School Education Programs
Whether you come to us here in the estuary, or we come to your classroom, the educators and science communicators from CENC will engage your students in an unforgettable learning experience.
At the Cowichan Estuary Nature Center, we are dedicated to providing immersive, hands-on educational experiences tailored to students from preschool through grade 12. Our interactive programs are designed to engage young minds with the wonders of nature while fostering a deep understanding of conservation, ecology, and the interconnectedness of all living things within our watershed.
Explore our diverse range of themes listed below, each crafted to align with various educational standards and cater to different age groups and different regions of the Cowichan and Koksilah Watershed. Select the theme that best suits your needs, or email us with your specific curriculum needs. Have ideas for a new program? Email us!
Please note: We pride ourselves on delivering our programs in all weather conditions, ensuring that learning continues rain or shine. However, please note that many of our programs are tide-dependent. While we strive to accommodate your scheduling preferences, some flexibility may be necessary to align with optimal tide times. Rest assured, our team will work closely with you to find the best possible timing to enhance your educational experience.
To learn about program fees and available dates please email us at: jenniferb@cowichanestuary.ca
Some Program Theme Examples:
Estuary Explorers
Ages: Preschool – Grade 12
Program description: Students will explore the intertidal mudflats in front of the Nature Centre and become familiar with local fauna. A clam dig and touch tank exploration will familiarize students with sandy and rocky intertidal creatures, both native and non-native, as well as rudimentary sampling methodologies. An interactive watershed modelling activity, scaled for different age groups, introduces students to principles of watershed function and health. A bird walk (seasonal) introduces students to local shorebirds and observational tools such as binoculars, telescopes, and field guides. A nature walk along the shore replaces the bird walk during shorebird migration.
Students of Kindergarten-age and younger will explore the estuary and intertidal zones through songs, stories, crafts, and a scavenger hunt. In addition, students will learn to identify intertidal life and understand the role of the tides in determining what lives where.
A specialized program exists for students of Grade 10-age and older. A key theme of this program is understanding how to study natural phenomena we can’t observe with our eyes. Students will learn about the human and natural history of the Cowichan Estuary and understand the ecological importance and defining characteristics of estuaries. Students will apply this knowledge and generate graphical representations of estuarine water properties using data collected right here in Cowichan Bay; in addition, they will make and test predictions about water properties in our touch tank. Students will draw conclusions about particular vulnerabilities of estuaries to climate-related impacts and brainstorm strategies for mitigation.
Human Impacts: Discovering Microplastics
Ages: Kindergarten – Grade 12
Program description: What are microplastics? Why are they problematic? This program introduces, defines, and explores microplastics as they are found ‘in nature’. Students will undertake a rigorous quadrat survey to quantify and qualify microplastics on the beaches adjacent to the CENC. Students will then discuss sources and environmental consequences of microplastics and collaboratively brainstorm creative solutions to the ‘plastic problem’ our oceans presently face through interactive, age-appropriate activities.
Watershed Wonders
Ages: Kindergarten – Grade 12
Program description: In this program, students will explore the water cycle through interactive activities to understand arguably the most important feature of watersheds: water! The program opens with “Watershed Yoga”, allowing students to ‘travel’ through the Cowichan and Koksilah watersheds before grounding themselves at the Nature Centre. Students will then participate in “The Incredible Journey” to understand principles of water cycling and identify major reservoirs of water on Earth. Finally, students will explore a positive and negative (age-dependent) wonder of the Cowichan and Koksilah watersheds: The Lake Cowichan Lamprey and European Green Crab. The goal of this program is to increase students’ awareness of interconnection between water and life and inspire their curiosity through introductions to unique creatures in their home watershed.
Immersed in Nature: Ecological Restoration
Ages: Grades 5 – 12
Program description: Students will participate in hands-on ecological restoration of selected sites around the Cowichan Valley. Students will become familiar with native plant species, planting requirements and techniques. Grounding activities will elucidate the importance of restoration work and help students connect themes of environmental conservation, habitat restoration, biodiversity and ecosystem health. To learn more about our Restoration Progress in the Cowichan Valley visit here.
To learn about program fees and available dates please email us at: jenniferb@cowichanestuary.ca
We would like to Thank RBS Managed Services for their ongoing support.