What is that big garden at your school? How do farms connect to science, technology, social studies, or health? Why do farms even matter? Join us for a free Field Class and find out! Field Classes are period-long, curriculum-linked farm programs for teachers and students at David Thompson and VanTech Secondary Schools led by trained Fresh Roots educators.
Field Classes are generally available mid-March through Mid-November. Availability may be limited in October, April, and June. Check out our current offerings and scroll down to complete a program request form. Depending on demand, we may limit bookings to one program per class per term. Want a shorter or longer program, or a topic we don’t have an existing program for? Just ask! New programs typically need to be scheduled at least 4 weeks in advance.
GRADES 8-12
Farm Tour
Suggested courses: Any
Wondering why there’s a farm at your school? Take a tour of some of the first schoolyard market gardens in Canada! Tours can be 20 minutes to 1 hour long, and focus on what Fresh Roots is and what we’re growing at your school.
GRADES 8-12
Student Team Build
Suggested Courses: Career Education 8, Physical and Health Education 8-10, Outdoor Education 11, 12
Team Builds are a chance for students (and teachers!) to get their hands really dirty helping our farmers grow Good Food for All. This program includes an introduction to Fresh Roots and the many things we do, and plenty of time to work on projects around the farm, from weeding to building. Exact projects will vary depending on the group and the needs of the farm.
GRADES 8-12
Gardens for Good
Suggested courses: ADST 8, 9; Social Justice 12; Food Studies 10, 11; Environmental Science 11, 12
Want to take your garden to the next level and give back to your community? In this workshop, we’ll look at inspiring projects from around BC, and you’ll begin to design a garden-based project that will make a difference for your neighbors and the planet. NOTE: This program does not typically provide garden space, but please reach out in early spring if you need a place to grow – we occasionally have space available for student use.
GRADES 8-9
Farming Then and Now
Suggested Courses: ADST 8, 9; Social Studies 8, 9
From the invention of crop rotation to the industrial revolution to the creation of Genetically Modified Organisms, agricultural technology is always changing. See what technologies, modern and ancient, we use on our farms to grow delicious food, and even give some of them a try!
GRADES 9-11
Reproduction on the Farm
Suggested courses: Science 9, 10; Life Sciences 11
Plants grow from seeds that develop from flowers pollinated by bees. Except when they are pollinated by wind. Or grow from runners. Or tubers. Or bulbs. Or more! Discover some of the many, many ways plants reproduce sexually and asexually on our farm.
GRADES 10-12
21st Century Farming
Suggested courses: Culinary Arts 10, Food Studies 10, Outdoor Education 11&12, Science 10; Life Science 11, Science for Citizens 11, Environmental Science 11, 12, Social Studies 10, Social Justice 12, Urban Studies 12, Human Geography 12
Climate change and biodiversity loss are major threats to our food system, and unjust labour practices in the food sector contribute to poverty and oppression in our communities, but there is a way forward! See how regenerative agriculture and projects like Fresh Roots can improve the food system by supporting both the ecosystem we are part of and the people who grow our food, and help build a truly sustainable food system!
NOTE: please let us know if you would like an ecosystem impact or human impact focus for your class. If you would like both topics covered, you will need to book two sessions.