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2022 Environmental Education Program
July 21, 2022
North Cowichan’s Environmental Education Program was back in elementary classrooms this past school year. After a two year break due to the pandemic, approximately 300 students from grades one through seven participated in online lessons that focused on learning about climate change and the associated impacts to the local species at risk.
One learning activity involved making a short public service announcement video, part of the annual Friends of the Environment Contest. Students created videos that focused on an animal species at risk in British Columbia, how that species is impacted by climate change, and what actions can be done to help protect the species. One winner from each grade was selected to win a symbolic animal adoption kit from the World Wildlife Foundation. The following winners were announced and celebrated at the July 20 Council meeting:
- Gr. 3: Johanna and Nevai (Ecole Mt. Prevost) – Grizzly Bears
- Gr. 4: A student in Ms. Smith’s Class (Drinkwater Elementary) – Western Toad
- Gr. 5: A student in Ms. Smith’s Class (Drinkwater Elementary) – Western Toad
- Gr. 6: Sam (Drinkwater Elementary) - Pika
- Gr. 7: Everest (Drinkwater Elementary) – Pika
“The municipality has long recognized the importance of educating youth on environmental matters, and it was a pleasure to hear from staff about their work with students this year,” said Mayor Al Siebring. “The goal of the environmental education program is to bring awareness to relevant environmental issues, while inspiring future generations of leaders. The videos we watched today I’m sure are just the beginning for these bright kids!”
For more information about North Cowichan’s environmental education program, visit www.northcowichan.ca/Education
