Green Schools Nova Scotia

Emma and Tao are excited to kick the day off with our new Green Careers Activity!

Hey BIJ Youth! We're partnering up with Efficiency Nova Scotia to bring a program that explores career possibilities and introduces green career options to high school students.

During this day-long program, high school students are invited to spend the day with EfficiencyOne representatives and are engaged through hands-on learning with Efficiency Preferred Partners, staff, and faculty.

Open to Black high school students!

Thursday, November 21, 2024
10:00AM - 3:00PM
NSCC Ivany Campus

FREE EVENT! Registration includes lunch. If you require transportation assistance please contact us directly.

Link to register: https://forms.gle/cRiaSsttJMSr1nki6

🎉 Our latest Little Futures podcast is out now! Perfect for younger listeners, Emma chats with Hannah Minzloff from the Ecology Action Centre about making homes more comfy through energy efficiency. Plus, discover how to create a “net zero smoothie”! 🥤🌎

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4R0RT5VTwoMBXr9tshSZgT?si=0RjTwsNuR2OTy6mYlhHP9w

Want to dive deeper? Check out the full version of the interview with more details for curious minds here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sNnz1jZ3ZbDYr5HCAZcIF?si=b1db5d5781ca4227

Efficiency Nova Scotia

When our EO Katie M was just about to leave St. Andrew Junior School, a student, handed Katie this sweet note! The class loved the “Acting Out Climate Change” activity - Katie started by telling the class they were going to be actors and needed to give “Oscar worthy” performances. They had so much fun with it!

We are excited to be participating in AST PD day activities at both Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park and Halifax West High today! 🎉 It’s a great opportunity to connect with educators and share new ideas for a greener future! 🌿

EO Katie is noticing a trend lots of schools that have idle free zones signs posted! Great job green heroes 👏 👍 🙌 👌 💚💚💚

📚✨ Exciting new presentations from Green Schools NS! 🌿 We’re thrilled to share our latest sessions that blend fun, learning, and energy-saving practices for students of all ages:

- Yoga Routine for Grades P-2: Move, stretch, and learn about electricity in a playful way! 🧘‍♂️
- Energy Use & Our Climate (Grades 2-9): Dive into hands-on activities and discover how energy impacts our climate. 🌍
- Net-Zero Home Design Challenge: Work in teams to design a net-zero house in a fun escape room-style game! 🏠

Sign-Up now by emailing [email protected]!

We may be called Green Schools, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love the beautiful red, orange, and yellow colours of nature at this time of year! Our bilingual EO Jonah has truly enjoyed getting to see all the amazing colours the HRM has to offer as he visited schools from downtown Halifax to Herring Cove this week. 🍂🍁🍃

Green Schools NS will be bringing an exciting new presentation to the event!

It’s ! This week, we’re excited to introduce Katie MacDougall, one of our new Green Schools Engagement Officers! Katie brings her experience as a teacher and passion for the environment to the team. Outside of work, she enjoys local trivia nights, golfing, and exploring beautiful Cape Breton with her partner and their dog. We’re thrilled to have her on board! 🌿🐾

🎃 Get spooky and save energy this Halloween! 👻 On October 30th & 31st, join our special 15-minute Phantom Power virtual engagement and learn how to stop energy waste at home and in your classroom. With fun movements and Halloween spirit, it’s an interactive way to celebrate and save energy! ⚡ Sign up now! [https://forms.gle/KvpzctzYkxPHBKEd6] 🎃
Efficiency Nova Scotia

Green Schools NS will be bringing an exciting new presentation to the event! This updated version is packed with hands-on activities and movement-based learning to get students out of their seats and fully engaged. We’ll explore energy use and its impact on climate through thought-provoking discussions and interactive activities. 🌍🔋⚡

Register now for the Environmental Education Teacher's Conference! A part of the Association of Science Teachers (AST) and Nova Scotia Teachers Union PD Day on October 25th.

The conference is just a few weeks away and we're excited to share our growing list of presenters! There's something for every grade level!

Including presentations with Ducks Unlimited Canada - Atlantic, Green Schools Nova Scotia, Clean Foundation, Nature Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Young Naturalists Club, Nova Scotia (Department of Natural Resources and Renewables), and information tables from many more!

To register for the Environmental Education conference- register through the AST- NSTU website (https://nstu.ca/nstu-members/professional-development/professional-associations/pa-conferences/pa-conferences-2024) and select "Environmental Education PD Day at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park" as your full day selection.

We are also hosting a PD Day Camp for youth ages 7-12- so both teachers and students can learn! This camp will be hosted separately- for more information and to register, visit: https://ducks.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=697

Tomorrow is Teacher’s Day! 🌟 Let’s take a moment to thank the amazing educators who inspire and guide students every day. We’re so grateful for the teachers we work with through Green Schools NS, helping bring energy efficiency and sustainability to the classroom! 💚

A new pilot program has launched in the following African Nova Scotian communities:

Preston Township: North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook and Lake Loon

Guysborough County: Sunnyville, Lincolnville and Upper Big Tracadie

All other African Nova Scotian communities outside of these Pilot areas are encouraged to reach out with an interest for a similar program in the future. We value your recommendations and feedback to better meet the needs of your community.

Curious about how energy efficiency can benefit you? Contact us for information on this program and support with your application process.

Visit efficiencyns.ca to learn more or email [email protected]. For general inquiries, please call 1-877-999-6035 and reference ANSC.

