How will you give back to the ocean this year? Make your ocean promise!
Events
From June 5 to 11, Ocean School celebrated Ocean Week in Montréal and Halifax. We had a great time learning about the ocean, taking part in fun and interactive activities, taking action to protect our ocean and, above all, meeting some amazing people! Over the course of the week, we met many teachers, students, ocean professionals and ocean enthusiasts.
Here is a recap of Ocean School’s Ocean Week 2023 celebrations.
We kicked off the week on June 5 with two workshops: one specifically designed for educators and educators-in-training, and one for educational and interactive media design students. The participants had the opportunity to experience the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition’s giant floor map, The Ocean, Freshwater and Us, and the Ocean Week Canada augmented reality app; check out Ocean School simulations, games, and VR experiences; and network with producers and other educators.
Educational Technology and Media Interactive students Ocean Week workshop at the National Film Board’s office in Montreal.
Educational Technology and Media Interactive students Ocean Week workshop at the National Film Board’s office in Montreal.
On June 8, to celebrate World Ocean Day, Ocean School hosted a panel discussion on "Celebrating Canada's leadership role in Ocean Literacy" featuring experts and leaders in ocean conservation: Anne-Marie Asselin (Organisation Bleue), Diz Glithero (Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition), Scott Simpson (Ocean School), Sergio Madrigal (Ocean School youth host) and Megan Dicker Nochasak (Inuk Youth Climate Advocate). The panel was followed by a concert by Qualité Motel at Old Port. We then ended the evening with spectacular Ocean School video projections at the Wilder Building in Quartier des Spectacles.
Panel discussion "Celebrating Canada's leadership role in Ocean Literacy". From left to right: Scott Simpson, Anne-Marie Asselin, Diz Glithero and the host, Jac Gautreau. On the screen: Sergio Madrigal and Megan Dicker Nochasak.
Panel discussion "Celebrating Canada's leadership role in Ocean Literacy". From left to right: Scott Simpson, Anne-Marie Asselin, Diz Glithero and the host, Jac Gautreau. On the screen: Sergio Madrigal and Megan Dicker Nochasak.
Finally, on June 9, we welcomed students from Harfang-des-Neiges primary school in Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury for a three-part workshop designed to engage students in a whole new way of learning about the ocean. Students explored Canada's ocean waters and watersheds through hands-on activities on the giant floor map, augmented reality experiences, micro-documentaries, and an art project designed in partnership with Activism Studio.
Craft station where everyone could write their own message to the ocean.
Craft station where everyone could write their own message to the ocean.
On June 10, the Nova Scotia Underwater Council, Ocean School, and Project SculptShore celebrated Ocean Week Halifax by organizing a full day of activities at the Queen's Marque Courtyard on the Halifax boardwalk. It was an all-day outdoor event to celebrate the ocean in Canada’s ocean playground! Attendees had the opportunity to try the giant floor map, The Ocean, Freshwater and Us, learn more about the amazing work of other ocean organizations, and visit Ocean School’s booth to try Ocean School video and VR content, make their own ocean-themed pins and make a pledge to take action for the ocean!
The Ocean, Freshwater and Us giant floor map was available to all during the Ocean Week Halifax celebrations on June 10.
The Ocean, Freshwater and Us giant floor map was available to all during the Ocean Week Halifax celebrations on June 10.
We want to thank everyone who participated and volunteered for our Ocean Week Canada events. Celebrating and learning about the ocean with all of you was amazing. We want to wish you again a happy Ocean Week but remember that every day is an opportunity to protect our ocean and be its voice!
Ocean Week Canada is an annual national celebration held during the week of World Ocean Day on June 8. During this week, ocean events, learning, and engagement are taking place to raise awareness about the importance of connecting to and protecting the ocean.
