Temperate grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems globally, a situation mirrored in Canada, where significant portions have been lost. In British Columbia (BC), temperate grasslands cover less than 1% of the province but are crucial for over 30% of its species at risk. Despite their importance, there is limited awareness and education about grassland ecosystems and their services. Many teachers hesitate to focus on grasslands due to a lack of understanding and an absence of developed lesson plans that align with curriculum requirements. A project aimed at developing and piloting an elementary school curriculum on BC's temperate grasslands was therefore undertaken. The goal was to educate students and teachers about this endangered ecosystem in their region, foster local involvement, and gather support for grassland stewardship. The interdisciplinary curriculum meets the learning outcomes required for BC's public elementary schools, including embedding First Peoples Principles of Learning. Each of the three units contains ten independent lessons, which will all be available online. This will allow teachers to use the entire curriculum or select individual lessons to study. Portions of the first unit, "Grasslands: Grounding in Place," were piloted in grade 4 classes in fall 2023, complemented by field trips with elementary students. Feedback was positive, leading to a full-scale pilot in fall 2024. An outcome of this initiative was a partnership with the creators of BC Tomorrow, a free simulation tool that enables students to explore resource use and consider social, economic, and environmental factors. BC Tomorrow now includes a learning module about grassland ecosystems, which is available nationwide. This work is vital for raising awareness about grassland ecosystems and promoting further stewardship. Educating students and teachers about the significance and conservation of temperate grasslands will help ensure that these critical habitats are preserved for future generations.
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