Green Schools NS will be bringing an exciting new presentation to the event! This updated version is packed with hands-on activities and movement-based learning to get students out of their seats and fully engaged. We’ll explore energy use and its impact on climate through thought-provoking discussions and interactive activities. 🌍🔋⚡

ATTENTION ALL TEACHERS! 👨‍🎓📚
(If you aren't a teacher, share this with a friend who is! Trust us, they're going to want to see this!)
((Registration information at the bottom of the post!))

The Nova Scotia Environmental Network is back again with the Environmental Education Conference -a part of the Association of Science Teachers & Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union PD Day on October 25th, 2024!

This day is for teachers to gain a better understanding of the different environmental organizations and resources that are available to them across Nova Scotia, allowing them to foster environmentally focused education that links with curriculum for all grades.

Presenters for the day include Green Schools Nova Scotia, Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, Ducks Unlimited Canada - Atlantic, Clean Foundation, Nova Scotia Young Naturalists Club, Nature Nova Scotia and more!

Sessions will cover important topics such as climate change, biodiversity, sustainability, netukulimk, energy efficiency, forest conservation, species at risk, and so much more. They will provide educational programming and activities that are available to a wide grade range, from Primary to Grade 12 level.

During the day you can also choose to get a guided tour of the Wildlife park itself!

This informative and impactful conference leaves teachers who attend feeling supported and ready to face the school year while incorporating the readily available supports and resources that they learn about on this day.

To register for the Environmental Education conference- register through the AST- NSTU website (https://nstu.ca/nstu-members/professional-development/professional-associations/pa-conferences/pa-conferences-2024/ast-2024) and select "Environmental Education PD Day at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park" as your selection.

And new this year- the Wildlife Park will also be hosting a Day Camp for youth ages 7- 12 during the day. Priority registration goes to teachers and presenters attending the conference!

The cost for the Day Camp is $40 for the day and hours are from 8:30-4:00. Campers will be led by the Interpreters at the Wildlife Park throughhands-on activities exploring wildlife and wetlands.
Registration info for camp will be sent to those who have registered to the conference, OR you can email [email protected] for the link once you register.

It’s again! 🎉 Meet Katie, our returning Engagement Officer! 🌿 With a degree in Agriculture and a love for nature, she brings passion to everything she does. When she’s not engaging with students, you’ll find her exploring Nova Scotia, hiking with her husband, or spending time with her two horses 🐴. We’re thrilled to have her back on the team! 💚

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to reflect, listen, and take meaningful steps toward understanding and reconciliation.

It’s ! 🌿 Meet Emma, our Green Careers Specialist at Green Schools. She’s passionate about connecting students to opportunities in the growing green sector and loves sharing ways to make a positive impact. When she’s not helping schools go green, Emma enjoys rock climbing, dancing, and spending time with her two cats. 🐾

🌍🎙️ New Podcast Episode! 🎙️🌍

Emily Wood from Mind Your Plastic shares simple tips for cutting down plastic in our everyday lives and explains circular economy—what it means and why it’s the key to reducing plastic waste! ♻️ Plus, hear why it’s so important for students to speak up and push for a future without waste!

Tune in now to learn how we can all help create a cleaner, greener future. 🌿
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/green-schools-ns/episodes/Emily-Wood---Minding-Your-Plastic--Making-Change-e2ojfsd

We’re thrilled to have Hannah Minzloff from the Ecology Action Centre on our latest podcast episode! 🌿🎙️ Join us as we explore her impactful work in energy efficiency and how she saves energy in her own home! Tune in to Spotify to learn how we can all make a difference! 🌍✨
Listen now at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/green-schools-ns/episodes/Hannah-Minzloff---Energy-Efficiency-Coordinator-at-the-Ecology-Action-Centre-e2o6be2/a-abh405f

Happy Labour Day weekend! 🌿 Our office will be closed on September 2nd to give our team a well-deserved break and time to enjoy with their families. We will be back on September 3rd, ready to connect and help you. Enjoy the long weekend!

🚀 We’re hiring! Green Schools NS is looking for a passionate Engagement Officer for the North East Nova Scotia region! If you’re enthusiastic about energy efficiency and engaging with the youth, this could be the perfect role for you. 🌱✨

For more details and to apply, please visit our website.

🌟 Ready for a greener school year, Green Heroes? 🌟

Here are some simple yet powerful energy-saving tips to kick off your back-to-school routine:

1. Walk or bike to school 🌿 – It’s eco-friendly and great exercise!
2. Unplug electronics 🔌 – Save energy by disconnecting devices when not in use.
3. Use reusable lunch containers 🍱 – Reduce waste and keep your lunch fresh.
4. Reduce car idling 🚗 – Turn off the engine when waiting to pick up friends.
5. Lower the thermostat 🌡️ – Save energy when no one’s home.

What are your favorite energy-saving habits? Share in the comments below! 💬

As summer comes to an end, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the energy-saving habits we’ve adopted over the sunny months. Did you find new ways to save energy while keeping cool? Maybe you used natural light more often or made the switch to energy-efficient appliances? 🌞💡

Share your favorite summer energy-saving tips with us in the comments! Let’s keep these green habits going strong as we move into the cooler months. Every small step helps our planet! 🌍🍂

🌞 Summer is ending, and a new school year is just around the corner! At Green Schools Nova Scotia, we’re gearing up to welcome everyone back with exciting presentations and activities. We can’t wait to support students and teachers in making this year greener. From "Getting Started with Energy" to "Green Careers," we’re ready to inspire your energy-saving journey. Let’s make this year impactful for our environment and future! 💚🎒