Focus on Nature in Waterloo Region

Workshop Options for Your Classroom

We offer five workshop types in the Waterloo area. Each can be adapted to your students’ grade level and experience:

Elements of Design — Best for Grades 3–8
Principles of Design — Ideal as a follow-up or for Grades 7–11
Macro Photography — For students who have completed earlier workshops, or Grades 8–11
Indigenous Elements of Design — For Grades 3–11, featuring Indigenous photographers and perspectives
Light and Perspective - For Grades 9-11, tying science and nature together

Unless otherwise noted, bookings will default to the Elements of Design workshop.

If you’d like to see how these connect to Ontario’s curriculum and our extension activities, visit our Teacher Resources page.

Photo by Paislee S. at Holy Rosary CES

Photo by William G. at St. Matthew CES

Check the Waterloo Region Booking Calendar below to view available dates and reserve your workshop.

What Local Teachers Are Saying

"This program provided students with a unique opportunity to explore nature around our school and be creative through photography. Fantastic program, especially with 1:1 technology!"

- Jessica, W.T. Townshend Public School
“This program forces students to use observational skills and get down to the micro level of nature. Students come out of it with much improved photography skills, but also a keener creative eye. I also like to plan this activity at the same time my class is working on plants and animals in our science curriculum. This allows them to use their observational skills to grow their understanding of science curriculum content.”

- Brent, Lexington Public School
“The Focus on Nature workshop is one of my favourite programs to use each year. The students learn about the Elements of Design, and how it applies to other Visual Art concepts, rather than just 2D paper tasks. Having the Elements of Design written on the back of their name tag is a great idea, as the students accessed it as they were on their Nature walk. Some students have kept it in their desk to refer to during Art class. The connections to Indigenous culture and Nature Sculptures are great add-ons that allow the students to see creativity and art in different aspects. ”

- Danielle, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School - Kitchener