Nature Through Our Senses

Exploring climate change through sensory experiences and Indigenous knowledge.

Little Hands, Big Connections

About the Project

Early childhood is a vital period for developing a lasting connection to nature. “Nature Through Our Senses” introduces climate change education to children aged 4–10 through sensory exploration, Indigenous traditional knowledge, and play-based learning.

Developed by the United Spirit Nature Network (USNN) in partnership with NB Indigenous Career College and generously supported by Wildlife Habitat Canada, this project engages young learners and educators in a new, meaningful way – fostering environmental stewardship from the earliest years.

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Nature through our Senses - Young girl in a floral dress reaching up to touch the bark of a birch tree, focused and curious, with a sunlit park in the background.

Exploring nature’s details — a moment of curiosity as a young girl gently touches the bark of a birch tree on a sunny fall afternoon.

More Information: lobby@nbicca.ca

Program Partnerships

Wildlife Habitat Canada is a national, non-profit, charitable conservation organization

New Brunswick Indigenous Career College (NBICC)

Fostering Deeper Connections

Why it Matters

Many environmental education programs focus heavily on facts and figures — a method that can overwhelm young learners. “Nature Through Our Senses” shifts the approach by:

Encouraging children to explore nature through sight, sound, smell, and touch.
Integrating Indigenous Traditional Knowledge to teach observation, respect, and guardianship of the land.
Building emotional and sensory connections promote a lifelong love for nature.

By connecting climate change education to the real, lived experiences of children, we nurture a generation that will care deeply for the Earth.

Three children playing by a stone-lined stream in a lush green forest during springtime.

BRINGING THE PROJECT TO LIFE

Project Activities

1. Educational Module Development
Lesson plans, activity guides, and interactive resources blending Indigenous wisdom with sensory exploration.
2. One-Day Educator Training Workshop
A hands-on workshop where educators practice sensory observation techniques during a guided nature walk.
3. Community Trip Day
Families, educators, and children come together for a community day trip to local nature reserves — testing the educational module and building connections to local ecosystems.

Anticipated Impact

By empowering educators with innovative tools and training, the program aims to enhance learning outcomes, engage communities, and ultimately inspire future generations to prioritize environmental stewardship.

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Latest News

From Reflection to Action: USNN’s Response to the Greening Our Education

Posted on October 31, 2025

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Explore how “Nature Through Our Senses” connects children to nature through sensory learning and Indigenous knowledge. Download our brochure to learn more and get involved!

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Latest Blog

From Reflection to Action: USNN’s Response to the Greening Our Education

Posted on October 31, 2025

Seeing Our Schools Through the Lens of Sustainability This year’s Greening Our Education Survey 2025, released through the Sustainability Education Alliance (SEA), paints a revealing portrait of how New Brunswick’s...

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Our Vision for the Future

By participating in Nature Through Our Senses, children will:

Build a positive emotional connection to nature.
Develop early skills in environmental observation and stewardship
Experience climate change as a personal and shared responsibility.

Acknowledging Our Supporters

This project is made possible by the generous support of Wildlife Habitat Canada and the curriculum expertise of NB Indigenous Career College.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Nature Through Our Senses” is a sensory-based environmental education project for children aged 4–10. It introduces climate change concepts through Indigenous knowledge and hands-on learning, helping young learners connect with nature in a meaningful, culturally respectful way.

Young children learn best through direct experience. Using senses like sight, touch, sound, and smell helps them better understand nature and environmental changes. This approach supports deeper emotional and cognitive connections to the natural world.

The program is co-developed with Indigenous knowledge keepers who guide the inclusion of traditional teachings, such as land observation and respect for nature. This ensures the curriculum is authentic, respectful, and reflective of Indigenous worldviews.

The project is led by the United Spirit Nature Network (USNN) in partnership with local educators, Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and nature centers. Indigenous community members co-design the curriculum and support training workshops and nature-based activities.

The module includes lesson plans, activity guides, sensory exploration techniques, and educator training materials. It’s designed to be flexible and adaptable to different classroom or daycare settings, with emphasis on local nature experiences.

Children will build strong emotional and sensory connections to the environment, gaining early understanding of climate change and stewardship. Educators will gain new tools to teach using inclusive, experiential methods that reflect both Indigenous and Western perspectives.

We acknowledge the many Indigenous community members, educators, and volunteers whose contributions make this work possible. This project also empowers educators to continue integrating Indigenous knowledge and sensory learning into their classrooms, inspiring new models of environmental education across Canada.

Get Involved

Interested in partnering, or learning more? We’d love to hear from you and chat with you more about this amazing project.
Email: coordinator@usnn.ca