Nature School Program

The Nature School offers a unique learning environment where on-site classroom sessions are reinforced by extended periods of time spent in the outdoors observing a diversity of habitats and species and recording thoughts through drawing and journaling. Moving the classroom outdoors makes environmental learning tangible and fun, while spending time observing and reflecting helps children to form emotional connections with nature and develop feelings of environmental stewardship and responsibility. 

By providing hands-on opportunities for children to connect with the natural world, the Nature School helps them to learn about the local plants, animals, and habitats and the environmental issues that affect them. The future of the environment depends to a great extent on having the local population understand and support its significance. This program facilitates personal connections and a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship that young people will carry throughout their lives.

The program is a week-long experience and is held at the Iris & Billy Griffith Nature Centre on the Sunshine Coast.

The Nature School is an innovative, collaborative experience, modelled after the award-winning Campus Calgary / Open Minds program. The Nature School Coordinator, an experienced educator, acts as a facilitator for teachers and students. The coordinator supports teachers by providing resources and assisting in planning their time at the site.

Before arriving, the class teacher can prepare their students by practicing with them the skills of observation, descriptive writing, and drawing that will help them to slow down and absorb as much as possible during their week at the site. The class should also become familiar with the types of ecosystems they will be observing and studying.

During the week of Nature School, the class travels daily to the Iris & Billy Griffith Nature Centre. There they spend their time in the classroom for interactive lessons and discussions, and outdoors for extended observation and journaling time. The coordinator and class teacher work together to lead activities, with the help of parent and Nature Centre volunteers. Local scientists and natural history experts are also available to provide educational talks, activities, and resources.

A main goal of the Nature School is to inspire ongoing learning, so we encourage classes to continue their nature education after their week-long visit. This could involve completing a culminating action project, such as examining a local environmental issue, creating a visual art display of their work, or corresponding with a group of students in another part of the world to learn more about their environment.