Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

For Educators

Join the Invasive-Wise Education Program!

Our free education program includes BC curriculum-linked, K-12 lesson plans and resources to use in the classroom, at home, and outdoors in the schoolyard or local greenspaces.

We offer customized support to BC educators to help with lesson and project planning, as well as virtual class visits!  Available in English and en français!

Know Your Invasive Species!

Download our teaching cards for photos and fun facts about invasive species

Download our teaching publications including the 2023 Aquatic Invaders Activity Package

Pick Your Activities

Grade: K to 12
Duration 45 mins - 1.5 hours
Indoor / Outdoor

From Here, From Away 

Science

Using movement, active decision-making, and group collaboration, students hypothesize and learn the differences between native species (From Here) and introduced species (From Away), and those…
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Grade: 9 to 12
Duration 3 or more hours
Indoor / Outdoor

Sampling Biodiversity in the Schoolyard 

Math, Science

Students will conduct field investigations using a quadrat area study method to analyze the abundance, density, distribution, and biodiversity of plants growing in their schoolyard.…
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Grade: 1 to 7
Duration 30 mins
Indoor

Eelgrass Ecosystem – Spot the Difference 

Science

EUROPEAN GREEN CRAB LEARNING ACTIVITY  Spark students’ curiosity by analyzing some differences between a healthy B.C. coastal eelgrass ecosystem and one invaded by European green…
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Grade: K to 12
Duration 2-3 hours
Indoor / Outdoor

Painting With Invasives

Arts Education

Explore the colourful world of plants and make “nature paint” from plant pigments. Invasive plants can be safely harvested to make homemade paints for unique…
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Grade: 10 to 12
Duration 1 hour
Indoor

Mapping Biodiversity Changes 

Science

Using the community science platform, iNaturalist, students will explore species observed in their environment and research a case study of invasive rabbits. Using iNaturalist, students…
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Grade: 1 to 3
Duration 15min - 3 weeks
Indoor / Outdoor

Healthy Habitat Hero Bingo

Science

Students take part in simple actions to care for the environment and be a “Healthy Habitat Hero”. This can be an activity to do once…
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Grade: 1 to 3
Duration 1 hour
Indoor / Outdoor

The Cute and Fuzzy Invader Takeover

Science

In this activity, your students’ interest will be sparked with videos of children asking their wonder questions about invasive species. This will provoke inquiry related…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 3 or more hours
Indoor / Outdoor

Seasonal Rounds

Science, Social Studies

Explore the connections that people have with the natural world based on seasonal activities. Seasonal Rounds of some First Nations are analyzed and students create…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 2-3 hours
Indoor / Outdoor

Everything is One

Science, Social Studies

Students are introduced to the deep knowledge and connections that Indigenous people have with native species and the natural world through case studies (salmon, cedar,…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 45 mins
Outdoor

Amazing Adaptations Hunt

Science

Head outside in the schoolyard or nearby areas to look for examples of adaptations that many invasive species have that contribute to their success. This…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 1.5-2 hours
Indoor

Habitat Hit – What Happened Here?

Arts Education, Science

Analyze paired images of healthy habitats and those with invasive species (unhealthy habitats) to understand some impacts of invasive species. Then students do an art…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 30-75 mins
Indoor / Outdoor

Turtle Trouble

Math, Science

Bring Science, Physical Education and Math outdoors with this active game to learn about the essential components of a habitat and simulate how invasive species…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 1-2 hours
Indoor

Play Your Part! Healthy Habitat Challenge

Arts Education, Science

Exploring ways that they can make a difference to prevent the spread of invasive species in fun charades-like skits, students then develop an action project…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 3 or more hours
Indoor

Design an Invasive All-Star

Arts Education, Language Arts, Science

After learning about the adaptations that have contributed to the spread of some invasive species, students design their own, imaginary invasive “All-Star” and share it…
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Grade: 1 to 3
Duration 45min - 1 hour
Indoor / Outdoor

Who Dunnit?

Science

By playing a fun game of quiet observation and deduction, students learn how invasive “secret stowaways”, like Japanese beetles or insects hidden away in firewood,…
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Grade: 1 to 3
Duration 45 min
Outdoor

Be a Plant Detective

Science

Students go outdoors to be plant detectives by observing closely and gathering clues about common plants. In doing so, students develop a greater awareness about…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 45 minutes - 1.5 hours
Indoor

Why We Care About Invasive Species

Science

In this activity, students are introduced to the issues of invasive species and their impacts by participating in discussions, completing a myth-busting quiz, watching short…
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Grade: 4 to 7
Duration 45mins - 1.5 hours
Indoor / Outdoor

Stop the Spread Freeze Tag

Math, Science

In this active game of tag, students learn the importance of early detection and rapid response to stop the spread of invasive species. Explore how…
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