3. Engage in Citizen Science. Canadian Feeder Watch and School Yard Bird Blitz are programs run through Bird Studies Canada. Websites, such as
ontarionature.org or citi-
zenscientists.ca, offer events and programs that everyone can participate in. Apps like iNaturalist, EDDMapS Ontario and Journey North are a few examples of active citizen science options. By engaging your students in these activities, they will learn and docu- ment fi rst-hand impacts of climate change on Ontario species.
4. Take a virtual fi eld trip! There are many natural world wonders now accessible by virtual tours. Some may cost, and it may be worth the fee, but many others are free!
5. Follow the news and investigate the hot stories of our time. We gained momentum from the global climate school strikes being driven by Greta Thunberg and other youth around the world. Current affairs, including, but not limited to, oil spills, new pipelines,
fi shing, single-use-plastic bans, species in danger and changes to government legisla- tion are all options to explore.
6. Connect to the curriculum and make it count. Social studies, geography, science, math and language offer great opportuni- ties to integrate your student’s activism with your own responsibility to cover the curricu- lum. Writing letters, creating media, teaching others and researching sustainability, living systems and natural disasters can all connect to the Ontario curriculum.
7. Write to government offi cials. Children don’t often realize how powerful their voices can be. Engaged students get the attention of elected offi cials. Learning about the levels of government, who is in charge and who they need to talk to, helps develop lifelong citizens. Local municipal councillors, MPPs, MPs or even local businesses may surprise you with their desire to engage with students in these conversations.
8. And fi nally, let them lead you. If you put your students in the driver’s seat, they will amaze you and themselves with what they can achieve. They are passionate about their future and they care deeply for the earth. Giving your students a voice to be a part of the fi ght against climate change can lead to amazing things! n
ONLINE RESOURCES:
Terracycle Program
terracycle.com/en-CA
Derek Forgie, Eco Ally Speaker
derekforgie.com
Bird Studies Canada
birdscanada.org
Michaela Kargus is a member of the Grand Erie Teacher Local.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 17
PRE-COVID PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAELA KARGUS
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