Welcome to Our Science and Nature Program!

At VARC, we've always believed in the power of education to inspire positive change, and now, we're excited to introduce a new chapter in our journey: using birds as the focus we have developed a Science and Nature Program. 

What is the Science and Nature Program? 

Our New School Program is designed to empower educators and schools with the resources they need to share the wonders of science and nature with their students through the study of birds. We recognize the incredible impact teachers have in shaping the next generation's understanding of the natural world and their role in protecting it. That's why we're putting the tools in your hands to make a difference.

Why Choose Our Program?

Aligned with the B.C. Curriculum: Our program is carefully crafted to align with the British Columbia curriculum, ensuring that it seamlessly integrates into your teaching objectives.

• Nurturing Nature's Recovery: VARC's mission is to nurture nature's recovery, and with our program, you can be a part of this vital mission by instilling a love for nature in your students.
• Action-Driven Education: We believe in the power of action-driven education, and our program is built around this concept. It goes beyond theory, encouraging students to become change-makers in their communities.
• Flexible and Engaging: With engaging units, each complete with lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, activities, crafts, and handouts, our program offers flexibility and diverse learning opportunities to keep students engaged.
• Local Relevance: Our program highlights the unique habitats and bird species found in British Columbia, making it a meaningful learning experience for students in the region.

How Does It Work? 

• Browse the Units: Explore our engaging units, each with its own set of materials.
• Download: Teachers can easily download the program materials, including lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, activities, crafts, and handouts.
• Teach and Inspire: Bring the program to life in your classroom. Use our resources to educate your students about birds, their habitats, and the importance of conservation.
• Encourage Action: Through action-driven education, inspire your students to make a positive impact on the environment, whether it's in their homes, schools, or communities.

Each Unit Includes: 

• Lesson Plan: Comprehensive and easy-to-follow lesson plans to guide educators through the unit's content and activities.
• PowerPoint with Images and Content: A visually engaging presentation with informative content to enhance the learning experience.
• PowerPoint with Just Images: Visual aids that bring the world of birds to life, sparking curiosity and exploration.
• Activities: Hands-on, interactive activities that allow students to apply their knowledge and engage with the subject matter.
• Crafts: Creative projects that enable students to express their understanding and artistic talents.
• Handouts: Supplementary materials and resources to support the learning process. 

Unit Topics:
 
 These units are designed to build on each other and, in an ideal world, students would have each unit.

Grades K-6

• Silhouettes: Discover the world of bird silhouettes and learn to identify birds by their distinctive shapes.
• Bird Groups: Explore the diverse classifications of birds and understand their characteristics and behaviors.
• Body Parts: Delve into the anatomy of birds and uncover the functions of their different body parts.
• All About Beaks and Feet: Investigate the unique adaptations of bird beaks and feet and their roles in survival.
• Song: Immerse yourself in the melodious world of bird songs and vocalizations.
• Habitat: Learn about the diverse habitats that birds inhabit and their significance in the bird world.
• Nests and Baby Birds: Uncover the secrets of bird nests and the fascinating journey of baby birds.
• Migration: Embark on a journey with migratory birds and understand their incredible travels.

Grades 7-8

• Classification: This unit introduces students to bird classification and adaptation, focusing on how bird shapes (silhouettes) and specific traits reflect their ecological roles and evolutionary adaptations.
• Anatomy & Adaptations: This unit explores bird anatomy and adaptations, focusing on body parts, beaks, and feet.
• Song & Habitat: Students will learn how bird songs are evolutionary tools for communication and how habitats provide the resources for survival and reproduction.
• Nests, Juvenile Birds, and Migration: This unit combines the exploration of bird nesting strategies, stages of chick development, and the incredible phenomenon of migration.

Post Completion:

Bring your classroom outdoors with a field session! Contact us with a date and location, and we will provide photographs and information about local bird species you are likely to see. This interactive session allows students to apply their newfound knowledge in a thrilling bird treasure hunt, fostering a deeper connection with nature!

Still have questions?