Diversifying virtual learning and teaching engagements at Bloedel Conservatory for K-7 classrooms.

The Bloedel Conservatory virtual and blended field trip experience was created to address learning and accessibility challenges during the COVID pandemic to give K-7 students and teachers an opportunity to learn about non-native plants through a biocultural diversity lens. In addition, to addressing potential accessibility challenges to the garden, the virtual field trip may provide a means for classrooms outside of the Lower Mainland to experience the garden. The virtual field trip trip experience aims to:
? Provide and engaging and enrich way to teach scientific content,
? Foster technical and media fluency
? Foster critical and spatial thinking through maps and publicly available 3D images
? Foster communication skills through digital, storytelling, movement, written, and oral
? Support collaboration, co-creation, and connection between academia, community, and classrooms across the globe, and
? Access to learning about the conservatory for classrooms outside the Lower Mainland.

Following a successful pilot, and beta test of the virtual and blended field trips to Bloedel Conservatory this proposal seeks to more formally understand and further expand and improve these virtual experiences to include relationships with other international botanical gardens and environmental and science educational organizations. More specifically, this project seeks to improve and enhance on current experiences by connecting with international partners to collaboratively build learning experiences to create a deeper understanding and connection to plants and the planet. This proposal closely aligns with Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association’s current strategic plan and transformative goals (https://bit.ly/3kXZKVl).

Faculty Supervisor:

David Zandvliet

Student:

Partner:

Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Arts, entertainment and recreation

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: