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Grades 7-9

The 35th annual Mayor’s Environment Expo will run virtually June 3-6, 2024 and in-person June 4 to 5, 2024.

See the listings for this grade range below. In-person sessions are on the left and virtual sessions are on the right.

Download the 2024 Teacher’s Manual for detailed information about both the virtual and in-person Expo. Join the mailing list to receive updates and registration information. 

Have questions about the Mayor’s Environment Expo? Contact expo@calgary.ca

Don’t forget to complete the event registration form

Although the Expo is free and open to everyone, we request teachers register to ensure space in workshops and for security purposes. 

The deadline for in-person registration is May 27, 2024. You can register for virtual events right up until the start of each session.

In-person

Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE)

Green Careers for Youth

ACEE's Green Careers for Youth program connects students with green industry volunteers for a presentation that will inspire and inform students about careers related to sustainability and the environment!

Suitable for Grades 8 - 12

Session 1: In person, Wednesday June 5, 2024, 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Session 2: In person, Wednesday June 5, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

The Arusha Centre

Pedal Powering Our World

This program will run continuously in the Learning Commons. Register, then participate at a time that is convenient for your group!

Explore the wonderful world of energy! Students will generate electricity on stationary bikes to experience the effort needed to power varied lights, sound systems, and appliances. This experiential learning opportunity allows students to learn about renewable sources of electricity in Alberta, and to appreciate that energy is precious and must be conserved. This workshop also uses music to connect participants with curriculum concepts of energy transformations, active transportation, renewables, climate change, energy efficiency, and other STEM topics. These sessions allow students to get some exercise while better understanding how energy is produced, the importance of conserving energy and innovating energy systems, and real life solutions to current energy and climate concerns.

Suitable for Grades 3 - 9

Calgary District Heating Inc.

Tour the District Energy Centre!

PPE will be provided onsite.

Join Calgary District Heating Inc. for a guided behind-the-scenes tour of how they generate and distribute thermal energy and electricity in a reliable and sustainable way to heat buildings in the East Village and Downtown Core. Situated on the corner of 9th Ave and 4th St SE in the East Village, the District Energy Centre is the heart of an energy network that consists of over 6,000 metres of underground insulated pipes bringing centralized heating to nearly 6 million square feet of space across downtown. District energy allows for an entire district or community to be heated from one central location, resulting in greater efficiency and fewer emissions than conventional heating systems. 

Students attending a tour will have the opportunity to learn about how thermal energy, in the form of hot water, moves through downtown Calgary, what is being done to become more efficient and lower the carbon footprint of the community, and what technologies are used today and into the future to be more environmentally responsible when heating and powering our homes and businesses. District energy demonstrates an energy transition away from fossil fuels and the utilization of Solar PV, sewer heat recovery, and hydrogen to lower the carbon footprint of our communities for generations to come.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 7

Calgary Stampede

Journey 2050: Sustainable Agriculture Adventure

Join us on a sustainability-focused choose-your-own-adventure session to see if you are economically, socially, or environmentally driven. Work together to see the ripple effect of your choices, and how you can move us all towards a more sustainable future!

Suitable for Grades 4 - 7

Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society

Meet a Marmot!

Meet Calgary Wildlife's resident Hoary Marmot! Get an introduction to wildlife rehabilitation and common challenges wildlife face in our urban environment. Learn about burrowing, hibernating, ecosystem connections and the urban dangers as they relate to hoary marmots! Finish the presentation with a brief visit from our live-animal ambassador, Marmalade (a hoary marmot)!

Suitable for Grades K - 9

Calgary Region Airshed Zone

Breathing Easy: Understanding and Improving Air Quality

Join an Air Quality Scientist and learn about the importance of air quality for human health and the environment. What is air quality, what are the health impacts of poor air quality, how do we monitor the air quality, and what can we do to help?

This will be an interactive presentation where students can ask questions and engage in discussion about air quality-related topics.

Suitable for Grades 5+

CPAWS Southern Alberta & Thimbleberry Learning

Mindful Nature Moments

This program will occur outside. Please dress for the weather.

