A set of flexible classroom resources that inspires students as they learn & design for a hope-filled future
Instead of messages of doom, FutureMakers provides students in grades 4 to 7 with the knowledge to design a thriving sustainable future. The decision-making power is put into students’ hands to inspire hope for their future and give them space to feel creative, resilient, and capable.
Why hope-based environmental education?
Research has shown that many of our youth don’t even have the tools to imagine anything but an apocalyptic future for themselves and the importance of hope, grounded in truth, in presenting complex environmental topics. Instead of starting with all of the shocking statistics, depressing facts, and stories of despair, FutureMakers helps students dream of a safe, clean, and thriving future, a future they are happy to see themselves as a part of. As psychologist Renee Lertzman argues, there is a delicate balance that must be considered between holding our conflicted feelings about the state of the future.
The FutureMakers program showcases new technology and inspiring solutions that lead the way to a sustainable future. The decision-making power is put into students’ hands to inspire hope for their future, and give them space to feel creative, resilient and capable.
What is included?
- Video lessons – Lessons start with inspiring, informative videos that introduce 5 sustainable community design topics (food, waste, water, transportation, energy). Videos also showcase examples of new technology and inspiring solutions that lead the way to a sustainable future.
- Extension buffet – If you would like to take the learning a little deeper and have time to reinforce the concepts there is a “buffet” of easy-to-use extension activities, including hands-on activities, games, and outdoor learning opportunities.
- Student planning booklet – After each video lesson, teachers give students time to record their ideas in their planning booklet, and discuss. The booklet helps guiide students through the process of designing a sustainable community of the future, with room for student notes, drawings, and reflection.
- Build time – Students design, build, and then share. Students use the ideas from their planning booklet and build connections between each topic to plan and create their whole community design. Teachers define how students will build and present their project, which can be tailored to specific classroom resources and goals. Past teachers have had success using cardboard, Lego, Minecraft Education, or posters.
- Teacher Forum – At the bottom of each lesson page, check out the Teacher Forum where you can share your experiences, read feedback and connect with other teachers in the program.
“Thank you for this incredible resource. FutureMakers was one of the best things I’ve done with students as it inspired hope, creativity, sustainable thinking, and deep learning. It was shocking how little kids knew about sustainability and community needs.” – Gr.6 Teacher, Twin Rivers Elementary
“The kids enjoyed learning about ways to positively affect the community instead of glooming and dooming about climate change which is normally how lessons about this subject matter seem to go.” – Gr.6/7 Teacher, Salmo Secondary
“This program was absolutely brilliant for inspiring projects for my students. They learned an incredible amount and the local connections were inspiring. The added elements for further learning were useful, the videos and booklets very well designed.” – Gr.6 Teacher, Twin Rivers Elementary
“I really loved the program. I like how it is easy to use and there are many relevant and meaningful ideas that we can pick and choose as we wish. I also love how it feels like it is bringing us on a journey where we explore different topics and then it is all brought together and making links between them is encouraged. It all makes so much sense.” – Gr.6/7 Teacher, Ecole Sentiers Alpins
“The lessons and website is well laid out and easy to follow. I like the layout of the student booklet and how it starts with the question “Imagine you were invited to attend an important planning meeting that gathers youth from around the world to help decide what the future will be like.” With all the current trends locally and internationally, it is a great way to start the unit and show how communities and countries can begin to tackle these important problems. Lastly, working on specific skills for group work is a valuable component of this program. The success of our future relies on our student’s abilities to work together and learn how to come up with a sustainable future now and in the future.” – Gr. 4/5 Teacher, Adam Robertson Elementary
“The lessons were really easy to use. The class found the content engaging, and the extensions offered plentiful opportunities for further exploration. I’ll be using this resource for years to come!” – Gr.5/6 Teacher, Begbie View Elementary
“It is a resource that really makes it accessible, easy to prep and use and also, and none the least, focus on positive change and how we can take actions and become leaders. It also made us think how much work is already happening in that direction and it was very educative for the children to see. We also made links with potential careers related to these sustainable ideas. The kids were really engaged in the conversations. Thank you so so much.” – Gr 6/7 Teacher, Ecole Sentiers Alpins
Wildsight Education has instilled a sense of stewardship and love for nature in students across the Columbia Basin for almost 25 years. FutureMakers provides engaging, environmental education resources for teachers beyond our physical boundaries. Proceeds from this social enterprise project will go towards expanding in-person environmental education in Canada’s Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions.