Summits of Canada

Birchwood Intermediate was one of 12 selected schools from hundreds that applied across the country to participate in a unique and innovative approach to education through technology and adventure.

The "Summits of Canada" expedition team, with leader James Coleridge, are climbing the 13 highest points of Canada and conducting live virtual forums through satellite and internet platforms from the expedition team to classrooms across the country. The virtual forum is broadcast to many countries around the world via the internet. The experience offers Birchwood students an incredible opportunity to connect with experts and other youth across the country to learn about Canada's physical geography and geographic influences on identity, building land forms, climate and weather, globalization and the environment, and other such topics.

On Sept. 27, Birchwood students participated in a web cast and spoke LIVE with the climbing team from the top of Ishpatina Ridge. Our students also spoke with the Ontario Minister of Education, the Minister of Natural Resources, Science North in Sudbury, and students from St. John's, NF, to Inuvik, NWT. Students are inspired and motivated to learn when they are engaged and able to make connections to the real world in a meaningful way. The "Summits of Canada" will influence our youth's sense of self, their place in the world, and it also promotes a positive and healthy environment and a fit and active life.

During the course of the year, Ms. Squire's students will follow the team to the top of 11 other Canadian provinces, including Mount Logan, Yukon. The CanaTrek team will be coming to PEI. If you would like to follow the adventure, please visit www. summitsofcanada.ca