This spring, some of our classes were able to participate in the Exploring the Salish Sea Program and Field Trip.
Four-part education program 
Students Brycen, Mason, Maya and Laila shared excitement about their class participating in the program.
The primary goal of the program is to help students make an emotional connection to the Salish Sea and to nurture in them a sense of social responsibility.
To do this, program is organized into four parts. The first three sessions are led by Eagle Wing’s marine education team. The team works closely with each teacher who chooses an “essential question” from the BC school curriculum as a learning theme for their class.
Examples of essential questions include: How are living and non-living things dependent on each other in the Salish Sea? How does human activity impact the Salish Sea? How can we take better care of the Salish Sea environment?
Each essential question is woven with Indigenous perspectives, knowledge and history. The essential question addresses themes of environmental stewardship, conservation, natural resources and the economy, and sustainability.
Making that connection
The first learning session is an introductory classroom presentation that reviews the natural and cultural history of the Salish Sea.
The second session is an experience on board an Eagle Wing Tours vessel. Students see a variety of marine wildlife and learn first-hand about the ecology of kelp forests. Each tour follows the class’s chosen learning theme.
“Many of these students have never been on the water before, so this session is a very special experience for them,” says Eagle Wing naturalist and interim program director Meaghan McDonald. “We want them to feel the wind in their face and absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the Salish Sea. It’s all about making that connection with the ocean environment.”
The third session is a hands-on activity that ties together what the students have learned so far. Examples include tide pool exploration, a food web game or a salmon obstacle course. “As we work through the three sessions, we can see that connection to the ocean happening,” says McDonald. “It’s amazing to watch!”
Student Highlights:
Brycen
"Being able to stand near the front or the back of the bat and getting to look and feel the water."
Maya
"Seeing a humpback whale! The program helped our class learn more about the species in the ocean and on the land. "
Laila
"I enjoyed seeing the whale and the sea lions. It's important to learn how to protect the animals, the kelp forests and all of the plants.
Mason
"Looking at the view was awesome. This program gets us outside to learn about the ocean."