Environmental Education

https://www.ducks.ca/resources/educators/ 

Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves and restores wetlands and habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife. The educational tab features lesson plans and case studies for educators and an abundance of student resources includes field books and paper animal models. 

A learning activity that could incorporate music education with an environmental focus is to have students read and review the “Wetlands to the Rescue” lesson powerpoint. There is an option for teachers to review The “Climate Change Conundrum” activity found on the website with students too. 

Then students can go on a “bioacoustics” nature walk to a local wetland or conservatory.  Students will use their phones or other recording technology to record sounds from the ecosystem (wildlife, water, human interaction). They can make sketches and/or take photographs of the environment. When students return to the classroom, they will complete a self-reflection journal entry on what they observed on their nature walk. 

The musical activity will consist of students incorporating their voice note recordings into a soundscapes composition. They can use a pre-existing piece of music and/or record additional layers using their instruments, voices, body percussion etc. inspired by the sounds they collected. Students can peer-review each other’s work and present the composition in a style that is suitable for them. (Handing it in directly to the teacher, presenting in small groups, presenting to the class). 

Toronto, February 2025