Sea Smart

Full Description

In partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), we are excited to deliver a hands-on program about freshwater pollution and how it connects to the ocean.

Sea Smart’s highly trained staff of marine biologists and environmental educators will visit your classroom to deliver three inquiry-based workshops. Your students will work in groups to create stewardship projects (i.e. projects to raise awareness and care for the environment) to engage their schools, and communities in diverting pollution from freshwater systems and the ocean.

Available for Grades 3-12, this program connects to Core and Curricular Competencies. Clean Water Champions can be taught across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, this program can be delivered in schools, community/ youth groups, and other education settings.

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Ocean Design Lab is an innovative program that will inspire curiosity and passion for future ocean heroes. This program will educate students about the environmental damage caused by overfishing.

This two-hour workshop begins with an informative lesson highlighting the environmental consequences of bottom trawling. Students will then collaborate in teams to redesign fishing nets to minimize environmental impact. The teams will build and test their prototypes in a friendly competition.

Students will use provided materials and a pretend budget to build their nets while learning important skills like problem-solving and teamwork. Ocean Design Lab helps students understand how different fields work together to address environmental challenges for a sustainable future. 

Available for Grades 3-12, this program connects with Core and Curricular Competencies. Ocean Design Lab can be taught in schools across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and can be delivered in schools, community/ youth groups, and other educational settings.

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Sea Smart's shoreline clean-up will inspire students to learn about plastic pollution, marine animals, and ocean stewardship. These sessions are facilitated by Sea Smart’s highly experienced team of marine biologists and environmental educators, to deliver informative, hands-on learning. Sea Smart will provide sustainable equipment and protocols needed to ensure a safe cleanup.

We measure metrics such as the area of habitat cleaned, the weight of garbage removed, and the number of cigarette butts removed. These data allow you to share your student's efforts in a measurable and meaningful way. Participants will also join hands-on, educational activities to learn about plastic pollution, marine animals, and how we can help our ocean.

Available for Pre-K - Grade 12 Students, our Shoreline Cleanup Workshops connect with Core and Curricular Competencies. Shoreline Cleanups can be delivered throughout Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, with schools, community/ youth groups, and other educational settings.

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Engage students in an interactive online course, where students will be exposed to Coast Salish environmental knowledge, the Southern Resident Killer Whales, and the threats facing these species at risk. Students will learn to become effective environmental stewards, making a real difference in protecting the ocean.

This five-hour, virtual course offers a self-paced online experience, ideal for students who can engage independently with minimal guidance. The course can also function as guided lessons or activities between students and teachers. Through interactive learning modules and hands-on projects, students will gain insight into the Salish Sea, orca behavior, and the broader impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. The course incorporates the rich knowledge and history of the Coast Salish peoples, highlighting their connection and stewardship of the Salish Sea. Students will be inspired through this course to take sustainable action to protect orcas, and become environmental stewards.

Orcas in the Salish Sea meets B.C. Curriculum Connections and Learning Outcomes for Grades 3-8, and the First Peoples Principles of Learning. This online, self-paced course is available nationwide for students and educators. Thank you to Prince of Whales for sponsoring this course.

Full Description

This online, self-paced, and interactive version of Sea Smart's Clean Water Champions Workshop will educate students about freshwater pollution, its impacts on the ocean, and what students can do to inspire sustainable action in schools and communities.

Through informative video lessons and engaging activities, students will learn about the importance of freshwater, and the main threats to freshwater globally, including eutrophication, toxic chemical pollution, and plastic pollution. Students will complete group Action Projects, working in teams to take action against water pollution and raise awareness about important threats to marine ecosystems.

This online course is best suited to Grades 6-9, and fulfills B.C. Core and Curricular Competencies. This course is available online nationwide and can be used in school classrooms, community/ youth groups, and other educational settings.

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These online, self-paced resources will teach students all about killer whales, including the different ecotypes that reside in British Columbia, and the threats to these incredible species at risk. Students will develop group Action Projects, gaining skills in teamwork, organization, and leadership.

These resources are best suited to Grades K-12, and focus on Core Curriculum and Competencies connections in science, social studies, and physical and health education. Resources can be reviewed in a single session (est. 1.5 hours completion time), or used over multiple sessions. These resources can be used in schools, community/youth groups, or other educational settings.

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These online resources will provide educators with tools to teach students about the interconnection of waterways and the pervasiveness of plastic pollution. Through interactive, hands-on activities, students will understand watersheds and how plastic pollution impacts the ocean, and the marine creatures and plants that call it home. These resources will empower students to question the use of plastic in their own lives and communities and take action to reduce their personal plastic waste.

Best suited for Grades K-12, From the Streets connects with Core and Curricular Competencies in subjects such as science, social studies, and physical and health education. The lesson plan also connects with First People's Principles of Learning. These resources can be used in schools, community/ youth groups, and other educational settings.

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With Aquatic Species at Risk, educators will have the tools to guide students in their learning about incredible ocean creatures. This online, self-paced course will teach students about Basking Sharks, Steller Sea Lions, and more. Students will participate in hands-on activities and meaningful discussions that will encourage curiosity about the ocean. Students will create Action Projects in groups, brainstorming inspiring and creative ways to spread awareness about threats to ocean life. By the end of this course, students will feel empowered to create meaningful change in their communities to protect aquatic species at risk.

Included in this course are guided slides and video content, additional student resources, and educator grading rubrics for Action Projects. Educators will also gain access to a Teacher Information Package, which includes information on how to best guide students through the course and Action Project design.

Best suited for students Grade 3-8, Aquatic Species at Risk connects with Core and Curricular competencies. This course can be taught in schools, community/ youth groups, and other educational settings.

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Created in partnership with SCWIST (Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology), this course will inspire youth to love and protect our environment, to engage with STEM education, and will expose students to a diversity of female role models.

Specifically designed for high school students, this course engages students on a variety of topics in ocean conservation including overfishing, marine protected areas, climate action and ocean pollution, through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the final module, the course will highlight several women-identifying marine scientists who are doing revolutionary research in this field.

Life Below Water is best suited to students Grades 8-12, and connects to Core and Curricular competencies in science, social studies, career education, and physical and health education. This course can be self-led by independent students or guided by an educator, and can be used in schools, community/ youth groups, or other educational settings.

Full Description

With these self-guided resources, teachers will have the tools to teach students about the harmful impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, and what actions we can take in their own lives and communities to reduce ocean pollution. Through innovative activities and discussion, students will reflect on the use of plastic pollution in their own lives and will be encouraged to take actionable steps to protect oceans.

Ocean Trash Talk is best suited for Grades K-12, with lessons adapted to different age groups, and connects to Core and Curricular competencies in science, social studies and physical and health education. These resources are available for download nation- wide and can be used in schools, youth/ community groups, or other educational settings.