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Grades 4 - 6

The 34th annual Mayor's Environment Expo will run virtually June 5 to 8, 2023 and in-person June 6 to 7, 2023.

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

Download the 2023 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 29, 2023. You can register for virtual events right up until the start of each session.

In-person

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas

Conservation K9 and Aquatic Invasive Species

Come and meet Diesel, one of Alberta Environment and Protected Areas’ Conservation K9's, and learn about aquatic invasive species while inspecting a shoreline. Watch the Conservation K9 in action and learn how they use their nose to help protect Alberta’s waterways!

Suitable for Grades 2-8

Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Making Change Through EcoSchools

Learn about how your school can become an EcoSchool by engaging students in curriculum-linked, environmental and climate action through a choice of over 50 actions, including schoolyard greening, water and energy conservation, active transportation, and waste reduction - most of which are also climate solutions. We will also demonstrate how EcoSchools’ powerful and fully bilingual on-line platform allows you to create a customized action plan for your school, track your progress, and measure the impact of your actions. Join us to learn about the many benefits of being part of the growing EcoSchools Canada in Alberta sustainability movement. Best of all, EcoSchools is free for all publicly funded schools. This is one invitation you won’t want to miss!

Suitable for Grades 4 - 6

Raising Youth Voice - On Environment & Energy Education

Join the Alberta Council for Environmental Education as we explore the significance of energy, environmental and climate change education in schools, specifically its presence in the Alberta Education curriculum.  The current curriculum does little to equip students for a future living with climate change, and the new pilot curriculum is only marginally improved. Evidence from anonymous polling indicates that Albertan students wish to see more environmental and climate change information incorporated into their education in order to better equip them for a future living with climate change.

Suitable for Grades 6 - 9

Arusha Centre Climate Program

Pedal Power for the People!

Explore the wonderful world of energy! Students 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 4 - 9

Calgary District Heating Inc.

Tour of District Energy Centre

Join Calgary District Heating Inc. for a guided tour with a behind-the-scenes look at 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 Emergency Management Agency

Emergency Preparedness for Extreme Weather

Weather related events are intensifying due to climate change. These events include: tornadoes, floods, drought, extreme heat, winter storms and summer storms. There are actions you can take to keep yourself, your family and your community safe! In this workshop students will analyze different disaster hazards and their connection to climate change, learn various actions they can take to increase their safety and discover ways they can share the important message of emergency preparedness. Through hands-on activities, students will be equipped with the knowledge, awareness and skills allowing them feel confident and prepared for disasters and emergencies in Calgary.  

Suitable for Grades 4 - 6

Calgary Region Airshed Zone

How Do You Impact Air Quality?

Join an Air Quality Scientist and learn about how air quality affects us and how our actions affect air quality.  Why do we care about the air, how do we measure air pollution, and how can students protect the air quality for their future?  How can we change our habits to protect our air?  The in-person presentations include a smoke sensor demonstration and will be discussing all things air quality!

Suitable for Grades 5-9

Calgary Stampede

Journey 2050: Sustainable Agriculture Adventure

This workshop is a choose your own adventure session where students will work together to sustainably feed a world population of 10 billion by the year 2050. Journey 2050 is a curriculum-based school program that takes students on a virtual simulation, where they will make choices to try and balance environmental, social and economic factors in their communities, while growing enough food to feed the world!

Suitable for Grades 4 - 9

Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society

Meet Our Great Horned Owl, Ophelia!

Calgary Wildlife brings education owl Ophelia, whose wing injury prevented her from being released to the wild. This is an opportunity to see and learn about

Great Horned Owls up close and personal, as they are one of our common but rarely seen urban neighbours, an apex nighttime predator, and the official bird of Alberta.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 9


Wild Wise: Built to Build (Beavers)

This program invites elementary-aged students to consider beaver adaptations, beaver diet, habitat and behaviour. Built to Build engages through a beaver rap, beaver sounds, and beaver visuals to step into the paws of a beaver. Let’s get Wild Wise and reduce human-wildlife conflict!

Suitable for Grades 1 - 6

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - Southern Alberta

Climate Game Changers Unite!

