Planetary Health Education - Schools and Administration - North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

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This webpage is a resource to teach and implement planetary health concepts while meeting curriculum expectations regarding literacy, numeracy, science (Life Systems, Earth and Space Systems), social studies, geography, and health and physical education.

Below are resources to help bring planetary health education into your classroom or school!

What is Planetary Health?

Planetary health connects human health to the health of our planet's natural systems, such as water cycles, nutrient cycles, wind and air patterns, weather patterns, and biodiversity. These natural systems are affected by climate change.

The field of planetary health explores ways to support health of planet and people in the face of climate change.

Why is planetary health education important?

Planetary health affects school health because children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to climate change due to differences in size, immunity, metabolism, and influence over their environment and circumstances. However, planetary health uses imagination, social and environmental advocacy, and has long-term benefits.

Policy and Program Direction - Ministry of Education

Active School Transport (walk, bike or roll)

Ontario Active School Travel (English and French): Step-by-step information on how to promote active school transport. Evidence of the benefits of active school travel with reports from Ontario communities that have done active school transport programs.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.
Parachute (English and French): Programs and resources to prevent injuries in children. Elementary Road Safety program uses evidence-based solutions to meet active transport needs at every school.
- Useful for primary schools.
- School-wide program resource.
Ever Active Schools (English): Workshops, events, services, and research on the topic of physical activity in schools. Strategies for active school transport are highlighted.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.

Climate Education

Green Teacher (English and French): Classroom materials and professional learning opportunities on topics of climate change, outdoor learning, and more.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.
Brookings (English): Information on how to promote climate change education for students and staff, as well as evidence on the benefits.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.

Food and the Environment

National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health (English and French): Toolkit which guides action on food security.
- Useful for secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.
Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (English and French): Resources and learning materials related to school nutrition, as related to mental health, food waste, and planetary health.
- Resource is useful for primary and secondary schools.
NBPSDHU Food and the Environment (English and French): General and school-focused resources to promote climate friendly actions connected to food and the food system.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.

Gardening

Nutrients for Life (English and French): Learning garden grant application. Variety of resources including videos and reports that provide education on the relationship between agriculture, health, and the environment.
- Useful secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.
Youth in Food Systems (English): Comprehensive guide to starting a school food garden.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.
A Guide to School Gardens (English): Comprehensive guide on how to create, support, and use a garden.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.

Mental Health and the Environment

NBPSDHU Mental Health (English): Resources for children and youth to learn about mental health and find the right support services as needed.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
- School-wide program resource.

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Play Canada (English and French): Guide to teaching outdoor lessons at a school-wide or school-board level, guide on how to address barriers faced by teachers.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
Virtual Lab School (English): Evidence and inspiration to support staff to teach outdoor lessons. Guide on how to develop the outdoor space at a school to optimize outdoor learning opportunities.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
Keep the Promise (English): Videos showcasing traditional First Nations teachings on healthy decision making, meaningful relationships, and how to create positive local change. Outdoor lessons guided by traditional leader Perry McLeod-Shabogesic.
- Useful for secondary schools.
- Professional development resource.

School Building and Yard

Eco Schools Canada (English and French): Guide and resources on how to create a more sustainable school environment. Eco Schools highlights active school travel, food, energy conservation, and more.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
Climate Friendly Schools (English): Information, inspiration, and a guide to reducing the negative impacts of your school on the environment.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.
World Wildlife Fund (English): This link provides school administration and teachers with a guide to increasing sustainability within your school.
- Useful for primary and secondary schools.

Calendar Events and Notable Days

This calendar of events relevant to local learners has been compiled for use by schools or teachers, to select opportunities to connect world events to your curriculum or school goals.

February

Winter Walk Day: First Wednesday of February

March

April

Planetary Health Education - Schools and Administration