Edible Plants of Western Canada
Edible Plants of Western Canada will help your child learn Latin base words , develop an understanding of where these plants grow, safe means of harvesting and processing edible plants while learning basic taxonomy .
Becca Martin
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(1)
What's included
8 live meetings
7 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Some class reading from public domain resources . At home note taking and drawing required. Notepad and pens/pencils required.Assessment
Ongoing informal assessment and a demonstration of knowledge will determine learner progress.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Learners will be taught essential knowledge for finding, identifying , harvesting and processing plants native to Western Canada. Basic Latin root words will be taught to give learners the foundational knowledge of how to identify plants as genus names are typically nouns. Type of terrain , growing habits, common names , animals that also eat as an indicator, taste profile, appropriate use in pollinator gardens, annual vs. perennial growth, imperiled or endangered status, other family members of note , native/naturalized/invasive status, traditional uses, definitions surrounding "carcinogenic" when discussing berries or fruits, deadly lookalikes, prime season to harvest, plant parts to be used, processing of plant matter, styles of processing plant matter and when each is appropriate , demonstration of drying/dehydrating plant matter and how to build a drying rack, types of products to be created with a demonstration of jelly or jam making and fun facts about these plants all contribute to a holistic approach to learning. Discussion , slides, drawing sessions and at home projects will be accompanied by links to relevant open source info. No previous knowledge needed. We will move through the list alphabetically A-Z. I hope to cover 24 plants per class but will dwell longer on plants of interest to learners. Parental or guardian guidance is required if learners are actively foraging and utilizing this knowledge. There are inherent and potential hazards including but not limited to allergic reaction, asthma triggers, dangerous climate and terrain , potential deadly lookalikes, not following proper preparations, wild animals and other unknown hazards.
Learning Goals
Students will be capable of identifying, harvesting, and processing edible plants in Western Canada . They will also understand the history of use , name and associations of each plant covered. Students will further be equipped to know what plants to avoid due to toxicity [look-a-likes ], potential for allergy, and possible toxicity. Essential Latin root words will be explained and discussed in a fun and accurate manner. Parental or guardian guidance is required if learners are actively foraging and utilizing this knowledge. There are inherent and potential hazards including but not limited to allergic reaction, asthma triggers, dangerous climate and terrain , potential deadly lookalikes, not following proper preparations , wild animals and other unknown hazards.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Potential hazards and dangers exist in actively foraging for plants. Parental guidance and supervision are required should students wish to act upon this knowledge. At home work to support learning goals surrounding toxicity, allergy, regional hazards and other potential hazards are to be supervised by parents or guardians . Hazards such as allergies , asthma inducing pollens , climate, terrain, animals, toxic lookalikes, insect bites, poisonous plants, trespassing issues, endangered or imperiled status of plants, are all associated with foraging and these risks and hazards should be strictly supervised by parents or guardians.
Supply List
Notebook with lined paper, drawing pad, pens and colored pencils or markers.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Source material for this course includes but is not limited to : Networkofnature.org , Natureconservancy.ca , Database of Vascular Plants of Canada [VASCAN] University of Montreal Biodiversity Centre / gbif.org , https://legacy.teachers.ab.ca First Nations Traditional Plants and Uses , https://albertametis.com Traditional Plants .
Recommended books : Weeds of Canada and Northern United States : A Guide for Identification [University of Alberta press] Edmonton Alberta Canada
The Boreal Herbal :Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North By Gray, B
Perennials For The Prairies by Sara Williams and Edgar W Toop and Roger Vick
Fun Flash Cards that include Indigenous names for plants Pacific Northwest Plant Knowledge Cards by Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities Indigenous Food Network
Joined March, 2020
5.0
1reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have foraged since childhood and have taught foraging classes in Alberta to both adults and children for several years. I am a professional Gardener and consultant for all things Food Forest related. I hold a PDC, a PTT via Jude Hobbs of P.I.N.A and have worked extensively with Calgary Board Of Education in creating safe , appropriate curriculums for teaching gardening courses for children. I am also a mother/grandmother and child safety is priority #1. Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly1x per week, 8 weeks
55 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
10-10 learners per class
