Parents facing the new reality of weeks at home with the kids should check out Online Oceans, the new ocean literacy resource for kids aged 2-18 from educators at Vancouver-based Ocean Wise Conservation Association and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Just like rainforests, the oceans are our planet’s lungs. From generating half the oxygen we breath, to mitigating the effects of climate change. Even though we don’t live near the ocean, our kids need to understand that humans rely on the oceans for our very survival. Then need to learn to care for the ocean, as well as all the plants and animals who live in it.
Online Oceans brings ocean-inspired crafts, activities, DIY videos, livestreamed learning, and more, to families around the world. Offerings are broken down by age group and include a hefty dose of fun.
A highlight of Online Oceans is the livestreamed learning sessions on topics including: Ocean Plastics, Sharks! and Arctic Adaptations. Livestreams take place multiple times each week and are free to join from the comfort of your own laptop.
If you are looking for something even more personal and engaging, you can sign up for a Virtual AquaClass. These personalized sessions allow your kids to meet online with an Ocean Wise educator to dive deeper into learning topics like “Careers in Conservation” or “Reptiles and Amphibians.”
Normally reserved for schools – the Virtual AquaClass program is being opened to individual families during school closures. Virtual AquaClasses cost $45 for a 45-minute session, and multiple families can split the cost to take part in a single session, each from their own home computer.
Teachers are also welcome to make use of the Online Oceans content, and will find that many of the resources are curriculum based and perfect to incorporate into their distance education offerings.
Here’s a list of our favorite Online Oceans resources:
- Feed your little piranhas from the Recipe Corner.
- Make your own plastic free glitter and tinted lip balm with this DIY video tutorial.
- Join free livestreamed programs on topics like Ocean Plastics and Sharks.
- Check out the links to Vancouver Aquarium’s live animal cams.
- For younger kids, check out the Feed the Shark Craft and Animal Coloring Pages.
- Virtual Aqua Classes are perfect for teens and older kids privately, or in small groups.
Enjoy diving into this great new resource.
