Grade 2

Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer by Sandi Schwarts prescribes nature-based fun to improve mental health and mood in children (and parents)! This book will introduce you to all kinds of engaging nature activities you can do with your kids, from hiking and bike rides to visiting nature centers and science museums to volunteering outdoors to embarking on ecotourism adventures. In addition, you will discover unique nature relaxation activities like cow cuddling, animal yoga, forest bathing, float therapy and earthing.

The Canadian Network for Ocean Education provides toolkits for all Grade levels in a variety of subject areas featuring hands on activities and videos. Another resource is Ocean Education Wednesday for Junior High/High School, which provides ready-made slide decks every week as a PDF download, SMARTnotebook file, or Powerpoint presentation.

A searchable database of Indigenous literary texts, designed to assist educators with weaving Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing into their teaching and learning, starting with story.

Alberta's Native Trout is an interactive website to learn about Alberta's Native Trout, the different species, healthy trout habitat, risks to native trout, and how we can support native trout!

The Calgary Urban Forestry Map is an interactive tool that allows users to zoom in and find out what tree species are in our city. Students can also use the search tool to search by address or place. 

AdventureSmart is a great resource to help teach students about outdoor trip preparation. The website includes guides, checklists, and a fun online game! You can also request an outdoor educator to speak to your group virtually in either French or English!

Stories in the Schoolyard (K-4) invites students to step outside and find delight in the ordinary, wonderful ways nature's stories unfold right in their own schoolyard. This active place-responsive program will support students to foster a sense of belonging in nature at the same time as sparking their curiosity to learn more. In this program, we'll become better acquainted with that tree in the corner of the field that's almost been forgotten. We'll also follow along with the adventures of Gary the Goose as he finds courage in face of fear. Program includes: a puppet story, imaginative sensory play, Indigenous connections, group poetry writing, and lots of active movement.

We Can Too! (Gr. 2-4) invites students to notice how nature expresses itself in cycles. We will look for examples of natural cycles in the schoolyard and follow the adventures of Cate the Caterpillar as she transforms from caterpillar to butterfly. This program encourages students to develop a growth mindset and to discover their own unique gifts. Program includes: a puppet story, musical poetry, Indigenous connections, active movement, and a printable growth mindset resource. 

Visit the Thrive Outside resource portal and select whether you are a Recreation Worker, Caregiver, Parent, Educator, or Early Childhood Educator and instantly be connected to relevant resources! 

Also available in French! 

These flashcards provide easy to follow one-pager activities for different seasons. 

Download PictureThis, simply take or upload a photo of any plant and get instantaneous plant ID results! The website also has a massive plant encyclopedia and catalogue.