Youth Forums

LSF’s Youth Forums engage students in sustainability issues, equip them with skills and knowledge, and empower them to take action! 

Whether you’re participating in person or online, our Youth Forums will provide meaningful sustainability learning experiences for your students.

Participating is easy:

  • REGISTER YOUR TEAM: you & your class/club of dedicated students
  • TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: educators get practical strategies, high-quality resources, and a community of like-minded educators
  • ATTEND OUR HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS: students attend expert-led, hands-on workshops full of information and ideas for action
  • GET YOUR GRANT: participating groups receive a grant to support your Action Project!
  • STUDENTS TAKE ACTION: Make a real difference in your community!

Questions? Contact Sam Gawron at samantha@LSF-LST.ca

2023/2024 Youth Forums:

In-Person Youth Forums:

Stay tuned for more in-person Forums in the new year! 

Halifax, NS • Oct 24 • gr 7-12 • Climate Action

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON YOUTH FORUM
LOCATION: Halifax, NS @ The Discovery Centre (1215 Lower Water St)

GRADES: 7-12

DATE & TIME: Tue, Oct 24, 2023 – 8:30am-2:45pm

THEME: Climate Action

DETAILS:


Who should attend?

  • 1-2 educators*
  • 5 student leaders

We encourage all types of classes, clubs or groups to send student ambassadors to bring ideas and inspiration from the Forum back to their peers!

What can we expect?

  • Teachers get a full day of professional development focused on practical techniques and resources for climate learning, connecting to curriculum, and empowering students through climate Action Projects
  • Students get an inspiring day of speakers and hands-on workshops designed to engage them in local climate issues, equip them with skills and knowledge and empower them with ideas for action!
  • Your whole class/club gets access to our online library of virtual workshops to keep the learning going, including LSF’s Action Project planning workshop!
  • Your team gets a $500 Action Project grant to make a real difference in your community!

Student workshops include:

*Funding for supply coverage is available! See registration form for details

Ottawa, ON • Nov 14 • gr 5-8 • Climate Action

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON YOUTH FORUM
LOCATION: Ottawa, ON @ The Canada Science and Technology Museum (1867 St. Laurent Blvd)

GRADES: 5-8

DATE & TIME: Tue, Nov 14, 2023 – 8:30am-2:45pm

THEME: Climate Action

DETAILS:


Who should attend?

  • 1-2 educators*
  • 5 student leaders

We encourage all types of classes, clubs or groups to send student ambassadors to bring ideas and inspiration from the Forum back to their peers!

What can we expect?

  • Teachers get a full day of professional development focused on practical techniques and resources for climate learning, connecting to curriculum, and empowering students through climate Action Projects
  • Students get an inspiring day of speakers and hands-on workshops designed to engage them in local climate issues, equip them with skills and knowledge and empower them with ideas for action!
  • Your whole class/club gets access to our online library of virtual workshops to keep the learning going, including LSF’s Action Project planning workshop!
  • Your team gets a $500 Action Project grant to make a real difference in your community!

Student workshop schedule coming soon!

*Funding for supply coverage is available! See registration form for details

Parlez-vous français? Nous organisons également un Forum jeunesse francophone à Ottawa ! 

Winnipeg, MB • Mar 19 • gr 5-8 • Climate Action

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON YOUTH FORUM

LOCATION: Winnipeg, MB @ The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (85 Israel Asper Way)

GRADES: 5-8

DATE & TIME: Tue, Mar 19, 2024 – 8:30am-2:45pm

THEME: Climate Action

DETAILS:


Who should attend?

  • 1-2 educators*
  • 5 student leaders

We encourage all types of classes, clubs or groups to send student ambassadors to bring ideas and inspiration from the Forum back to their peers!

What can we expect?

  • Teachers get a full day of professional development focused on practical techniques and resources for climate learning, connecting to curriculum, and empowering students through climate Action Projects
  • Students get an inspiring day of speakers and hands-on workshops designed to engage them in local climate issues, equip them with skills and knowledge and empower them with ideas for action!
  • Your whole class/club gets access to our online library of virtual workshops to keep the learning going, including LSF’s Action Project planning workshop!
  • Your team gets a $500 Action Project grant to make a real difference in your community!

Student workshop schedule coming soon!

*Funding for supply coverage is available! See registration form for details

2024 UNESCO Schools Network National Conference • Toronto, ON • April 9-11

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON YOUTH FORUM
OPEN ONLY TO CCUNESCO SCHOOLS FROM ACROSS CANADA

LOCATION: Toronto, ON @ York University and the Royal Ontario Museum

GRADES: 7-12

DATES: Tue, April 9, 2023 -Thurs, April 11

THEME: The Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Action

DETAILS:


Who should attend?

