ACEE staff have decades of experience in delivering professional development workshops, from one-hour workshops to multi-day sessions. We’ve presented at ATA conventions, conferences, and professional development learning days, and have also designed our own professional learning opportunities (conferences, leadership clinics, Alberta Green Schools, etc). We love working with teachers, and we’ll work with master teachers to co-present the workshops below whenever possible.
Please contact Marie Tremblay - marie[at]abcee.org if you are interested in any of the workshops listed below.
Upcoming Scheduled Workshops:
Action Begets Hope! - Unpacking AND Tackling the Climate Change Issue with Secondary Students
Climate change is part of the Alberta curriculum and is one of the most pressing issues we face. Yet, many teachers are reluctant to ‘go there’ with their students citing a lack of support from colleagues, administrators or parents, the challenge of deciphering fact from misinformation, and most importantly, concern over adding more angst to students who may already be anxious or even depressed about their future.
Research shows, however, that engaging with this challenging topic - rather than avoiding it - is the best way to replace fear with curiosity and instill hope and positive attitudes in our students. Whether you teach junior or senior high school, understanding what climate change means for you and your students provides a rich, real, and authentic opportunity to practice critical thinking skills through an exploration of the scientific and social dimensions of this important and timely topic.
As Joan Baez famously said “Action is the antidote to despair”. In this spirit we invite you to join us for this highly engaging session that will increase your foundational knowledge of climate change, identify curriculum connections, highlight quality resources - and show you how to engage your students in meaningful and positive actions that give them hope for the future. This workshop is designed specifically for Division III and IV teachers. Please bring a laptop or mobile device to be able to access the internet.
Where: ATA Science Council Meeting, Canmore
When: Friday November 1, 2019 1:15-3:45 p.m.
Science and Well-being in Your Schoolyard: Exploring Science Concepts Through Fun Outdoor Activities
According to environmental educator Juliet Robertson, “If you consider your own time at school, chances are that your strongest memories will be about your time outdoors.” We agree! In this session we’ll show you how spending time outside with your students is a fantastic way to engage your students in deepening their understanding of key concepts within the K-6 science curriculum such as the diversity and needs of living things, connectedness, systems, seasons, the water cycle, temperature, and spatial and temporal change. We’ll also demonstrate how outdoor learning can promote your students’ well-being by fostering a sense of place and helping them feel connected to themselves, their classmates, and nature. Weather and venue permitting, we will strive to hold this session outside so please dress appropriately.
Where: ATA Science Council Meeting, Canmore
When: Friday November 1, 2019 9:45-11:45 a.m.
Energy Transition in Alberta - Experience the Shift!
Come and experience the energy shift! The energy system in Alberta is a complex system of companies, non-governmental organizations, governments, and stakeholders. This unique simulation activity will allow you to experience the energy system, and the transition that is underway, from a different set of eyes...and have some fun at the same time!
During this session, we will guide participants through the Energy Transition Game and play it together. You will then learn how to bring the game into your classroom and will be provided the resources to do so. This integrative activity allows students to see the interplay between the science of energy, and corporate and government decision making; we’ve designed it to connect to both Grade 9 Social Studies and Science curricula, with the potential to be adapted to other Grade levels as well. The game helps students develop skills for evaluating different forms of energy production from both renewable and non-renewable sources, requiring them to consider the efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental impact of different energy sources, all while negotiating with other stakeholders and considering social and economic dimensions.
This game is brought to you by the Alberta Council for Environmental Education, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that works collaboratively to advance energy and environmental education in Alberta.
We’d like to acknowledge that an earlier version of this game was developed as a training tool by Suncor Energy; the team there has given us permission to modify this game based on teacher feedback so that it supports our mission - and, more importantly, supports student learning.
Where: ATA Science Council Meeting, Canmore
When: Friday November 1, 2019 9:45-11:45 a.m.
Let's Get Climate Active! Conceptual Understanding Through the Lens of Climate Action Education
Whether you teach grade 1 or grade 6, understanding what climate change means for Calgarians provides a rich, real and authentic opportunity to teach in a conceptual way. Climate change is something that impacts each of us, and that each of us can relate to and do something about!
