INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS
What We Provide
Volunteer facilitators are available to provide a one-hour presentation to your class or to multiple classes (grades 7-12, any subject). We bring a slideshow of inspiring ideas from around the world of solutions being used across Canada and the world regarding the Climate Crisis. It's a glimpse into the future! Discussions & writing/sketching follow.
This presentation will deepen your students' research and discussions on Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Biology & World Issues- solutions. We'll also walk your class through the festival guidelines, if that follow-up activity interests your students.
We visit schools mainly in September and early October so book soon!
(Note: Jerri will give a solarpunk writing workshop any time of year, if available. Also, we can present by Zoom for groups far away.)
What You Can Do
You can do as much or as little as possible for your class. Some teachers select a solarpunk story (see top menu.) to read as a class in advance of the workshop, others show a video of an interesting technology. If neither is possible, don't worry, we'll cover what's needed in the classroom presentation. If you have more than an hour, we'll do some solarpunk writing or sketching, lead students to use their imaginations for the future.
(See PREVIOUS FESTIVALS if your students might like to create hopeful eco-art or write a solarpunk short story afterward for our festival. SHOW STUDENTS the CRITERIA for Art & Writing, on page "For Students.")
Note: students submit their hopeful eco-art or solarpunk story using our online Google form. It's very easy to use. We will post the link in October. They need a guardian to give permission (unless 18), and a teacher's contact name & email unless homeschooled.
Key Dates
Classroom Workshops (free) from Sept. 3rd -- Oct. 9th, 2026 BOOK one by email. (youthimaginefuture@gmail.com )
Submissions for the festival are accepted Oct. 15th - Oct.31st , 2026 at 5 pm. Earlier is better, in case of errors or questions. (Pro tip: there are usually errors.)
Exhibition of Stories & Art at Queen's University Education Library, (Duncan McArthur Hall ) : Nov 13 - 27th. A beautiful space; open to the public. Bus stop, park with Honk app (free in evenings) or park on side street.
Festival Awards Gala at Kingston Frontenac Public Library Central Branch (Kingston, Johnston St.) -Sun., Nov. 29th, afternoon.
Book Your Class!
Ready to join the fun? We have finished giving presentations for the 2026 Fall season, but if you teach a subject only in 2nd term (eg. World Issues), we will give a few presentations in January or Februrary.
Geography, Science, World Issues, Environmental Studies, English, & Art classes, etc. Please email youthimaginefuture@gmail.com and let us know your school, grade, and subject. We'll help you find a perfect date and time.
A slideshow of Climate Solutions
We read widely, and gather news of projects communities are involved in to lower carbon emissions, restore or protect biodiversity, and help lead us to a healthier, safer future. This slideshow is updated from time to time!
.
Youth: submitting a solarpunk art piece or a short story? Fantastic! Read the entire "For Students" page first. Submit using the online portal there, open Oct 15- 31st!