning on the land. What a beautiful day to be outside. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be outside.

Local Learning Environment

Horsefly Elementary Junior

The local environment can make an ideal setting for a PE class.

Learning Outdoors

WILD School

With the immense help of Jessica and Roland from WILD Schools our students went outside to learn about habitat, life cycles and seasons. Activities ranged from walks, to scavenger hunts and immersive games.

Horse Lake Grade 5/6 Students Incorporate Outdoor Learning to Manage Emotions

Horse Lake Elementary

In Ms. Posnikoff and Mr. Helmer’s grade 5/6 class, students engage in a variety of activities that promote both academic and social-emotional learning. The use of Take Me Outside for Learning (TM04L) helps students with centering and regrouping, essential skills for managing their emotions and focusing on tasks.

The class incorporates outdoor activities that are described as grounding. For instance, one student finds solace and grounding by smelling the fresh forest air and climbing a deciduous tree during times of conflict. This connection to nature not only aids in emotional regulation but also fosters a sense of calm and mindfulness among students.

Horse Lake Kindergarten Students Participate in the Potato Harvest

Horse Lake Elementary

Horse Lake Kindergarten Teacher, John Foote, took learning outside for his kindergarten students as part of their Science program. Students travelled to the Horse Lake Farm Cooperative and participated in the potato harvest. Building on the Kindergarten Big Ideas that plants have observable features, and that daily and seasonal changes affect all living things, the students learned about the life cycle of the potato plants and enthusiastically dug for potatoes. Farmer Rob Diether showed the students his antique tractor and demonstrated how it is used to harvest the potatoes.

Moving (outside) in the Right Direction

Cataline Elementary

While participating in the Take Me Outside for Learning challenge, Cataline teachers continued their commitment to place-based learning and getting outdoors. Students were actively doing activities taking to the outdoors or bringing the outdoors into the classroom. From writing to art or connecting fort building to math, students are really enjoying being outside for learning.

Planting During the First Snow

Cataline Elementary

Mrs. Sache and Mrs. Ulrich kindergarten and grade 1 students went to work outside, getting their hands dirty in preparation for spring. Even though the snow was falling, and fingers were cold and noses wet, students had so much fun digging holes, getting dirty, and planting their bulbs. Strong Start teacher, Mrs. Schindle also came out to assist and encourage these future botanists, as well as EAs, Kera-Lee and Chelsea, who rolled up their sleeves with the students, helping put holes in the ground. What a fun afternoon!

Take Me Outside for Learning

Marie Sharpe Elementary

TMO4L Week got all of us outside for great learning opportunities. Classes spent time at Scout Island, walking through our neighbourhood to conduct polls, and all over our school grounds for math, art, and gym. Here we see Ms. Campbell's class taking in an amazing Fall Day while creating nature art.

Shelter Building

Lake City Secondary

Students in Carolyn Chupa's CORE 10-12 were tasked with creating outdoor survival shelters.

Fire Building with Core 10-12

Lake City Secondary

Students were challenged with the best way to build a fire in Carolyn Chupa's CORE class. Some students also took time to smudge.

Cataline TMOFL Week Challenge

Cataline Elementary

To expand on the Take Me Outside for Learning challenge, Cataline teachers were further challenged to get their classes outdoors for learning. Each day, teachers were encouraged to take learning outside using school and Take Me Outside resources. Teacher were then asked to complete a “Exit Ticket” documenting the lesson or activity, where they could then enter to win staff/class prizes to help with further outdoor activities.

Cataline had 100% teacher participation rate during the TMOFL Week! In all, teachers may have received a prize and students were engaged in the outdoors, sparking interest and fostering further outdoor learning opportunities.

Outdoor Investigations No Matter the Weather

Cataline Elementary

Mrs. Sache utilized Cataline’s outdoor learning structure to protect her students from the wet and cold weather to inspire outdoor curiosity. Students were able to sit and remain dry while exploring the properties of sunflowers and their seeds.

Tree and Insect Identification at Forest Grove Elementary

Forest Grove Elementary

Staff and students were able to spend the day in the park exploring and learning in the outdoors. Stations involved tree identification, insect identification, trapping and tracking, and a nature hike.

Hike in the Woods Searching for Mushrooms!

Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior

Students enjoy searching for mushrooms and learning about trees, counting tree rings to learn the age of the tree.

Partnering with Local Experts and Knowledge Keepers

Mile 108 Elementary

Learning more about forest heritage and increasing awareness about this valuable and renewable resource.

