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Hands-on Science at the 3rd Annual Ocean Science Symposium

Overview

On May 1st and 2nd, Ocean Networks Canada’s Learning & Engagement Team coordinated and hosted the 3rd Annual Ocean Science Symposium at the [University of Victoria](http://www.uvic.ca/) (UVic) for students and teachers in grades 8-10. Approximately 40 students and 15 teachers with a keen interest in ocean science travelled from across Vancouver Island, from Northern BC ([Prince Rupert](http://www.princerupert.ca/)) and with support from the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, from the Arctic (Cambridge Bay) to attend this unique event.

Ocean Networks Canada: Big Science for the Salish Sea

Overview

The University of Victoria may be home to one of Canada’s major science initiatives ‒ and the only one in the ocean ‒ but Ocean Networks Canada’s global focus doesn’t prevent this UVIC-based research facility from playing an active role in the local community. The same Big Science that provides scientists and leaders with tools to understand our changing ocean is also offered with a local flavour to educate and engage our own community.

Teens Dive Deep into the 4th Annual Ocean Science Symposium

Overview

Ocean Networks Canada’s (ONC) 4th annual Ocean Science Symposium brought together 55 students and 20 teachers from 16 schools across British Columbia. This fun interactive experience offered participants with an opportunity to discover the ocean through dynamic presentations and exciting hands-on experiences. Teens and teachers left with a new understanding of the mysteries of the deep, from sea ice and climate change, to ocean engineering and hydrothermal vents.

Teens dive into ocean science

Overview

It’s never too early to help young ocean scientists get to know the ocean. In April 2017, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) hosted its fifth annual Ocean Science Symposium, an engaging two-day opportunity to inspire the next generation of ocean scientists.

Science Machines: a pilot project to empower girls with science tools

Overview

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has been supporting research in Canada for more than 20 years by providing scientists with state-of-the-art gear and facilities. The University of Victoria and Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) were recently involved in a new initiative that aims to get Canadian girls excited about science by introducing them to the amazing CFI-funded machines used to explore our world. On 7 April, as part of the CFI’s Science Machines pilot initiative, ONC hosted a hands-on workshop with a local Girl Guide troupe to build their own miniature underwater robots, while learning how ONC uses remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to install and maintain its ocean observatories (Figure 1).

An International summer school for marine scientists

Overview

Since 1992, the North Pacific Marine Science Organization [(PICES)](http://meetings.pices.int/about/organizationstructure) has coordinated international marine research in countries surrounding the north Pacific Ocean. Annual meetings, events and trainings are hosted by research institutions in member countries, Canada, Japan, China, Korea, Russia, and the United States. > “High quality science lectures from the experts themselves, a tour of the actual equipment deployed; and working with outstanding young scientists from all over the world.” ~ PICES Summer School 2018 participant. In July 2018, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) hosted 25 early career scientists from 11 countries⎯including Australia, Brazil, Switzerland, Ecuador, Germany and Greece⎯to attend a summer school on “Coastal Ocean Observatory Science” in Victoria, British Columbia (Figure 1).

Building northern-led sensor technology skills to monitor the changing Arctic Ocean

Overview

The dramatic pace of environmental change in Canada’s north requires monitoring and research to help inform decisions relating to everything from environmental protection and stewardship to sustainable development and more. The collection and analysis of these data often requires specialized scientific instruments and software. Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and Nunavut Arctic College are collaborating on the design and delivery of a course in Instrument Technology that will train local marine biology students in the use of ocean sensor technology in ocean and freshwater environments, both in ice-covered and open-water conditions. Using a collaborative interdisciplinary approach that includes both science and Indigenous knowledge, this course, a component of the college's Environmental Technology Program, expands the potential for northern-led monitoring of snow, sea ice, and ocean conditions as part of a larger [POLAR Knowledge project](https://www.oceannetworks.ca/news-and-stories/stories/local-knowledge-needs-will-drive-arctic-sea-ice-research/). ONC’s Dave Riddell has been working with college staff and students since April 2018, developing the classroom and field components of this course. He returned in September 2018 to pilot the course with college staff and second-year students during a six-day marine biology field camp.