When the hustle and bustle of downtown gets you feeling rushed, come unwind under the shade of a Schubert Chokecherry or stretch out on the lawn at Olympic Plaza. CPAWS is teaming up with Thimbleberry Learning to bring you a well-deserved chance to slow down and connect to the natural world. These Mindful Nature Moments will combine active movement, sensory exploration, and present-moment awareness in a fun and accessible way. Don’t leave Expo without treating yourself and your students to the gift of mindful connection in nature!

Suitable for Grades K - 12

City of Calgary – Recreation and Social Programs

Mobile Adventure Playground!

This program will occur outside. Please dress for the weather.

Join us for a self-directed outdoor play experience that uses loose parts and natural materials to inspire active and creative play, and connect people young and old. Play spaces have been chosen to meet the needs of creative, imaginative, nature-based and self-directed play that are vital to children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Play ambassadors will be onsite to inspire play and pique imaginations!

Suitable for Grades K - 9

City of Calgary – Waste and Recycling Services

Quest for the Best: Unlocking the Ultimate Waste-Free Lunch

Does your class have what it takes to unlock the secrets to the ultimate waste-free lunch before time runs out? Through this interactive escape room, students will compete to complete a series of skill-testing challenges on lunch waste and ways that they can take matters into their own hands to unlock the ultimate lunch.

Suitable for Grades 7 - 9

Cochrane Ecological Institute

Becoming an Urgent Optimist

The goal of this workshop, Becoming an Urgent Optimist, is to help students develop a deeper connection to the natural world, and to help them recognize that they have a voice and a sense of purpose. By the end of the session, student will feel empowered to become environmental leaders who can make a difference in their community.

Suitable for Grades 5 - 9

Elements Society

EcoCooks Food Waste: Save Food, Save the Planet!

Did you know that 1/3 of the food that the world produces is wasted? Come join EcoCooks educators to learn why this is such a problem for our planet and more importantly, how you can help. Whether it’s at home, school, or out in the community, there are many ways we can reduce, reuse and recycle our food waste and live more sustainably!

Suitable for Grades 7 - 12

Gasonic Group

The Air We Breathe – Exploring Clean Air Adventures

In this dynamic workshop, kids will embark on an exciting exploration of air quality with live demonstrations of cutting-edge instruments used to measure key pollutants in the air. Watch in awe as our electronic canary reacts to changes in air quality, dropping down when pollution levels rise!

But the adventure doesn't stop there! We'll delve into the often-overlooked issue of indoor air pollution in Canada, uncovering how attached garages in many homes can inadvertently bring harmful pollutants indoors. Plus, learn how the type of vehicle we drive, whether it's a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric car, can significantly impact air quality. A zero pollution electric vehicle will be displayed in the lobby.

Through engaging demonstrations and eye-opening discussions, kids will leave empowered with knowledge and practical solutions for promoting cleaner air in their communities. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey towards a breath of fresh air!"

Suitable for Grades 5 - 9

Inside Education

Finding Home on the Range: Alberta Wildlife and Sustainable Agriculture

Get your buzzers ready for Inside Education's grasslands game show where students will test their knowledge on Alberta's grasslands, the plants and animals that live there and agriculture in the region. This interactive presentation will also include an immersive game on habitat and how innovations are helping wildlife.

Suitable for Grades 6 - 9

Living Soil Solutions

The Soil Food Web: What Critters Are in There?

What?! Is there a bug in there? There may be, and so much more. Learn about the interactions of all the critters in the living soil that we can see with our eyes, and the ones we cannot. Students will learn about the impact these critters have on the soil, plants, and even ourselves!

Suitable for Grades 5 - 8

In person, Tuesday June 4, 2024, 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

MFC Olympics

Generate Electricity with Soil Microbes from Your Backyard!

With the MFC Olympics workshop, action begins with an immersive introduction to microbes and Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) fundamentals. In small teams, students then construct a working MFC, with soil from backyards in Calgary. After the workshop, the teams keep their MFC, which should produce enough electricity to power a blinking LED within weeks! For six weeks, teams can interact with the workshop facilitators through weekly online meetings and post their power readings on the MFC Olympics website.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 9

Parks Canada

Wildlife Rules!