Take Me Outside Today

Skyline Alternate School

Scout Island scavenger hunt was a perfect place to be for Take Me Outside Day.

Gavin Lake Forestry Camp - Outdoor School Program

Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Our grade 5-7 class spent three incredible days at Gavin Lake Forestry Camp, coinciding perfectly with Take Me Outside Day! The camp's outdoor school program provided an enriching learning experience, allowing students to engage in activities like archery, canoeing, beaver habitat exploration, and orienteering. This immersive environment encouraged fun while fostering educational growth in ways that go beyond the traditional classroom. As always, Gavin Lake proved to be a highlight for staff and students, offering students a deeper connection with nature and a memorable learning adventure.

Get Outside!

Anahim Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Look what we get up to when it snows. Guest chef Stephanie visited us today, helping us to make buns, burgers and cupcakes. Then we got to enjoy cooking our burgers on the grill outside before indulging in all kinds games. Snow bowling anyone?

Lake City Secondary Candidates Forum

Lake City Secondary

NDP candidate Michael Moses answers questions from students.

Scout Island

150 Mile Elementary

Mrs. Coulombe's K-1 class went to Scout Island to learn about habitat, local plants, and insects. The hands on learning activities are very engaging and fun for all levels.

Biodiversity in our Environment

Nesika Elementary

Students in Mrs. McKinnon's grade 3/4 class have been learning about biodiversity and how all of the living things in our environment are interconnected. They took their roles as scientists, observers and biologists seriously as they created scientific diagrams of some interesting living things in the school yard. They worked to develop independence with their spelling skills as they labelled their diagrams. The activity culminated with a sharing circle where everyone was able to identify a different living organism in our local environment.

Leaders Learning on the Land

District

A group of school and district leaders were honoured this summer to have Dancing Water Sandy take us out to gather medicinal plants and learn about their use. It was a special learning opportunity.

District Leadership Team Walking the Talk of Outdoor Learning

District

The District Leadership Team of PVP, Manager, and senior management spent time together in August engaged in outdoor learning to be able to bring the experience and activities back to schools and sites.

Fall Harvest

Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School

Our school enjoyed a fall harvest field trip to a local garden, where students had the opportunity to dig up root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets. The harvest was a hands-on way for students to learn about where their food comes from and the importance of local farming. The vegetables gathered will be used for both our Thanksgiving dinners and the school lunch program, supporting our goal of providing nutritious, locally sourced meals to students. Thank you to the Porter family for your generosity!

Cataline Goes Gleaning

Cataline Elementary

Mr. Wilson’s class took a trip today to Soda Creek Sweet Corn to participate in ‘gleaning’ (the process of collecting excess produce from farms to provide for those in need). The extra produce is donated to a variety of organizations and in part to the Williams Lake Food Bank. Thanks to Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society for providing this opportunity to our students to put some kindness and love into our community!

PSO Salmon Dissection

Peter Skene Ogden 

The Environmental Science 11 class at PSO learned about the life cycles and cultural importance of salmon. The highlight was the salmon dissection day!

Thursday Hike in Nemiah Valley, Students were on a Mushroom Finding Expedition!

Naghtaneqed Elementary Junior Secondary School

Students observing and finding various mushroom species. 

Library Class Outside at Forest Grove Elementary

Forest Grove Elementary

Story time in our outdoor shelter with Mrs. V during the beautiful September weather.

Having Fun Being Kids

Skyline Alternate School 

Kids just being kids.

Nature Journals at our Sit Spots

Nesika Elementary

After reading Me and My Sit Spot by Lauren MacLean and illustrated by Anna Panchuk, Mrs. McKinnon's grade 3/4 class ventured outdoors to choose a sit spot of their own. They sat quietly for a few moments, some switching spots that were better suited to them and then everyone settled into nature journaling about what they could see, hear, smell and feel. Students gathered together afterwards to share ideas and then completed a scavenger hunt outdoors as well. At the end of the week, one student reflected on the experience as something that inspired them.

Rose Hips

Alexis Creek Elementary

We were on a field trip and came across some rose hips growing near the Chilcotin River. We know from some of Annette's teachings and her plant walks near Alexis Creek School, that you can make tea from rose hips. We decided to pick some and save them up for learning to make tea. 

Big Lake - Walking Together

Big Lake Elementary

After reading the story "Walking Together" several times by Elder Albert Marshall and Louise Zimanyi, Big Lake students completed a few different collaborative projects - nature murals and wild animals.