Online ocean science resources to #knowtheocean

Overview

While many of us transition to working and learning from home during this extraordinary time, we invite you to dive into Ocean Networks Canada’s continuous real time data and online offerings. Whether you are a parent or teacher with kids at home, an undergraduate student studying the ocean, or an ocean enthusiast, we have something for everyone. **K-12 and Post Secondary Learning Resources** Watch for new Learning from Home content including activities, labs, instructional videos, and webinars. Other existing resources: - Learn all about how hydrothermal vent communities have adapted to life in the deepest darkest part of our ocean through this grade 6 – 7 learning resource. And out how this unique habitat became Canada’s first marine protected area [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAkQxP9s7-g&feature=youtu.be&list=PL84B4C76ABEFABB07). - [Check out our hands-on activities](https://www.oceannetworks.ca/learning/youth-programs-k-12/ocean-aware-challenge/) developed in partnership with Girl Guides of Canada to learn all about the seven principles of ocean literacy. Share your learning using #knowtheocean. - Search additional [Educational Resources](https://www.oceannetworks.ca/learning/youth-programs-k-12/educator-resources/) for K-12, post-secondary, and teachers. **Lifelong Learning and Citizen Science** - Become a citizen scientist by analyzing deep-sea videos using our on-line game, or challenge yourself and learn how to search Ocean Networks Canada’s wealth of ocean data and video archive. - Enjoy a variety of video, imagery and sounds from the deep! - [Video clips](https://www.oceannetworks.ca/multimedia/videos/) - [YouTube](https://youtube.com/oceannetworkscanada) and [Vimeo](https://vimeo.com/oceannetworks/videos) channels - [Live video](https://www.oceannetworks.ca/multimedia/live-cameras/) from the seafloor - [Pictures of deep-sea creatures](https://www.flickr.com/photos/oceannetworkscanada/sets/72157635258422453) - [Sound gallery](https://www.oceannetworks.ca/multimedia/sounds/) - As always, we will continue to share more #knowtheocean videos, links and resources over our social channels over the next few weeks, so be sure to check out our [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OceanNetworksCanada/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/ocean_networks), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ocean_networks/) and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/2391597/) channels. **Other Online Science-at-home Resources** - World Oceans Day resources - NOAA is [hosting webinars for school age children](https://seagrant.whoi.edu/suggested-educational-resources-for-use-during-school-closures/webinars-noaa-live) - Canadian Network for Ocean Education (CaNOE) [online learning resources](http://oceanliteracy.ca/resources-for-educators/) - MBARI's [Science at Home: Curriculum and resources](https://www.mbari.org/products/educational-resources/science-at-home/) If you have any questions about Learning resources, please contact us at learning@oceannetworks.ca.

The Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition launches Land, Water, Ocean, Us: A Canadian Ocean Literacy Strategy