In this four-part learning series offered in partnership with the Calgary Regional Consortium, climate action education will provide a context for engaging with concepts and developing conceptual understanding. Each of the core subjects, in each of the elementary grades, have learning outcomes that relate to core concepts of climate action - for example: reciprocity, connectedness, systems, wellness, citizenship, or change. This series will provide opportunity to design, test and reflect on learning for students that impacts our world in wonderful ways.
In this series we will support you in:
- growing your foundational understanding of the science and social dimensions of climate change through exploring the City of Calgary’s Climate Resiliency Strategy
- identifying the learning outcomes you teach that provide opportunities for students to understand themselves as champions of the climate and proactive agents in the creation of a more sustainable future
- creating learning opportunities for your students that build conceptual understanding and support their ability to act as stewards of the environment.
- exploring how Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing can strengthen students’ understanding of their connectedness to Mother Earth.
Where: Calgary Regional Consortium Office. FFCA Learning Centre. 110 - 7000 Railway St. SE, Calgary, AB
When: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Nov. 5, 12, 21, and Dec. 3, 2019
REGISTER NOW with Calgary Regional Consortium
Other Workshops Yet to Be Scheduled:
Energy Heroes: Engaging Elementary Students in Climate-friendly Energy Solutions
It’s never too early to instill good energy habits in our students and this workshop will show you how to do that, and connect to your curriculum, in a fun and engaging way - whether you’re teaching kindergarten or grade 6. We’ll show you how to help your students deepen their understanding of core concepts like energy, systems, connectedness, and citizenship as we explore how energy is generated, transported and used. We’ll also show you how your students can become true energy (and climate) champions by using energy metering technology to conduct an energy audit and develop a plan to be more energy efficient, conserve energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You’ll ‘learn by doing’ some of our favourite energy activities geared specifically for elementary students and review some key resources you can use in your classroom. This workshop targets Division I and II teachers. Please bring a laptop or mobile device to be able to access the internet.
Energy Champions: Engaging Secondary Students in Climate-friendly Energy Solutions
Are you struggling to make energy a fun and engaging topic for your students? If you are, then this workshop is for you! Using real data and an investigative and critical thinking approach, we’ll show you how to help your students deepen their understanding of our evolving energy system, compare the impacts of existing and emerging energy sources including renewables, and assess the implications of our own energy use for climate change. We’ll also show you how you can work with your students to use energy metering technology to conduct an energy audit and develop and implement a plan to be more energy efficient, conserve energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This workshop is designed specifically for Division III and IV teachers. Please bring a laptop or mobile device to be able to access the internet.
Climate Curiosity: What You've Always Wanted to Know About Climate Change But Were Afraid to Ask
Does the topic of climate change make you uncomfortable? Are you confused by all the conflicting information you hear in the news or in conversations around you? Have you ever wondered what the debate is really about and why it is so polarizing? In this session, you’ll have the opportunity to ask your most burning questions about the scientific or social aspects of climate change. We will then draw on the latest scientific and social research to address these questions and practice critical thinking at the same time - and send you out the door with some curriculum-tied resources you can use in your classroom. The aim of this session is to equip you with strong foundational knowledge so you can feel confident discussing this important topic with those around you - including your students.
Let's Get Climate Active! - Engaging Elementary Students in Climate Education and Action
Climate change is part of the Alberta curriculum and is one of the most pressing issues we face. Yet, some teachers are reluctant to ‘go there’ with their students citing a lack of support from colleagues, administrators or parents, the challenge of deciphering fact from misinformation and, most importantly, concern over adding more angst to students who may already be anxious or even depressed about their future.
Research shows, however, that engaging with this challenging topic - rather than avoiding it - is the best way to replace fear with curiosity and instill hope and positive attitudes in our students. Whether you teach grade 1 or grade 6, understanding what climate change means for you and your students provides a rich, real, and authentic opportunity to develop understanding around core concepts like connectedness, reciprocity, systems, wellness, citizenship, or change.
