EcoCooks School
EcoCooks School engages teachers and students in Core and Curricular Competencies with a focus on hands-on, student-centered learning.
EcoCooks is a science-based environmental cooking program that addresses how food choices impact the health of our planet.
EcoCooks School is developed and delivered in partnership with the Elements Society.
Our Modules
Elementary
Module 1:
Land, Water and
All Living Things
Where food comes from
and why we should carrot all!
As they learn where food comes from and what plants and animals need to grow, students consider land and water use as well as the needs of the flora and fauna we share the planet with.
Module 2:
Grow Food
Don't Throw Food
Where food comes from, why it gets wasted,
and how we can beet this!
By exploring how food is grown and following food’s story from farm to table, students investigate where and why food gets wasted as well as some tasty ways to prevent food waste.
Secondary
Module 1:
The Climate Impact of Food
Turnip the heat on
climate change!
As they track food production from planet to plate, students explore the impact that food can have on climate change and ways to create carbon-curbing cuisine.
Module 2:
Our Food,
Our Planet
Where food comes from and why we should carrot all!
By looking at the resource “recipe” of different foods, comparing the land and water used, and exploring the impacts on local ecosystems, we give students something to chew on.
Module 3:
How to Beet
Food Waste
Encourage mint for zero waste practices!
Students investigate food waste all along the production process and at home while learning how to reduce, reuse and upcycle their food waste in creative ways.
Module 4:
The Future
of Food
Lettuce find
solutions!
We mix together technology and innovation to serve up a sustainable way forward. Students will learn how food system adaptations can reduce our climate impact and create a future that is peachy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sign my class up for just 1 module? Or multiple modules but in different orders?
Yes! To provide teachers with flexible options, EcoCooks has been developed with multiple modules that can be taken independently, as a series, back-to-back, or spaced throughout a semester.
2. How long is each module?
Your first module will be 4 workshops long and each additional module is 3 more workshops. (For example: 1 module = 4 workshops, 2 modules = 7 workshops, 3 modules =10 workshops, and all 4 modules = 13 workshops). Each workshop is designed to be about 60 minutes (elementary) or 70 minutes (secondary), however, we do our best to work with teachers to accommodate alternate delivery requests.
3. What class/subject area(s) is it available for?
The program is connected most strongly to:
-
Elementary: Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Math, Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies
-
Secondary: Science, Social Studies, Food Studies, and Career & Life Skills
Since we will be cooking and preparing food with students, the final workshop is best run in a classroom with access to food preparation facilities (like a Food Studies room set-up), however; we can adapt the workshop for classrooms without a kitchen.
4. What is the cost?
This program is offered for FREE within Metro Vancouver and Calgary-area classrooms thanks to the support from our partners. Space is limited so please apply soon!
5. Is EcoCooks accessible?
We believe that all youth should have the opportunity to take part in inspiring environmental education programs. As such, EcoCooks is dedicated to providing economically accessible programs that are appropriate for youth with diverse physical and neuro-emotional learning needs as well as English language learners. Have a special request? Note it in the registration form or contact booking@elements-society.org.
6. Is EcoCooks available in French?
Coming soon!
EcoCooks School will be piloted in French in Metro Vancouver Schools starting Spring 2025.