A Creative Twist on Environmental Learning for Grades 1 to 8

Great Acts for Great Lakes is an integrated learning adventure for students in grades one to eight. It invites students to explore issues facing the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem and what they can do, as individuals and groups, to support this precious resource.

This terrific classroom activity is a great way to combine environmental learning at all elementary levels with curriculum creativity, fun and student recognition:

• Integrate environmental studies with other curriculum;
• Encourage exploring and sharing among students;
• Articulate ideas working as a team or individually;
• Express learning through a creative medium, science project, school or community environmental activity;
• Recognize students for their ideas and efforts.

It's fun! It's free!

Sign on for a great learning adventure!

Every registered class receives a learning kit packed with posters, maps, bookmarks, fact sheets, activity report form and more. Once the adventure is complete, simply tell us or show us the results: all art work and projects that express ideas and learning make great submissions to the Great Acts for Great Lakes challenge.

Sharing is Easy!

Your work can be submitted for competition or exhibition only. The choice is yours. Submissions are grouped as junior (grades 1 to 4) and senior (grades 5 - 8). Evaluation criteria include interpretation of environmental learning, creativity, message, focus on recycling and recycled materials.

We Did It!

Recognition is an important part of the adventure. All students receive a special certificate to recognize their ideas and involvement at the end of the challenge (whether or not their work is entered for competition). There are recognition awards, such as plaques and educational materials, for participating classes. The grand prize for each level is a native tree to be planted in the school yard.

Great Acts for Great Lakes Virtual School... online!

The online Great Lakes school is waiting to help you get started on your journey of learning and exploration.

In the school, you will find information, classroom support materials and student activities designed to help you and your students learn about the Great Lakes and the environment that surrounds us. You will find learning opportunities with tie-ins to curriculum in the arts, science and technology, language, social sciences, geography and history.

Click on to great learning and to links with other great resources at: www.on.ec.gc.ca/community/youth/