Water Docs at School Virtual Workshop Library
Welcome “Water Docs at School” participants! We’ve put together a collection of resources and workshop recordings to help engage your students in water issues and inspire them to take action.
Please reach out to samantha@LSF-LST.ca if you have any questions or feedback!
Get Started!
- WDaS Lesson Plans & Activities (with curriculum connections for gr 7-8 in MB, ON & NB)
Live Workshops:
45-minute recordings to view with your students & follow along!
Workshop Description: In this session we will explore and discuss actions that students can take at their homes, schools, and communities to prepare for and mitigate flooding impacts. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the relationship between climate change and flooding in Canada, with access to flooding education resources and with clear pathways to support their communities in flood resiliency.
>Watch this workshop recording
Additional materials:
- Check out GreenLearning’s Flood:ED Program
- Participate in their Flood:ED challenge for a chance to win!
Learn more about GreenLearning
Workshop Description: In this workshop we will learn about our responsibilities to water as taught to us by the water walkers. We will also help students to understand the pressing First Nations water crisis facing many Indigenous children across Canada. Lastly, students will learn about Indigenous water knowledges and how they can restore their connection to water.
Dr. Kelsey Leonard is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. She is a citizen of the Shinnecock Nation; Joanne Robertson is a helper to water walkers across Turtle Island. She is the author and illustrator of The Water Walker and Nibi is Water.
Workshop Description: Join Ocean School and the River Institute for a workshop all about protecting local waterways! We will premiere a never-before-seen video showcasing research by the River Institute and explore what you can do to help make local waterways resilient to climate change. We’ll unleash your inner environmental champion through the use of a collaborative tool known as the Sustainability Compass!
> Watch this workshop recording
Follow Up Materials:
Make your ocean promise! No matter where you live, your life depends on the ocean. The ocean shapes everything, from the air you breathe and the food you eat, to the weather and climate that you experience. It’s time to give back and show the ocean we care. Make your ocean promise today!
The Take Action toolkit: Are you ready to take action? Ocean School’s Take Action toolkit can help you get started. The toolkit provides step-by-step guides for taking action, tips for taking action, and templates to help you get started! These additional resources and activities can help to make your students’ goals for change a reality. The kit is modelled on participatory action-planning models used around the world.
Learn more about The River Institute & Ocean School
Workshop Description: Have you ever wondered how deep your connection to water is? It is the one thing that connects us all to each other no matter where we are in the world. Join an expert from Ocean Wise to explore how deep this connection to water goes, what role human activities play regarding the health of our oceans and what we can do to protect an restore our oceans.
> Watch this workshop recording
Check out these additional materials:
- Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup – a unique opportunity for you to take action, make a positive impact, and contribute data to Ocean Wise’s plastic research!
- Plastic Tracker • The Ocean Cleanup – see where your plastic ends up
- Can We Eat Less Water? – Environment Reports – take a closer look at how much water is used to produce certain items
- Plastic Reduction Actions – simple actions you can take every day to reduce the plastic waste in your life
- Learn more with OW Ed Resources at Education – Ocean Wise (FREE Downloadable Ocean Education Kits as well!)
Learn more about Ocean Wise
Workshop Description: We will provide some context to the importance of water quality and quantity globally and locally to inspire local action projects to protect our water. In order to contribute positively and create effective water conservation campaigns, we need to understand the issues our world is facing, and what is our role. Information and resources to complete a water audit at school will be provided.
Materials/Prep:
- If possible, gather spare/used batteries, old electronics, and chemicals (cleaning supplies, sprays, etc.) that are in the classroom.
- Print copies of the Water Crisis worksheet (1 per student, or they can work in small groups)
> Watch this workshop recording
Additional materials:
- Watch the “Water Attitudes Around the World” video
- Do a School Water Audit using Beatriz’s worksheet
- Follow the water actions in this fun scavenger hunt (check your email for the answer key)!
Learn more about Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival
Workshop Description: So you’ve participated in the workshops and learned about all kinds of water issues… Now what? Our Action Project Planning workshop will show you what an Action Project looks like and help you consider your interests and skills, your sphere of influence, and the root causes of the issue so you can take on the best Action Project ever!
Materials/Prep:
- Please print this worksheet (double-sided) – 1 copy per student
- Internet-enabled devices for Kahoot (you can play along with your class here)
> Watch this workshop recording
Next Steps:
Workshop Description: First time filmmakers looking for tips? Or seasoned movie makers looking to make the coolest water doc ever? Either way, experienced WaterDocs fiilmmaker Justin Arjune is here to help with everything from filming and sound to editing and cool effects!
- Watch the recording of the workshop
- Check out the WDaS Filmmaking Guide.
Workshop Description: In this session, students will explore a circular economic model in relation to the problem of plastic waste in the environment. Through examination of the Plastic Problem and technological solutions to plastic waste, students will feel empowered to address this complex issue and close the loop on plastic.
Materials/Prep:
- Educator Guide
- Handout (use fillable PDF or print)
Learn more about GreenLearning
Workshop Description:
This interactive workshop will explore climate change impacts and solutions through the Climate Atlas of Canada, an engaging online tool for students, researchers, decision-makers, and communities. As an example, we will look at the health impacts of climate change and students will have the opportunity to participate in a “treasure hunt” to find the answers on the site themselves.
Materials/Prep:
- Writing utensil & paper
- Internet-enabled device – 1 per student or shared
Learn more about the Prairie Climate Centre and the Climate Atlas of Canada
Description:
Through stories of her experiences in the Western Arctic of Canada, Kathleen Matari explores two important knowledge sets, Indigenous knowledge and Western science knowledge, and how the gap between the two must be bridged in order to take action on climate change.
Supported by:
Action Project Funding
Do you need filmmaking equipment or other materials for your Action Project? Apply for up to $500 in funding from LSF!
Submit Your Film!
- Submit your water docs by May 30, 2025!
- Don’t forget to check the Film Notes below for eligibility requirements.
- Follow our step-by-step FilmFreeway submission guide to ensure success!
Film submission link coming soon!
Film Notes
Remember:
- Films are due May 30, 2025
- Films are to be max. 4 minutes long (not including end credits)
- Any music, audio, images, clips, or other elements you don’t create yourselves must be royalty free! (see WDaS Filmmaking Basics Guide page 20 for suggested sources)
- You must include logos from LSF (dark version • white version) and Water Docs at School in your film’s credits (click links to download high-resolution logo files)
- You must submit a signed Media Release Form for every child whose face appears in your film. We have 2 options – a class form to be signed by your principal (preferred), or an individual form to be sent home to parents.
Additional Resources
- Check out our database of over 1,600 curriculum-connected classroom resources an R4R
- WDaS Action Project Guide
- WDaS Filmmaking Basics Guide
- Engaging Students in Sustainable Action Projects guide
- Action Project inspiration on Our Canada Project
