Educator Resources

Native, Non-native, and Invasive Species of B.C.

Grade 3 Science

Topics Covered: Biodiversity; native, non-native, and invasive plant identification, traditional uses of native plants of B.C.

This hands-on and interactive lesson, accompanied by a visit to the UBC Botanical Garden and post-trip activity, will engage students in learning about biodiversity and identifying native, non-native, and invasive species of B.C., Canada. This lesson, garden visit, and post-trip activity are designed for Grade 3 students focusing on the B.C. Science and Social Studies curriculum.

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Aesthetic Experience in Gardens Unit

Grade 7

Topics Covered: English Language Arts, Art, Science, Botany, Trees, Poetry

In this cross-curricular unit, students will explore the aesthetic dimensions of their relationship with the natural environment. Aesthetics refers to the principles and philosophy concerned with art and the appreciation of beauty. Students will become sensitive to aesthetic experiences in both responsive and productive ways.

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Medicine and Natural History: A Lesson in the Physic Garden

Grade 8 Social Studies

Topics Covered: Botany, Medicine, Natural History, Social Science 

This lesson and project provide a hands-on experience to engage with natural history and past medicinal practices. Throughout a tour of the Physic Garden, students learn about the history and science of plants in the garden. Students then complete a research project comparing modern and historical medicinal uses of plants.

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Comparative Relationships in Drawing Native and Non-Native Plant Diptych

Grade 10-12 Visual Art

Topics Covered: Biodiversity, Ecological Conservation, Climate Change, Speciation, Native /Non-Native Plant Identification, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12, Visual Art

This activity is a visual exploration of native and non-native plants through drawing. Creating diptychs, students will compare two plant species. This activity is to take place following a guided tour of the UBC Botanical Garden, with a focus on biodiversity, ecological conservation, climate change, speciation, and native/non-native plant identification.

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Evolution Project

Grade 10 Science & Grade 11 Life Science

Topics Covered: Evolution, Macroevolution, Microevolution, Adaptations, Natural Selection, Grade 10, Science, Grade 11, Life Science

After a tour at the Garden centering around evolution, students complete a creative project focusing on the evolutionary history of a species, either one discovered at the Garden or that students discover themselves.

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Exploring Plant Diversity: Comparing Land Flora

Grade 11 Life Science

Topics Covered: Grade 11 Life Sciences, Plant Biology, Botany  

This lesson, garden visit and activity are designed to introduce Life Sciences 11 students to diversity of land plants through hands-on, meaningful experiences both in the classroom and at the UBC Botanical Garden.  

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Applications of Sound: Spectrograms and Identifying Species

Grade 11 Physics

Topics Covered: Grade 11 Physics, Sound, Characteristics of Sound, Frequency, Graphical Representations

Before, throughout, and after a garden visit to the UBC Botanical Garden, students will look at how the frequency of sound is connected to animal calls and can be used to identify species. The focus will be on bird identification, and students will experience using both general sound recording apps and a purpose-built app for bird identification.

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Environmental Education Resources Kit:

Plants and Pollinators

Young Learners (ages 4-12)

Topics Covered: Pollination, Plant Identification,  

UBC Botanical Garden and Butterflies in My Backyard (BIMBY) collaborated to create resources for educators who want to implement environmental education into their teaching. These resources focus on themes such as pollination and plant identification explored through engaging, inquiry-based activities. They are designed for younger students (4-12 years old) but can be adapted for any learner, and are available in French and English. 

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Experience health and wellness benefits of visiting a BC rainforest without leaving your home. The Greenheart TreeWalk is a canopy walkway, an aerial trail system that allows people to journey through the upper parts of the forest. Its structure enables visitors to explore the flora and fauna that thrives in this lofty environment.

This immersive 360 video was filmed on the Greenheart TreeWalk located in the David C. Lam Asian Garden at UBC Botanical Garden. Learn more about the Greenheart TreeWalk HERE. 

Learn more about what springtime flowers may be blooming in your neighbourhood! Explore the connection between these flowers, bees, butterflies and birds in celebration of Earth Day. We will teach you how to draw your own botanical wonders, dissect the parts of a flower, and how plants reproduce and grow strong.

Calling all kids ages 9-12!  Citizen science is an exciting way to connect with nature while also advancing our understanding of the world.  Join us as we explore the biology of butterflies and learn how to observe and record butterflies and plants on iNaturalist.  Don’t forget to bring some paper and colouring materials (pastels, pencil crayons, paints) as we identify and draw common butterflies in Metro Vancouver.

Explore the history and diversity of apple trees.  Learn about tastes, colours and textures!

The diversity of apple varieties tells the story of sharing seeds and recipes. Students (grades 4-7) will be introduced to biodiversity as a beneficial principle in food and agriculture. The importance of the 4 B’s (bees, butterflies, bats and birds) in pollination is revealed with many fun facts shared. They will explore the lifecycle of apple trees, with the big reveal of the 5-star apple seed. The diversity of BC's apples will be celebrated.

Note for teachers:  To enhance the student experience, we invite teachers to supply apples for their students or ask students to bring in their own to pair with watching this video.