Shoreline Stewards school program
Looking for ways to foster environmental stewardship in your students?
Program Summary
Explore the shoreline and learn to identify local coastal marine species, while discovering how human actions impact and can improve their habitats through a cleanup and Indigenous Stewardship practices!
2-hour outdoor workshop
BC Curriculum connections for Gr 4 - 7
$300 for up to 30 students
Program locations include various beach and park sites across Metro Vancouver
Shoreline Stewards school program
Discover the Shoreline: Explore, Identify, & Protect!
This outdoor, hands-on program connects students to the shoreline; a unique, biodiverse ecosystem where water meets land. Students will learn how to protect and conserve water by examining the shoreline at their feet and taking action to keep the water plastic-free.
Students will grow familiar with local biodiversity and learn to identify native species through hands-on activities. By the end of the program, students will have greater curiosity for the intertidal zone and a better understanding of the role of Indigenous communities in stewarding the land and waters!
Program information
2-hour outdoor workshop for Grade 4-7
Program locations include Kitsilano Beach, Ambleside Beach, Deas Island, and Burnaby Lake. Other site locations can be accommodated depending on program needs.
Content is designed to align with BC Curriculum for Grades 4-7
We recommend no more than 30 students so all can engage in class discussions
This program takes place rain or shine! It’s about immersing in nature in all it’s forms.
Pricing: $300 includes up to 30 students, *each additional student or non-chaperone adult is $10 each.
Program outline
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In the first hour, students are introduced to Sea Smart and then take part in a grounding activity connecting them to the surrounding land and water. They begin exploring the shoreline using field guides to identify local species and observe the intertidal ecosystem.
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In the second half, students participate in a shoreline cleanup, sort and review the collected waste, and then engage in a hands-on activity to learn how plastic breaks down in the environment.
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Before Workshop 1:
Confirm dates and classroom information with Sea Smart. Print out any required materials as instructed by Sea Smart via email.
Before Workshop 2:
Divide your students into about 6 groups and have them start brainstorming their projects if they wish. Sea Smart will provide a list of example projects to choose from in Workshop 2.
Before Final Workshop:
Provide students with the time needed to work on their projects, implement them, and create a presentation to communicate the impact results of their project.
Have students complete a student survey and complete our feedback form.
Teachers have the option of using a rubric to mark projects during the final workshop.
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Actively participate in group and class discussions and activities during each workshop.
Research, plan, and implement their Youth Action Team projects, while tracking data to show the impact of their projects.
Develop a presentation to communicate the results of their project.
Present to their classmates, teachers, and Sea Smart staff.
Depending on the nature of their project, students may just show their project as part of their presentation (e.g. skit, art display, poster, etc).
Complete worksheets and surveys.
How does this program help?
Teachers and students
Hands-on learning with real-world impact: Students take part in meaningful activities like a cleanup and species identification, helping them understand their direct role in protecting local ecosystems.
Scaffolded, project-based approach: The program is thoughtfully structured to build students’ knowledge and skills progressively, encouraging collaboration, inquiry, and personal connection to the environment.
Supports BC curriculum goals: Designed to align with Science, ADST, and Core Competencies, this program reinforces classroom learning through engaging outdoor experiences.
Led by environmental experts: Sea Smart’s experienced marine and environmental educators guide the program, giving students the opportunity to learn from professionals working in the conservation field.Your students will work on real project with tangible
Apply for a program!
We also offer school programs on many other ocean-related topics and issues!
Want to take learning to the next level?
Your students can go beyond the classroom to participate in a shoreline cleanup near the Salish Sea with Sea Smart*
*Shoreline cleanups delivered by Sea Smart are only available to schools in the Lower Mainland. There are limited spots available offered on a first come first served basis.