Although climate change impacts all of us, it is also something we can all do something about. As long-time environmental educator David Orr so aptly puts it, “Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up”. So, roll up your sleeves and join us for this highly engaging session that will increase your foundational knowledge of climate change, identify curriculum connections, highlight quality resources - and show you how to get ‘climate active’ with your students and give them hope for their future. This workshop is designed specifically for Division I and II teachers. Please bring a laptop or mobile device to be able to access the internet.
How to Teach Controversial Energy or Environmental Issues in Your Classroom
Students hear a lot about the issues of our day such as climate change, or getting Alberta oil to tidewater. Teachers know the power of connecting student learning to current events for engaging students and practicing critical thinking skills. But such topics can be daunting as there are often many perspectives to consider. And what to do when the issue you've chosen is controversial and might upset some parents? In this workshop, we'll review and practice ‘safe and effective’ strategies for unpacking with your students the scientific and social dimensions of complex issues using open-mindedness, curiosity, and respect. We’ll also share with you great teaching resources to help you 'go there' with your students - without becoming part of the controversy.
Numeracy and Well-being in Your Schoolyard: Exploring Math Concepts Through Fun Outdoor Activities
What do numeracy and well-being have to do with each other? Everything! Studies show that children, especially those with the most challenging behaviours, feel more relaxed outside and are therefore more open to deep learning. This workshop will demonstrate how to use the outdoor learning environment to provide authentic and rich opportunities to develop a range of numeracy skills. Whether you’re teaching basic operations, estimation, magnitude, measurement, patterns, shapes, or space, it’s more fun and meaningful to do this outside where students will naturally be happier and more engaged. Join us for this hands-on session where we’ll have fun demonstrating activities and expanding your learning environments. Weather and venue permitting, we will strive to hold this session outside so please dress appropriately.
Literacy and Well-being in Your Schoolyard: Fun with Words in the Outdoors
Whether your schoolyard resembles a nature paradise or a concrete jungle, it can be an endless source of inspiration and wonder for your students. In this engaging session, we’ll show you how outdoor learning can boost your students’ literacy skills by helping them make meaning of words and unleashing their creative minds as they explore and express what they see, hear, touch, smell, and feel. We’ll also demonstrate how learning outside can promote your students’ well-being by fostering a sense of place and helping them feel connected to themselves, their classmates, and to nature. Weather and venue permitting, we will strive to hold this session outside so please dress appropriately.
Greening your Curriculum: How to Weave Environment into Your Teaching
Teaching students about the environment and how to take care of it has never been more important! In this hands on workshop you will 'learn by doing' as many dynamic and engaging activities as possible. The Alberta curriculum is full of wonderful opportunities to help students learn about how the environment works, and how to take care of it! Come experience our world-famous State of the planet quiz, considering what would happened if the earth were only a few feet in diameter, find out about a superb $50 conference, and fill up your teaching toolbox with a treasure trove of our favourite games and activities, which exemplify best practices in teachings and we think you'll be able to use in any classroom. We'll also discuss how you can weave together environment, citizenship, and experiential learning through action projects that give students hope for the future as they make a difference in their schools and their communities. All attendees will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Delivering on Your Curriculum - and Increasing Environmental and Energy Literacy - Through Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Our promise: you'll leave this workshop with some good ideas - and perhaps a good plan! - to do as the title suggests. We'll review the tenets of PBL, discuss what 'increasing environmental, energy, and climate literacy' means, explore some superb projects created by teachers just like you, and help identify relevant community resources and programs - and of course we'll model best PBL instruction as we do so! Then we'll use the remaining half of the workshop to facilitate small working groups in which your colleagues will help you begin or refine your plan to deliver your curriculum using PBL.
‘Leap into Action’ – A Free Teacher’s Guide to Environmental Action
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll help you identify links between your curriculum and action, and then do several activities from ‘Leap into Action,’ a free teacher activity guide that you’ll receive in this workshop. This guide was created for teachers and is full of lesson plans to help you prepare, inspire and support your students in conducting age-appropriate environmental action projects, including skill-building activities and tools, and real-life case studies.