British Columbia: Learning at Home

Note to Teachers: The intent of this resource is to have students research the province or territory through the suggested activities below. Can be individual or group oriented. Links are provided for further information or support.

Learn the province

Research the background of the British Columbia flag and form a committee to consider whether the current flag should be kept or changed. If the recommendation is to change it, what changes would you recommend and why?  Remember a flag is to reflect history and inclusivity of your province.

  • Are the British Columbia indigenous people represented?
  • Is there a theme you see among provincial and territorial flags?
  • How important are symbols and flags to our identity as residents?
  • What is the “British” connection?

Study some history
Dive deep into the history of British Columbia and some sites you’ll visit on tour. Pick two or three locations or main events in the history of the province and explain why they are important.

  • How did the building of the railway across Canada impact on British Columbian development and settlement? Is the railway still important today? Explain.
  • Research and discuss the Japanese internment during World War II. What role has Asian immigration had on the history and development of the province?
  • What role have (and do) First Nations have in B.C. today? What are some success stories to celebrate?

Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get painting! Pick a location you’ll visit on your trip or a virtual visit and compare your artwork to photos of the location when you return.  Consider painting or taking a photo of the Stanley Park totem poles, Capilano Suspension Bridge, or the Butchart Gardens.

Pick a film
Watch a movie or TV show that was filmed in (or relates to) British Columbia. Why is B.C. such an attractive province to shoot films or television programs? Are there any movies or television shows made in B.C. that surprise you?

Understand the culture

  • British Columbia has relied heavily on immigration. What regions of the world are most represented and how has this influenced life in B.C.?
  • If you could buy one souvenir from B.C. that represents B.C. culture, what would it be?
  • Revisit the 2010 Winter Olympics and identify Canada’s top athletes.
  • What is a “Spirit Bear” and why is it so significant in First Nations culture in B.C.?
  • What are some classic B.C. foods?

Examine the economy
Research British Columbia’s top industries.

  • How important is the environment to B.C. residents? How does this impact economic development?
  • Tourism is a significant industry – explore some field trips to see your province in action!
  • If you were to move to British Columbia and work, which industry would you choose and why?
  • Compare the B.C. economy to where you live. What are some similarities and differences?
  • What impact has COVID-19 had on the B.C. economy?

Master the language

  • Identify the top five languages spoken in British Columbia other than English. Of the languages you identified, which one would you find most interesting to learn? Why?
  • How important is language to a person’s identity?
  • Why is language considered so important to First Nations people in British Columbia?
  • What is meant by the term “first language”?

Did you know?
British Columbia is four times the size of Great Britain!