Register for a free virtual or in-person classroom presentation for K-12 audiences. Our resources are aligned with the Canadian curricular concepts and are designed and delivered by our team of BC-certified teachers.

Our classroom presentation bookings are organized into three seasonal periods:

1. Fall: September to December
2. Winter: January to March
3. Spring: April to June

Registration for each season opens one month prior to the start of the season. Please contact us if you require assistance with booking.

Classroom Presentations

HYDROTHERMAL VENT ECOSYSTEMS (Gr. 6-8)

The unique hydrothermal vent ecosystems shift so much of what we know to be true about living organisms. From geology to ecology, students will learn about the adaptations of organisms at Canada’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA), the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents. Explore stunning underwater video from ONC’s data sources, and get up close and personal with the inhabitants of these extreme environments.

1. Duration: In-Person 60 minutes; Virtual 45 minutes
2. Keywords: Ecosystem, extreme environments, environmental chemistry, adaptation, conservation

REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE EXPLORATION (Gr. 6-10)

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) go where humans can’t! Learn about how ONC uses these incredible machines for ocean exploration and to maintain a network of cabled, seafloor observatories. Education and career paths that offer ways to be involved in ocean science will be discussed.

1. Duration: In-Person 60 minutes; Virtual 45 minutes
2. Keywords: Exploration, extreme environments, technology

SEISMIC STUDIES (Gr. 8-10)

Being able to detect earthquakes and other seismic events is important on the west coast of Canada, an active seismic region. Students will use ONC’s online Earthquake Data Dashboard and hear accounts of the 1700 tsunami within Nuu-chah-nulth territory, including interviews with traditional knowledge holders.

1. Duration: In-Person 60 minutes; Virtual 45 minutes
2. Keywords: Plate tectonics, natural disasters, technology, Indigenous knowledge

LOXIWEY (CLAM GARDENS) (Gr. 5-10)

Loxiwey is the term in the Liq’wala language of the Laich-Kwil-Tach people for what is known in English as clam gardens. Students will try spotting ancient clam gardens in beach photographs and learn how First Peoples’ practices cultivate beach habitat for clams. This presentation is based on the Ocean Sense module developed in partnership between ONC, A-Tlegay Fisheries Society, and local knowledge holders of the Discovery Passage area near Campbell River, British Columbia.

1. Duration:In-Person only* 60 minutes
2. Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, tides

A WARMING OCEAN (Gr. 7-12)

Examine the consequences of climate change on the ocean through demonstrations, data, and discussion. Students will learn about ocean deoxygenation, sea-ice melting, and food-web changes through science demonstrations and real data recorded by ONC’s underwater observatories. Participating in hands-on activities, students will explore ocean-based solutions, culminating in a student-led discussion about climate action.

1. Duration: In-Person only* 90 minutes
2. Keywords: Climate change, human impacts, sea ice, Indigenous knowledge, Arctic, technology solutions