Welcome! we are So glad you’re here.

At the Nova Scotia Active Smarter Kids (ASK) Project we know that outdoor, active academic lessons can be engaging and productive for all students.

We’ve been supporting elementary and junior high school teachers across Nova Scotia to adopt physically active learning methods since 2018.

What began as a pilot project to test the feasibility and desirability of physically active learning methods with 3 teachers in 2018, has grown to become a province-wide initiative. Over 2000 teachers in all regions of Nova Scotia have received training in physically active learning methods with the NS ASK Project since 2020.

Physically active learning lessons are comprised of two supporting parts: an academic challenge and a physical challenge. Both components of the lesson can be adapted to meet the needs of all students in a class.

Whether you’re an administrator, teacher, or parent looking to get started with NS ASK physically active learning methods, you’ve come to the right spot. Get to know the basics about the NS ASK Project.

Here you’ll find resources and suggested reading on physically active learning, as well as a database of NS ASK Lessons created by teachers across Nova Scotia and beyond.

Testimonials - Students

Even my students with behavior issues – you have them engaged because they didn’t think they were doing math.”

Teacher

They love that when they come to school, they get to do ASK lessons. That is a motivator. And attendance for some students has increased. That could be partly because they have fun and are engaged.”

Teacher

I have some students who are slower and less coordinated than others, but are out there participating too, because it is a safe environment. This is, ‘I’m learning math, I’m going to go for it’”.

Teacher

It seems as if ASK is embedded in our pedagogical dialogue right now and doesn't feel at all like an add-on for teachers."

Vice-Principal (2022)

Everyone is engaged outside so you get a chance to check in with everybody. Those who kind of hide in the classroom…they can’t do that outside.”

Teacher

I find it fun because instead of sitting in a desk and the teacher telling you a bunch of boring stuff, and forcing it into your brain, you get to go outside and learn it. Actually learn it."

NS ASK Student, 2019

When you go outside you get a lot of your energy out so that when you come back inside, you’re ready to learn most times.”

NS ASK Student, 2019

ASK is amazing. I actually look forward to going to school!”

NS ASK Student, 2019

ASK is fun. You get to work with your classmates, you get to learn outside, and it helps improve your health.”

NS ASK Student, 2019

Resources

Need to know the research behind NS ASK, or to find resources to dig deeper?

Visit

Lesson ideas & Sharing

Go straight to new active ideas, or share your favourites!

Visit

Meet the team

Get to know the faces behind the NS ASK Project!

Visit

Land Acknowledgement

The NS Active Smarter Kids Project acknowledges that it has been developed and operates in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. The NS ASK Project also acknowledges that our methods and practices are founded in colonial ways of knowing and thinking about physical activity, learning, and play. We are committed to contributing to processes of reconciliation. To read our full Land Acknowledgement and Reconciliation Statement click here.

“It’s brought some of the joy back to teaching math. I’m enjoying it again because I like getting outside and playing games. As opposed to being inside and you’re trying to drill things into their heads in the same way that you’ve been doing for so long.”

— NS ASK Teacher, 2019

Are you looking to bring the NS ASK Project to life at your school?

Fill out our welcome form.

Get Started

Welcome! we are So glad you’re here.

Land Acknowledgement

THIS IS WHAT LEARNING CAN LOOK LIKE