With hope, everything is possible, especially climate solutions. Join CPAWS Southern Alberta and gain real-world, eco-insight into local climate impacts, nature-based climate solutions and - most importantly - how seemingly small actions make possible the biggest climate breakthroughs. Hope lives here.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 9


Go Go Water Rangers!

Learn about the importance of water, wetlands and watersheds by taking a virtual journey down the Bow River. Along the way, you will meet many wetland friends that teach us what is happening to our local waterways. Learn how you can help our wetland friends by becoming a Water Ranger today!

Suitable for Grades 4 - 5


Wild Wellness - It's in YOUR Nature

This event is outside

Do you ever wonder why the world just feels better when you are outside? Spending time in nature, or Vitamin N, makes us breathe, think, and feel better; but don’t take our word for it. Join CPAWS Southern Alberta for a dose of nature play and mindfulness, and let Mother Nature convince you!

Suitable for Grades K - 9

City of Calgary/Waste and Recycling Services

DIY Repurposed Crafts

Do you ever wonder about how you can take an old material and turn it into something new? Calgarians are concerned about the amount of waste we generate in our everyday activities. Join us for a DIY workshop to repurpose recyclable materials and turn them into something fun!

Suitable for Grades 3 - 4

Elbow River Watershed Partnership Society

Paint a Watershed!

Explore how bodies of water are an expression of the landscape. Following a curriculum focused discussion, students will create their own watershed simulations, with art supplies! Discover how water, the greatest solvent, reaches all areas of a landscape and drains to the lowest point, while carrying materials like sediment, nutrients, and contaminants.

All art and cleaning supplies will be provided. Students should not wear their favorite clothing in case they get (washable) paint on them.

Suitable for Grades 2 - 5

Environmental Education, Recreation and Social Programs

Experience the Mobile Adventure Playground

This event is outside

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

Ever Active Schools

Students as Change Makers for Active and Safe Routes to School

Do you have a passion for active living and want to inspire positive change in your community? Learn how students just like you can make a difference. Discover ways to encourage others to become more active and less sedentary by walking, biking or wheeling for school and local trips. Together, we will explore the impacts that our choices for transportation have on our physical and social environments and learn how encouraging active travel can bring about positive change. Guided by the Comprehensive School Health framework, you will walk away with an action plan and learn how to engage your community by assembling your team, identifying priority issues and celebrating your successes.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 8

Evergreen Theatre

Evergreen Theatre Presents: "The Wicked Witch of the Wetlands"

Evergreen Theatre's "Wicked Witch of the Wetlands" is a 50-minute musical theatre show presented by 2 professional actors that is focused on the importance of wetlands and the Water Nexus. Our theatrical performances engage children from Grades K-6, with opportunities for student volunteers to perform with us on stage. Our shows feature curriculum-based scripts, exciting sets, props, and costumes - and popular music based on hits that kids and teachers love!

Suitable for Grades 1 - 6

Green Calgary

Worms Love Leftovers! Reducing Food Waste

Meet, touch and hold a bin full of vermicomposting worms! Learn about food waste, ways we can reduce our impact, and how worms can turn our food waste into valuable compost.

Suitable for Grades 1 - 6

Green Calgary & CPAWS Southern Alberta

Take Environmental Action with Citizen Science

Take part in hands-on citizen science activities and contribute to real-world science! Discover the amazing animals in your school yard and around your home, and submit your sightings to help scientists with their work. Through games and hands-on activities, we will learn what citizen science is and how we can take part!

Suitable for Grades 3 - 9

Highfield Regenerative Farm

Poop Class

Poop Class with Highfield Regenerative Farm connects the need for soil health to the health of our food, and to the health of our bodies. It all starts in the soil, and we will explore the soil food web starting with worm poop and follow the food journey all the way to planting your own seed in a pot made of cow poop. 