Parks Canada's Mountain WIT is back with a celebration of the animals that make Banff National Park such a special place. Their hilarious and catchy tunes will have you singing along while you discover how we can help our furry friends to stay wild and survive.

Suitable for Grades 3 - 9

Soil 2 Soul

Healthy Earth, Happy Me: The Wonderful Connection Between Nature’s Secrets and Our Well-being!

Embark on a sustainable living journey with "Healthy Earth, Happy Me." This presentation explores three pillars shaping our food system's future. Discover the impact of regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming, addressing both nutritious crops and planetary health. Dive into food waste solutions, focusing on the power of composting for a more sustainable lifestyle. Uncover the microbiome's role in personal and environmental well-being, understanding the balance between humans and the environment. Gain insights to empower you for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. "Healthy Earth, Happy Me" is your gateway to a thriving future for both the planet and its inhabitants.

Suitable for Grades 7 - 12

Walter MacDonald White Bear

Wheel of Life

Please join Walter MacDonald White Bear, Cree singer-songwriter, educator, motivational speaker, and traditional knowledge keeper, as he delivers his workshop in a highly theatrical and educational style. Complete with instruments such as The Native American Courting Flute as well as the Hand Drum, Walter will share traditional songs as well as contemporary music performed on the acoustic guitar. Walter will explain and share traditional knowledge that has been passed down from Elders. The presentation will be shared in a manner that will be enjoyed by teachers and students alike, with a unique cultural perspective on the environment and Mother Earth.

Suitable for Grades 1 - 9

Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society

Darken the Sky – Lights Out for the Nocturnal World

This workshop is an exploration of the ecological importance of the nighttime world for wild animals and plants and the importance of dark skies for healthy nocturnal environments. Discover the night life in Calgary parks with photos taken through a citizen science project called Calgary Captured, and how we can coexist with our wildlife neighbours. Learn about different kinds of light, the biological impacts of light pollution and how your action can help all living things. Students will walk away with an understanding of the importance of dark skies.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 9

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Mission Climate Action

This workshop delves deep into the scientific principles behind climate change. Through interactive stations and data analysis exercises, participants will not only gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of carbon in the climate system but also explore the cutting-edge solutions that can shape a sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Suitable for Grades 7 - 12

Wild Soul Holistic Coaching

Foodie Explorers: Knowing Where Food Grows!

Embark on a lively adventure with our "Foodie Explorers: Knowing Where Food Grows!" workshop crafted for curious young minds. In this brief yet engaging session, students will unravel the secrets of where their favorite foods come from. We'll explore the journey of food from seed to plate, fostering a deeper connection to nature and the delicious world of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Join us for a short and sweet exploration that will leave a lasting impression!

Suitable for Grades 7 - 9

Virtual sessions

Opening Ceremony - The City of Calgary

Opening Ceremony – 35th Annual Mayor’s Environment Expo

Join Mayor Gondek as she kicks off our 35th annual Mayor's Environment Expo. She will share her passion for climate action and environmental stewardship while welcoming students and teachers to join The City in its climate and environment initiatives through Environment Expo sessions, exhibitors and programming. EcoSchools Canada's delivery partner, the Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE), will then announce and celebrate the EcoSchools in Alberta that have achieved certification this year.

Suitable for Grades K - 12

Virtual, Monday June 3, 2024, 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE)

Green Careers for Youth

ACEE's Green Careers for Youth program connects students with green industry volunteers for a presentation that will inspire and inform students about careers related to sustainability and the environment!

Suitable for Grades 8 - 12

Virtual, Thursday June 6, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Break the Divide

Climate Emotions and Community Connections

This workshop offers a deep dive into the intersection of environmental challenges and mental health, providing students with both insights and practical tools to navigate these complexities. By delving into personal reflections and shared experiences, students will gain a deeper understanding of their own climate emotions and how these feelings intersect with broader environmental issues. 

