We've gone virtual!
At this time we are only doing our in-person experience, but if your school is interested in the virtual program, please contact us. If there is demand for the virtual program, we will look at making it a permanent fixture.
Can't come to us? No problem. We can beam into your classroom (or Online Classroom)!
We promise to bring the same brand of interactive, student focused environmental learning, but in an online environment. Our lessons are run in real-time by our facilitators with your students through Google Meet.
Our program uses two options in terms of our delivery model:
1- A teacher joins the Google Meet and puts us up on a screen of some sort with your camera facing the class, and we lead the activities from there.
-or-
2 - Each student logs on to the Google Meet individually, and we lead the activities within the Google Meet
We can do full classes, but this is not ideal.
How is this different from other virtual programs?
We know that there have been a lot of online learning and "virtual field trips." this year.
We promise you that this will not be yet another chance for your students to stare at a screen and listen to someone talk.
Not only that, but we promise that this will be interactive, activity based, and maintain that ECO Rangers fun and energy that makes our in-person program so great.
What is Covered?
Our program continues with its focus on environmental wetlands' preservation. In the virtual program we look at human impact on the environment in four areas:
Biodiversity
Pollution
Migration Patterns
Climate Change
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Program?
Here is a sample of what the program might look like:
9:30 – 10:00 – Welcome and Introduction - Everyone Together
10:10 – 10:30 – Tour Guides Introduction
Group Facilitator Introduces Themselves
Set up the day and a Google Doc where we will be recording the students' learning throughout the day. This will be shared with you at the end of the program.
10:30 – 12:00 – Lessons (Climate Change, Migration, Biodiversity, and Pollution--the order varies)
10:30-10:50 - Lesson 1
10:55-11:15 - Lesson 2
11:20-11:40 - Lesson 3
11:45-12:05 - Lesson 4
12:10 – 12:30 – Make a plan and commitment to change.
12:30 – 12:45 – Closing - Everyone Together
What do I need to do?
We will do most of the work, we just need you to do a few things:
Separate the class into four groups.
Log into the Google Meet(s) using the link(s) we will e-mail to you at the agreed upon time.
Maintain discipline with your students.
That's it. We'll take care of the rest.
About how Long will the program run?
The program will run about 3 to 4 hours, including an introduction, four "stations" an environmental commitment. We know that sounds like a long time for a lesson, but there is a lot of variety built into the program.
What will be the presentation format?
We have three options for students connecting with us:
Individual Devices: Each student logged into one of four separate Google Meets with each student on their own device.
4 groups with 1 Presentation / Camera and Mic: Students in four groups in four different rooms with the presenter and presentation projected on a large screen and a camera and microphone capturing the class, so they can interact with the presentation.
Full Group (Not Ideal): All students in the same place with the presentation on a large screen and a single camera and microphone capturing the group. This is not ideal, but it can work.
The program is activity based and led by student facilitators with the aid of a slideshow.
Why Should I put my students into groups?
Our program is run in 4 even groups. We ask teachers to make these groups because teachers understand their students and their needs, so we believe that you can make groups that are intentionally set up for success. We do have a means of creating groups, but we prefer it if you do this to ensure that we are intentionally setting our students up for success.
Who will be working with my students?
The program is run by our student facilitators. They are high school students in grade 11 or 12 who are part of the ECO Studies program. Our facilitators have undergone over 60 hours of leadership training. There will also be at least one certified teacher present for all programming.
Do I (The Teacher) need to be present?
Yes. While your students will be working with our trained leaders and will have a leader staying with each group, there is no supervision like teacher supervision, so teachers must attend and follow your school and board policies around online or in class learning. We will run all the programming for you.
Can I use this material in my classroom?
Maybe. Much of the virtual program is the intellectual property of Jason Blair and Jeff Sephton. If you want to recreate part of the program, we are generally open to it, but we ask you to please contact us for permission first.