  • 1-2 educators*
  • 2 student leaders
    • Or 4 student leaders if your school has a Youth Council!

We encourage all types of classes, clubs or groups to send student ambassadors to bring ideas and inspiration from the Forum back to their peers!

What can we expect?

  • Teachers get professional development focused on practical techniques and resources for climate learning, connecting to curriculum, and empowering students through climate Action Projects
  • Students get 2 inspiring days of speakers, special events, and hands-on workshops designed to engage them in local sustainability and climate issues, equip them with skills and knowledge and empower them with ideas for action!
  • Your team gets a $500 Action Project grant to make a real difference in your community!

Student workshop schedule coming soon!

*Please note, this is a closed event for CCUNESCO schools. The form is password protected. If you are a UNESCO school and you do not have the password, please e-mail jenn@lsf-lst.ca

Important Travel Information:

Participants are responsible for booking their own transportation to and from the event but travel subsidies will be provided to both teachers and students at the following amounts:

  • Nova Scotia: $350/participant
  • New Brunswick: $400/participant
  • Quebec: $400/participant
  • Ontario (Schools outside Toronto): $150/participant
  • Manitoba: $350/participant
  • Saskatchewan: $300/participant
  • Alberta: $350/participant
  • British Columbia: $400/participant
  • Yukon: $500/participant

Please email dianne.gravel@ccunesco.ca if you have any questions about the subsidies.

Virtual Youth Forums:

National • gr 5-8 • Climate Action

THIS IS A VIRTUAL YOUTH FORUM

LOCATION: This Forum is open to schools anywhere in Canada

GRADES: 5-8

DATES: Oct-Dec 2023 (flexible schedule—join anytime!) 

THEME: Climate Action

SCHEDULE:


Teacher Sessions & Resources

  • Youth Forum Info Session
    • Learn how all of this will work!
  • LSF Teacher PD Package full of strategies, tools & resources for engaging your students in climate learning

To Get Started

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Watch any of these live workshops* (45 minutes):

*live workshops are recorded and will be available after the scheduled workshop time

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

National • gr 9-12 • Climate Action

THIS IS A VIRTUAL YOUTH FORUM

LOCATION: This Forum is open to schools anywhere in Canada

GRADES: 9-12

DATES: Feb-Mar 2024 (flexible schedule—join anytime!) 

THEME: Climate Action

SCHEDULE:


Teacher Sessions & Resources

  • Youth Forum Info Session
    • Learn how all of this will work!
  • LSF Teacher PD Package full of strategies, tools & resources for engaging your students in climate learning

To Get Started

  • “Climate Change 101” lesson from Let’s Talk Science
  • Youth Forum Kickoff with LSF & Keynote Speakers

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Watch any of these live workshops* (45 minutes):

*live workshops are recorded and will be available after the scheduled workshop time

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

MB, ON, NB • gr 7-8 • Water Docs at School

LOCATION: Manitoba, Ontario & New Brunswick

GRADES: 7-8

DATES: Jan-Mar 2024

THEME: Water Docs at School

SCHEDULE:


Teacher Sessions & Resources

  • Youth Forum Info Session
    • Learn how all of this will work!
  • LSF Teacher PD Package full of strategies, tools & resources for engaging your students in learning & action

To Get Started

  • Youth Forum Kickoff with LSF & Keynote Speaker Julia Barnes, young filmmaker & water activist!

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Check out our live workshop recordings (45 minutes):

  • Ocean School: “Protecting Our River Ecosystems”
  • Ocean Wise: “The Ways of Water & Water Stewardship”
  • WWCGF: “Water, Ours to Protect”
  • GreenLearning: Excess Water – “Adapting to Flooding in Your Community”
  • Indigenize: “Nibi Waabo: The Power of Water” 
  • Action Project Planning workshop with LSF 
  • Filmmaking workshop with Water Docs

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

 
This Youth Forum is part of our Water Docs at School program, which engages gr 7-8 students in learning about water issues, taking action to combat them, and creating short documentary films to showcase their work. Learn more here.

Parlez-vous Français? See French Youth Forums

Stay tuned for more 2023/2024 Youth Forums—virtual and in person!

More info & registration coming soon!