From mindfulness techniques to creative outlets, attendees will discover a range of practices to foster emotional resilience and cultivate a sense of empowerment in addressing climate-related concerns. At the heart of our workshop lies the Break The Divide approach, which emphasizes the power of community connections in fostering collective resilience and action. Students will explore how shared experiences and mutual support can serve as powerful catalysts for positive change in their local and global communities.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 12

Virtual, Tuesday June 4, 2024, 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.


Émotions climatiques et liens avec la communauté - Français

Dans le monde d'aujourd'hui, il est essentiel pour les étudiants de comprendre les dimensions émotionnelles du changement climatique. Notre séminaire, "Emotions climatiques et liens avec la communauté", propose une plongée en profondeur dans l'intersection des défis environnementaux et de la santé mentale, fournissant aux étudiants à la fois des idées et des outils pratiques pour naviguer dans ces complexités.

À travers des discussions engageantes et des activités interactives, les participants exploreront les impacts émotionnels profonds du changement climatique, allant de l'anxiété et du désespoir à la résilience et à l'espoir. En se plongeant dans des réflexions personnelles et des expériences partagées, les étudiants acquerront une meilleure compréhension de leurs propres émotions liées au climat et de la manière dont ces sentiments s'entrecroisent avec des questions environnementales plus larges.

En outre, notre atelier dotera les étudiants de stratégies concrètes pour gérer leurs émotions liées au climat, en soulignant l'importance de l'autonomie et du bien-être face à l'incertitude. Des techniques de pleine conscience aux moyens créatifs, les participants découvriront un éventail de pratiques visant à favoriser la résilience émotionnelle et à cultiver un sentiment d'autonomie dans la gestion des problèmes liés au climat.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 12

Virtual, Tuesday June 4, 2024, 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Calgary Region Airshed Zone

Breathing Easy: Understanding and Improving Air Quality

Join an Air Quality Scientist and learn about the importance of air quality for human health and the environment. What is air quality, what are the health impacts of poor air quality, how do we monitor the air quality, and what can we do to help?

This will be an interactive presentation where students can ask questions and engage in discussion about air quality-related topics.!

Suitable for Grades 5+

Virtual, Tuesday June 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Elements Society

EcoCooks Food Waste: Save Food, Save the Planet!

Did you know that 1/3 of the food that the world produces is wasted? Come join EcoCooks educators to learn why this is such a problem for our planet and more importantly, how you can help. Whether it’s at home, school, or out in the community, there are many ways we can reduce, reuse and recycle our food waste and live more sustainably!

Suitable for Grades 7 - 12

Virtual, Thursday June 6, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Living Soil Solutions

The Soil Food Web: What Critters Are in There?

What?! Is there a bug in there? There may be, and so much more. Learn about the interactions of all the critters in the living soil that we can see with our eyes, and the ones we cannot. Students will learn about the impact these critters have on the soil, plants, and even ourselves!

Suitable for Grades 5 - 8

Virtual, Wednesday June 5, 2024, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Parks Canada

A Livestream from a Live Stream

How do you bring a river back to life when it has been a ghost of its former self for almost a century? See how Parks Canada is restoring Cascade Creek in Banff National Park through engineering, biology, and a bit of help from Mother Nature.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 9

Virtual, Monday June 3, 2024, 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Solar Alberta

Solar 101 in Alberta

The sun’s radiant energy can be used to provide lighting and heat for buildings and to produce electricity. It is a renewable resource and unique for its ability to generate energy in a quiet, clean, and consistent manner. In this presentation, we will review how rooftop solar installations typically work in Alberta, the growth of the solar industry, emerging trends in the industry, and how to get involved with solar energy.

Suitable for Grades 6 - 12

Virtual, Wednesday June 5, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Wild Soul Holistic Coaching

Foodie Explorers: Knowing Where Food Grows!

Embark on a lively adventure with our "Foodie Explorers: Knowing Where Food Grows!" workshop crafted for curious young minds. In this brief yet engaging session, students will unravel the secrets of where their favorite foods come from. We'll explore the journey of food from seed to plate, fostering a deeper connection to nature and the delicious world of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Join us for a short and sweet exploration that will leave a lasting impression!

Suitable for Grades 7 - 9

Virtual, Monday June 3, 2024, 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

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