STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These disciplines are vital to succeed in a quickly developing world. STEM education develops critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are essential in the workplace and everyday life. Learning skills and characteristics developed through STEM education is necessary for everyone. This is why access to STEM programs is so vital. STEM education shows children how their learning goes beyond the classroom. Canadians are also expanding STEM learning initiatives through organizations like Canada 2067.

Since the start of COVID-19, children have experienced unprecedented school closures. This transition towards online classes features assignments and projects that often need very little social interaction. As the pandemic continues, children also face the uncertainty of a completely altered summer, a new normal, unlike anything they have ever experienced.

World Oceans Day started in 1992 to raise awareness of the important role the oceans have in interconnecting life on Earth. In 2008, the UN passed a resolution to officially designate the day for the international community to come together to protect the oceans. Since then, the movement has expanded to an entire weeklong event! This year, World Oceans Week is June 8-14. Oceans Week raises awareness, educates, and encourages action - every person can do a little more to help our oceans.

This week, we’re sharing something a little different. After one of our Species at Risk school workshops in North Vancouver, a 5th-grade student felt compelled to create this poem. She felt so moved that she showed her teacher who then printed it and circulated it around the school to inspire others. We love seeing students take our workshops to heart and share their knowledge with their families, schools and communities. This ripple effect is exactly what we strive to create, every day.

The world is adjusting to public health protocols in response to COVID-19 and Sea Smart has been working diligently to adapt our programs. Teachers are looking for ways to reach their students remotely and provide quality education. As well, parents must find solutions to entertain and engage their children while also balancing working from home.

We know this is a challenging time for many families. Children are isolating away from their school and adjusting to online learning. You may be working from home and are looking for ways to keep your kids happy, engaged, and stimulated. Luckily, many wonderful organizations that are sharing fun online resources for students to continue learning!

This April 22 marks the 50th Annual Earth Day. The first Earth Day took place in 1970, launching the modern environmental movement. In the US, this public outcry of the importance of environmental advocacy resulted in the creation of the Clean Air, Water, and Endangered Species Act and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (1). Earth Day is a reminder of the power of individual and community action. This year, the theme of Earth Day 2020 is Climate Change - the biggest environmental challenge to humanity.

Are you looking for creative ways to spark curiosity and engage your kids with marine biology activities? Bring the beach inside with these five activities you can easily do at home to teach your kids about the ocean, marine life, and the threats they are facing. These activities will spark discussions on ways you can reduce your impact on our ocean.

The learning concepts of this activity are best suited for late elementary or early secondary age children, but the activity itself can be fun for any ocean or chemistry enthusiast.

The learning concepts of this activity are best suited for early elementary age children, but the activity itself can be fun for any young child!

The learning concepts of this activity are best suited for late elementary or early secondary age children, but the activity itself can be fun for any budding ocean enthusiast.

The learning concepts of this activity are best suited for elementary age children, but the activity itself can be fun for any child!

The learning concepts of this activity are best suited for elementary age children, but the activity itself can be fun for any young child!

Sea Smart is dedicated to educating others about the importance of marine ecosystems. At the same time, we strive to emphasize the interconnectedness of all ecosystems, especially the closely tied dynamics of freshwater and marine systems. If the oceans are the heart of the global ecosystem, freshwater systems are the veins. On March 22 we're celebrating World Water Day - an annual United Nations observance that focuses on the importance of freshwater.

Our blog series is continuing with another Day in the Life post! Today we’ll be focusing on our Chief Entertainment Officer, Loki. Although he is one of Sea Smart’s newest members, he has been a driving force in adding joy to the workplace! If you want to learn about some of the other roles that help shape Sea Smart, catch up on our other Day in the Life blog posts!

Who’s excited for International Polar Bear Day coming up on February 27th? This global event, established by Polar Bear International, draws attention to the threats that polar bears face and the actions we can take to help.

Up next in our Day in the Life blog series is our Environmental Educator. This is just one of the vital roles at Sea Smart and we hope you gain some more insight into all of the roles that help shape our organization. Volunteers, board members, educators, parents, teachers, administrative coordinators, marketing advisors and so many more are crucial to Sea Smart’s continued growth. Consider this an inside scoop on the inner workings of Sea Smart!

So what does mental health have to do with our oceans? As it turns out, a lot! Close your eyes and imagine yourself on the beach. You can feel the sand beneath your toes, hear the waves crashing on the shore, and breathe in the fresh sea air. Take a moment to assess how that image made you feel. Do you feel at ease?

We’re starting a new blog series here at Sea Smart! We’ll be highlighting some of the awesome people who work with Sea Smart to gain some insight into all of the roles that help shape our organization. Volunteers, board members, educators, parents, teachers, administrative coordinators, marketing advisors and so many more are crucial to Sea Smart’s continued growth. Consider this an inside scoop on the inner workings of Sea Smart. Up first is our Partnerships and Development Manager!

Are you looking for ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce during the holidays? What is a better gift than ensuring our oceans stay healthy for our children and future generations?