Overview

Watch the launch event here: [facebook.com/CANoceanlitCO](http://facebook.com/CANoceanlitCO) Today, the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition (COLC) launched *Land, Water, Ocean, Us: A Canadian Ocean Literacy Strategy*, a collaborative framework for action to advance ocean literacy in Canada over the course of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The Strategy is accompanied by the *Implementation Plan: Pathways for Collaboration*. The Strategy and Implementation Plan are shaped by three overarching goals: (1) to advance **ocean knowledge** by increasing understanding of how the ocean influences us and how our behaviours, decisions, and actions impact the ocean; (2) to foster **ocean values** by strengthening positive public and organizational perceptions of the ocean; and (3) to empower **ocean actions** by reducing barriers and increasing engagement to support ocean health, community livelihoods, and human well-being. Nine Action Streams have been co-developed to achieve these goals. Fundamentally, ocean literacy is about our relationship with the ocean. Ocean literacy is often understood as a means to raise awareness and share knowledge, but it must also include broad access to experiences, skill development opportunities, and tools that empower action, change behaviour, drive innovation, promote ocean sustainability, and integrate knowledge and values of Indigenous peoples. Ocean literacy directly contributes to growing an equitable and sustainable blue economy by increasing awareness of marine career opportunities, attracting talent, removing barriers, and strengthening workforce diversity. The world is facing an ocean and climate crisis, and we need to change our relationship with the global ocean and Canada’s waterways. We need a just transition to a healthy and equitable relationship with the ocean and our waterways to ensure the sustainability of human populations and all biodiversity. Ocean literacy, which includes water and climate literacy, is a key component of this transition. The Strategy and Implementation Plan were co-developed based on the findings from the *Understanding Ocean Literacy in Canada* study (2019-2020). Led by COLC, the study was shaped through a bottom-up and community-led engagement process from coast to coast to coast, with over 3,000 Canadians and more than 400 organizations participating. This research yielded the first baseline of ocean literacy in Canada. The implementation of *Land, Water, Ocean, Us: A Canadian Ocean Literacy Strategy* is not possible by any one organization, level of government, or region. It will be overseen by COLC’s national project office, but measured progress and impact will be achieved through collaboration to ensure both a national coordinating and community-led approach in advancing the Strategy’s nine Action Streams and three overarching goals. As the first country to launch a multisectoral national ocean literacy strategy, Canada will be better positioned to collaboratively support and contribute to advancing global ocean literacy efforts as part of the United Nations Decade framework and beyond. # Testimonials > “Knowledge is power. As more Canadians learn about our changing oceans, we strengthen our collective ability to ensure they remain healthy. Healthy oceans have more to give – they feed more mouths, employ more people, and clean the air we breathe. I applaud the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition for their work on this important initiative. It is through projects like this that we get more people involved in our growing, sustainable Blue Economy, and deepen our understanding and our relationship to our oceans. That is what will empower Canadians to make choices that will keep our oceans thriving for generations to come.” **Hon. Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard** > “Over millennia, Inuit lived, breathed, and ate near or from the ocean and lived in relative harmony with animals and seasons. Inuit language interweaves values and numerous words for elements of the ocean that are based on thousands of years of experience, knowledge, and observations. As Canada moves forward on increasing ocean literacy for all, integrating Inuit and Indigenous knowledge can not only improve literacy, it can be a path towards shared values in ocean and coastal management and protection. The experience of climate change in the Arctic makes this integration all the more urgent.” **Mary Simon, OC, OQ, Inuit rights advocate and former diplomat** > “As a collaborating member since it began Ocean Networks Canada is delighted to become the administrative home of the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition. An initiative of the University of Victoria, Ocean Networks Canada supports Canadians from coast to coast to coast to #knowtheocean across science, society, and industry through ocean observing technology and data, for which ocean literacy is fundamental.” **Kate Moran, President and CEO, Ocean Networks Canada** The Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition (COLC)is an alliance of organizations, networks, institutions, communities, and individuals working together to better understand and advance ocean literacy in Canada. COLC launched in September 2018 at the Oceans Inspiration Expo, as part of the G7 Ministerial Meetings in Halifax, Nova Scotia. COLC operates as an independent national project office with an administrative home at Ocean Networks Canada (as of April 1). To learn more, visit [www.colcoalition.ca](www.colcoalition.ca) **For more information or media inquiries specific to the Strategy and the Coalition, please contact:**
Diz Glithero, National Coordinator
diz@colcoalition.ca
819-827-5119 **For more information or media inquiries specific to Ocean Networks Canada, please contact:**
ONC Communications
onc-comms@uvic.ca

New online toolkits for students & educators

Overview

In collaboration with multiple partners, ONC’s Learning & Community Engagement team has co-created two online toolkits offered through Ocean Week Canada; one targets postsecondary students and early career professionals, and the other is suited for K-12 educators. The [Postsecondary & Early Career toolkit](https://oceanweekcan.ca/learning-hub/toolkits/postsecondary-early-career/) was curated by [Early Career Ocean Professionals](https://www.ecopdecade.org/canada/) (ECOP) Canada and ONC. The toolkit is geared towards individuals within and outside of the ocean sector who are looking to explore opportunities in this area, or expand their knowledge on topics affecting ocean health. Aside from professional development and career resources, users may learn about environmental challenges and become more familiar with Canada’s blue economy.