Suitable for Grades 1 - 9

Inside Education

The Wonderful World of Wetlands

Come on down and join us in this high energy wetlands program, where your students will test their knowledge, learn why some animals belong in a wetland and some don’t, and maybe even share their best duck impressions!  This session closely aligns with the grade 5 science curriculum, covering the values of wetlands, the types of wetlands in Alberta, components of a wetland ecosystem, animal adaptations, and wetland stewardship in a changing climate.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 6

Living Soil Solutions

Worms at Work

Get up close and personal with these hardworking squiggly wriggly critters. Students will learn the difference between dirt and soil and its importance to all humans, diving into how worms are used for composting, and all the things the worms need from us to provide them with a comfortable home.

Suitable for Grades K - 4


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 - 9

Nature Calgary (Calgary Field Naturalists' Society)

Backyard Bird Sounds: Come Hoot, Chirp, Cheep and Drum

Birds are noisy! Let’s get noisy with them! Students will learn to describe bird sounds using words, phrases, and pictures. Students will have the chance to get noisy and make hoots, honks, chirps, cheeps, squawks, quacks, and drums using their lung power, whistles, and found objects. We will also play a few games to get students ready to get outside and know who’s making all those wonderful sounds, and why! By then end of the presentation, students will be able to describe and remember local bird sounds, and learn why birds make different sounds.

Suitable for Grades 3 - 6

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 2 - 9

Thimbleberry Learning

Stories in the Plaza

This event is outside

Stories in the Plaza invites children to step outside and find delight in the ordinary, wonderful ways nature's stories unfold, wherever they are. This program follows the adventures of our puppet, Gary the Goose, and will support students to foster a sense of belonging in nature and spark their curiosity to learn more. We’ll cheer Gary on as he builds his courage in the face of fear, we’ll engage in imaginative sensory play and group poetry writing, and we’ll learn more about Indigenous connections to this land.

Suitable for Grades K - 4


We Can Too! Learning a Growth Mindset from Nature

This event is outside

How does it feel to not get it right the first time? Is failure the end of the road, or just the beginning? This outdoor workshop invites students to see mistakes and difficulties in a new light, using examples from the natural world. We will follow the adventures of our puppet, Cate the Caterpillar, as she navigates the sometimes treacherous journey to becoming a butterfly. This program encourages students to adopt a growth mindset and includes a puppet story, musical poetry, Indigenous connections, active movement, a talking circle, and a printable growth mindset resource. If Cate can do it, we can too!

Suitable for Grades 2 - 4

Walter MacDonald White Bear

The Circle of Life with Walter White Bear

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 K - 6

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Burrowing In with Burrowing Owls

The Burrowing Owl is a unique grassland species whose Canadian population has declined by 90% since the 1990s. The owl is listed as Endangered due to several threats that result in high juvenile mortality and low migration return rates. Through a variety of hands-on activities, we will learn about the burrowing owls' habitat, diet, and head-starting project that the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has devised to recover Burrowing Owl populations. Students will reflect on the question, “How can we improve our environment for Burrowing Owls and ourselves?” while acting as conservation researchers for a day to learn some of the conservation techniques that are involved in saving this species from extinction.

Suitable for Grades 4 - 8

WP Puppet Theatre

“Tube Worms” with WP Puppet Theatre

This session is a Screening of WP Puppet Theatre’s “Tube Worms” with artist talkback, puppet demonstration, and a Q&A.  “Tube Worms” is a shadow and hand puppet show performed to Wendy Passmore-Godfrey’s original poem inspired by the extraordinary hydrothermal vents, wondrous deep-water creatures, and concern for this precious environment. The presentation begins with a video screening of the 10-minute puppet show, which features lovely, shadowy underwater puppets.  Then we will go behind-the-scenes to show the puppets and props, demo more ideas on making puppets for the dark - like LED puppets - and will conclude with a hands-on workshop to make and experiment with a shadow puppet.

Suitable for Grades 2 - 5

Online sessions

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony – 34th Annual Mayor’s Environment Expo

Join Mayor Gondek as she kicks off our 34th 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 5, 2023, 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation

Creatures and Climate

Did you know that climate change is already having an impact on wildlife in Alberta? Join us to learn more about how some of our wildlife species respond to climate change, why climate change is so challenging for wild animals to adapt to, and what we humans can do to help.

