Introduction 
The Purpose:
To provide schools worldwide with video-conferencing opportunities for unique real-time learning experiences at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC). The Centre will provide students with interactive learning centered on the diversity of coastal marine organisms and their environments.
Background:
Science curricula K-12 require students to learn about many organisms of the living world. In many cases the most engaging and memorable ways to teach the subject matter is through interactive labs and guided observation. As few classrooms have the means by which to support live organisms, the material is often presented through preserved specimens, models or books.
While field trips to aquaria or marine research stations such as BMSC are the optimal solution, their cost per student is often limiting. In particular, remote communities and home-schooled students lack the resources to connect biological subject matter to their environment.
Present-day Internet technology makes it possible to bring students educational content that is engaging, interactive and effective for a reasonable cost.
Concept:
We present classroom- to-lab video conferencing sessions where students interact with dynamic highly qualified instructors along with live specimens and pristine North West Pacific marine habitats.
What we have to offer; Lab Video Conferencing
We are currently in the process of revamping our lab videoconferencing program. The goal is to develop video conferences that are interactive, engaging, and also meet prescribed learning outcomes. Some of the labs we are developing include:
- Advanced Marine Invertebrates (8 specific phyla: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Arthropoda).
- Global climate change, specifically the impacts of ocean acidification
- Marine Ecology: Plankton ecology
- Physical Oceanography
- Recovery of Marine Species at Risk
Until we launch our new programs, our staff will work with you to develop any of our field trip or lab activities listed at http://www.bms.bc.ca/pubed/activities.htm. These programs can be developed to meet your learning needs for any age group in English or French.
Download informational brochure (PDF)
Coming Soon
SCUBA Safari – Underwater Videoconferencing. click here for more...
Public Education’s newest program takes students underwater without getting wet. Students interact directly with divers equipped with audio and video capabilities. This multidisciplinary approach to learning includes information about our diverse subtidal habitats and organisms, diving physiology, and physical oceanography.
Currently we take students on underwater scavenger hunts and are in the process of developing other labs including:
- Kelp forest monitoring
- Species at risk – abalone and rockfish
- The physics of diving
Can your school participate?
Yes! First you should read the Technical page to gain a technical understanding about video conferencing and see whether your school has the technical requirement. Then whether your school has the requirement or not, please contact us. We can set up a test then schedule for a conference. If you have any question or concern or simply want to express your interest, please contact us.
Contact us
If you are interested in participating, please contact us at:
or
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
100 Pachena Road
Bamfield, BC V0R-1B0
Phone: 250 728 3301 x 226
Fax: 250 728 3452 |
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