Virtual Youth Forums:

These Forums were completed in fall 2022, but everything was recorded so you can join now & watch at your own pace anytime before May 2023.
Ontario • gr 7-12 • Climate Action

THIS IS A VIRTUAL YOUTH FORUM

LOCATION: This Forum is open to schools anywhere in Ontario

GRADES: 7-12

DATES: Join anytime! Complete before May 2023

THEME: Climate Action

SCHEDULE:


Teacher Sessions & Resources

  • Youth Forum Meet & Greet
    • Learn how all of this will work!
  • LSF Teacher PD Package full of strategies, tools & resources for engaging your students in climate learning

To Get Started

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Watch any of these workshops recordings from fall 2022 (45 minutes):

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

National • gr 5-8 • Sustainable Future Schools

THIS IS A VIRTUAL YOUTH FORUM

LOCATION: This Forum is open to schools anywhere in Canada

GRADES: 5-8

DATES: Join anytime! Complete before May 2023

THEME: Sustainable Future Schools and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

SCHEDULE:


Teacher Sessions & Resources

  • Youth Forum Meet & Greet
    • Learn how all of this will work!
  • LSF Teacher PD Package full of strategies, tools & resources for engaging your students in climate learning

To Get Started

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Watch any of these workshop recordings from fall 2022 (45 minutes):

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

 
Not seeing what you’re looking for? We have more Forums planned for winter/spring 2023 including Ontario,  Remote & Indigenous communities, and French!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about new Forums!
Our 2022/2023 Youth Forums are coming soon. Stay tuned!
SK • gr 7-12 • Climate Action

LOCATION: Saskatchewan

GRADES: 7-12

DATES: Join anytime!

THEME: Climate Action

SCHEDULE:


Teacher PD Sessions

  • PD #1 with LSF’s Michele Martin
  • PD #2 with LSF’s Michele Martin

To Get Started

  • “Climate Change 101” lesson from Let’s Talk Science (recommended)
  • Youth Forum Kickoff with LSF & with Teulon Collegiate Students, Sustainability Activists & Past Youth Forum Participants (optional)

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Check out our live workshop recordings (45 minutes):

  • “Help from Kelp” with Ocean Wise
  • “Collective Climate Action” with GreenLearning
  • “Climate Hope in 2021” with Climate Change Connection
  • “Why Trust Climate Change When We Can’t Trust the Weather Forecast?” workshop with Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative
  • Action Project Planning workshop with LSF (recommended)

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

  • “Harnessing the Wind” with Green Learning
  • “Closing the Loop on Plastic” with Green Learning
  • “The Climate Atlas of Canada” with Prairie Climate Centre
  • “Ecological Footprint: Code Your Own Adventure Game” with Brilliant Labs

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

MB • gr 7-12 • Climate Action

LOCATION: Manitoba

GRADES: 7-12

DATES: Join anytime!

THEME: Climate Action

SCHEDULE:


Teacher PD Sessions

  • PD #1 with LSF’s Michele Martin
  • PD #2 with LSF’s Michele Martin

To Get Started

  • “Climate Change 101” lesson from Let’s Talk Science (recommended)
  • Date TBD – Youth Forum Kickoff with LSF & with Teulon Collegiate Students, Sustainability Activists & Past Youth Forum Participants (optional)

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Check out our live workshop recordings (45 minutes):

  • “Help from Kelp” with Ocean Wise
  • “Collective Climate Action” with GreenLearning
  • “Climate Hope in 2021” with Climate Change Connection
  • “Why Trust Climate Change When We Can’t Trust the Weather Forecast?” workshop with Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative
  •  Action Project Planning workshop with LSF (recommended)

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

  • “Harnessing the Wind” with Green Learning
  • “Closing the Loop on Plastic” with Green Learning
  • “The Climate Atlas of Canada” with Prairie Climate Centre
  • “Ecological Footprint: Code Your Own Adventure Game” with Brilliant Labs

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

 
ON • gr 5-8 • Climate Action

LOCATION: Ontario

GRADES: 5-8

DATES: Join anytime!

THEME: Climate Action

SCHEDULE:


Teacher PD Sessions

  • PD #1 with LSF’s Pamela Gibson
  • PD #2 with LSF’s Pamela Gibson

To Get Started

  • “Climate Change 101” lesson from Let’s Talk Science (recommended)
  • Youth Forum Kickoff with LSF & Keynote Speaker: Pineland PS Student & Action Project Leader (optional)

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Check out our live workshop recordings (45 minutes):

  • “Help from Kelp” with Ocean Wise
  • “Climate Change and Urban Forests” with Oakville Green
  • “Watt a Waste” with GreenLearning
  • “ReACT to Climate Change!” workshop with Parks Canada
  • Action Project Planning workshop with LSF (recommended)

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

  • “Harnessing the Wind” with Green Learning
  • “Closing the Loop on Plastic” with Green Learning
  • “The Climate Atlas of Canada” with Prairie Climate Centre
  • “Ecological Footprint: Code Your Own Adventure Game” with Brilliant Labs

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

 
NL • gr 7-12 • Climate Action

LOCATION: Newfoundland & Labrador

GRADES: 7-12

DATES: Join anytime!

