Ocean Wise’s Salish Sea Science Program gives high school students an outdoor education experience like no other. Students will participate in a three-day, two-night program at the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre supported by NSERC Promoscience, where they will learn about ocean literacy, the history of the area and traditional knowledge through outdoor activities. The goal of the Salish Sea Science program is to promote ocean literacy, develop ocean science and leadership capacity amongst participants, and create ocean literacy resources for teachers. Students will develop their appreciation for the environment through outdoor activities including coastal hikes and kayaking.

The importance of learning in a supportive peer setting that ignites curiosity, exploration and skill development cannot be underestimated. For students in their teen years the impact is dramatic. The Salish Sea program will provide youth with a real world experience in learning and teaching ocean science, facilitating a deep connection with the natural world. Developing this connection will encourage environmental stewardship throughout their lives.

Outdoor education provides meaningful experiences. In this program, students from the Salish Sea region will come together for place-based education, and build a strong connection to our coast. Participants will be introduced to the seven ocean literacy principles through outdoor activities. These principles were developed by educators and scientists and are widely accepted as the fundamental concepts of ocean science for learners of all ages.

Students will also develop an online learning resource to help teachers engage their students in ocean science. In the first year of the program, the resource will be designed for elementary school teachers. Learning resources developed by program participants will be uploaded onto Ocean Wise’s online education portal, which provides ocean literacy activities for youth group leaders and teachers.

Our 2020 program has been cancelled in light of current events, and we will be running instead in Spring 2021. If you have any questions, please email youth@ocean.org for more information.