I hope you are enjoying the Eco-Games and matching virtual choice boards. Eco-Inquiry will release the Carbon Cycle Game and virtual choice board – which is all about global warming and climate action – in the Spring of 2021. Based on educator interest and the enormous transition to online and hybrid learning environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I added two pages Flower-quiry & Fun-quiry! I hope they help you during these challenging times!
Also, have a look at all Eco-Games: Outdoor Science Simulations for Earth and Life Systems by clicking on the book cover below. It’s a FREE download and easy to replicate the game signs and cards on 8.5×11 through the photocopier. The manual also includes more resources and extension ideas for eco-inquiry about climate action, biodiversity, endangered species and Earth’s systems. Eco-Games are meant to spark further inquiry for your students to learn more deeply about ecosystems and sustainability. They will learn how to take part in Citizen Science and Action projects that will build practical hope now and in the future.
Eco-Inquiry’s Eco-Games and Virtual Choice Boards align with North American Association for Environmental Education: eeGuidance for re-opening schools (July, 2020)
Feel like making your own outdoor virtual choice boards for a hybrid blend of green time & screen time? Check out my article in Green Teacher, Summer Edition, 2020. It’s FREE at: Outdoor Virtual Classroom Choice Boards.
More Resources:
Short videos to spark natural curiosity. Eco-Inquiry Playlist on YouTube
Math on the Land by Jennifer Baron & Towana Brooks in ETFO Voice Fall 2020
Intersectional Environmentalism
Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario: Outdoor Learning Tips
Megan Zeni’s Room to Play
Dr. Hilary Inwood’s Art & Environmental Education
Juliet Robertson’s Creative Star Learning
First Nations, Metis and Inuit Education Association of Ontario, Resources (You need to make a username, but it’s free to do so and the resources are AMAZING!)
EcoSchools Canada for Environmental Leadership & Eco-Action Projects
Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario & Ontario Teachers’ Federation: Assessment for Outdoor Learning
Learning for a Sustainable Future for Environmental Lessons and Guides
Toronto District School Board – Get Outside Month Lessons
Ten Strategies for Strengthening Outdoor Learning At Your School, by Jennifer Baron. Green Teacher, Fall 2020.
About Eco-Inquiry Content Creator, Jennifer Baron
Jen has written and taught Environmental and Outdoor Education Additional Qualification courses for Nipissing University, York University, and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO-AQ). She taught at Vivian and Sibbald Point Outdoor Education Centre for York Region District School Board (YRDSB) from 2001-2008. She was seconded to teach in York University’s Faculty of Education from 2009-12. In 2018, Jen received Natural Curiosity’s Edward Burtynsky Award for Excellence in Environmental Education. Jen has been an Elementary Teacher for 25 years with YRDSB, teaching K-8. She currently teaches Grade 2 f2f, and has been transitioning along with all other Ontario teachers to remote learning at times during the Covid19 pandemic. She has an Honours Degree in Environmental Studies and Indigenous Studies from Trent University. Follow on Twitter @jenniferbaron7 and @EcoInquiry
Finally, here are some of my favourite books to spark Eco-Inquiry!