THEME: Climate Action

SCHEDULE:


Teacher PD Sessions

  • PD #1 with LSF’s Michele Martin
  • PD #2 with LSF’s Michele Martin

To Get Started

  • “Climate Change 101″with Dr. Joel Finnis, MUN (recommended)
  •  Youth Forum Kickoff with LSF & Keynote Speaker Aaron Kingston, Youth Climate Activist (optional)

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Check out our live workshop recordings (45 minutes):

  • “Coding for Climate” with Brilliant Labs
  • “Climate Change & Sun Power” with Svetlana Barkanova
  • “Become a Watershed Hero!” with The Fluvarium
  • “Food as Climate Action” with Western Environmental Centre
  • “Green Jobs” with Conservation Corps NL
  • Action Project Planning workshop with LSF (recommended)

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

  • “Harnessing the Wind” with Green Learning
  • “Closing the Loop on Plastic” with Green Learning
  • “The Climate Atlas of Canada” with Prairie Climate Centre
  • “Ecological Footprint: Code Your Own Adventure Game” with Brilliant Labs

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

 
National • gr 5-8 • Sustainable Future Schools

LOCATION: National

GRADES: 5-8

DATES: Join anytime!

THEME:Sustainable Future Schools” and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

SCHEDULE:


Teacher PD Sessions

  •  PD #1 with LSF’s Pamela Gibson
  • PD #2 with LSF’s Pamela Gibson

To Get Started

  • Youth Forum Kickoff with LSF & Keynote Speaker: Students from Port Elgin Regional School (optional)

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Check out our live workshop recordings (45 minutes):

  • “When It Rains It Pours” with GreenLearning
  • “Water Is Life” with Be The Change Earth Alliance
  • “My Role in Pollinator Conservation” workshop with WILD Outside
  • “Living Water: The Water Walking Movement” workshop with Tasha Beeds
  • Action Project Planning workshop with LSF (recommended)

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

  • “Harnessing the Wind” with Green Learning
  • “Closing the Loop on Plastic” with Green Learning
  • “The Climate Atlas of Canada” with Prairie Climate Centre
  • “Ecological Footprint: Code Your Own Adventure Game” with Brilliant Labs

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

 
MB, ON, NB • gr 7-8 • Water Docs at School

LOCATION: Manitoba, Ontario & New Brunswick

GRADES: 7-8

DATES: Join anytime!

THEME: Water Docs at School

SCHEDULE:


Teacher PD Sessions

  • PD #1 with LSF’s Judy Halpern
  • PD #2 with LSF’s Judy Halpern and WDaS veteran teacher Lindsay Butson

To Get Started

  • Youth Forum Kickoff with LSF & Keynote Speaker: TVO’s The Water Brothers!

Student Workshops (pick 4+)

Check out our live workshop recordings (45 minutes):

  • “H2O Flow” with Freshwater Alliance
  • “Water Walkers, Water & You!” with Kelsey Leonard & Joanne Robertson
  • “We Are All Water!” with Oakville Green
  • “Water of the Archipelago” workshop with Parks Canada
  • Action Project Planning workshop with LSF (recommended)
  • Early 2022 – Filmmaking workshop with Water Docs (recommended)

Or pick from these pre-recorded options:

  • “Harnessing the Wind” with Green Learning
  • “Closing the Loop on Plastic” with Green Learning
  • “The Climate Atlas of Canada” with Prairie Climate Centre
  • “Ecological Footprint: Code Your Own Adventure Game” with Brilliant Labs

Complete at least 4 student workshops to receive your $500 Action Project grant!

 

Our Youth Forums won a
2022 Clean50 Top Project Award! Learn more

co2, carbon dioxide, carbon-3139230.jpg
Now that In-Person Youth Forums are back, we can’t wait to see you and we are doing our part to offset any travel-related emissions:

LSF is offsetting our carbon emissions for travel to our in-person Youth Forums by purchasing carbon credits through Tree Canada‘s  Grow Clean Air program that help protect old-growth trees in the Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative in BC.

In recognition of teams participating in the 2022-2023 in-person Youth Forums, LSF is planting one tree per team through Trees Canada National Greening ProgramThis program  supports the restoration of forests and wildlife habitats and contributes to cleaner air, soil and waterways in Canada