Suitable for Grades 4-6

Virtual, Wednesday June 7, 2023, 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Alberta Tomorrow

Alberta Tomorrow's Simulation Tool and Indigenous Voices Module

What's your vision of Calgary's future? How do we get there? The Alberta Tomorrow Simulation tool allows you to create the future you want for Calgary while learning about Alberta's environment, economy, natural resources, and Indigenous peoples. How has Calgary changed in the past, and how might it change in the future? The future is up to you; design the future you want to see!

Suitable for Grades 4-7

Virtual, Wednesday June 7, 2023, 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Calgary Region Airshed Zone

How Do You Impact Air Quality?

Join an Air Quality Scientist and learn about how air quality affects us and how our actions affect air quality. Why do we care about the air, how do we measure air pollution, and how can students protect the air quality for their future? How can we change our habits to protect our air? The in-person presentations include a smoke sensor demonstration and will be discussing all things air quality!

Suitable for Grades 5-12

Virtual, Monday June 5, 2023, 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Virtual, Thursday June 8, 2023, 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Calgary Stampede

Journey 2050: Sustainable Agriculture Adventure

This workshop is a choose your own adventure session where students will work together to sustainably feed a world population of 10 billion by the year 2050. Journey 2050 is a curriculum-based school program that takes students on a virtual simulation, where they will make choices to try and balance environmental, social, and economic factors in their communities while growing enough food to feed the world!

Suitable for Grades 4-12

Virtual, Monday June 5, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Virtual, Thursday June 8, 2023, 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Southern Alberta

Wild Wellness: It's in YOUR Nature

Do you ever wonder why the world just feels better when you are outside? Spending time in nature, or Vitamin N, makes us breathe, think, and feel better; but don’t take our word for it. Join CPAWS Southern Alberta for a dose of nature play and mindfulness, and let Mother Nature convince you!

Suitable for Grades 1-6

Virtual, Thursday June 8, 2023, 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

City of Calgary – Calgary Emergency Management Agency

Emergency Preparedness for Extreme Weather

Weather related events are intensifying due to climate change. These events include tornadoes, floods, drought, extreme heat, and intense summer and winter storms. There are actions you can take to keep yourself, your family and your community safe! In this workshop students will analyze different disaster hazards and their connection to climate change, learn various actions they can take to increase their safety, and discover ways they can share the important message of emergency preparedness. Through hands-on activities, students will be equipped with knowledge, awareness, and skills allowing them feel confident and prepared for disasters and emergencies in Calgary.

Suitable for Grades 4-6

Virtual, Monday June 5, 2023, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Virtual, Thursday June 8, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

City of Calgary – Environmental Education, Recreation and Social Programs

Habitat for Pollinators!

Did you know we have over 200 species of native bees in Calgary? This workshop will explore who our local pollinators are, why we have so many pollinator species in Calgary, what ecosystems are important for their survival, and the bigger picture of how you can help protect the spaces used by pollinators. Students will be encouraged to take action to add to the pollinator habitat in our city.

Suitable for Grades 1-6

Virtual, Tuesday June 6, 2023, 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Virtual, Tuesday June 6, 2023, 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Inside Education

Natural Regions Stewardship Trip!

Taking care of Alberta’s landscape is no small task, so climb aboard the Steward Ship and take a virtual tour of Alberta’s natural regions! Using mini case studies, we will introduce some of the challenges each region faces as our climate changes, and highlight some innovative ways Albertans are answering the call for adaptation and mitigation. We will also touch on scientific inquiry, understanding natural processes of our ecosystems, and looking at the geological history that shaped our landscape and created a rich diversity of natural resources.

Suitable for Grades 4-7

Virtual, Thursday June 8, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Living Soil Solutions

Worms at Work

Get up close and personal with these hardworking squiggly wriggly critters. Students will learn the difference between dirt and soil and its importance to all humans, diving into how worms are used for composting, and all the things the worms need from us to provide them with a comfortable home.

Suitable for Grades K-4

Virtual, Thursday June 8, 2023, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.


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 5-12

Virtual, Monday June 5, 2023, 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Virtual, Thursday June 8, 2023, 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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