Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, some parents will choose to keep their children at home when schools reopen in September. But they may worry they can’t provide the same level of education that a certified educator can. Sea Smart, a Vancouver-based charity that delivers environmental education programs, is offering families new online courses to keep kids educated and engaged while they are being homeschooled.
And in recognition of the financial hardship many are facing, Sea Smart is providing the program on a pay-what-you-can basis.
“We know it’s a difficult time right now,” says Sea Smart founder and executive director Dr. Elaine Leung. “Parents are overwhelmed and looking for ways to engage their kids. So we have transitioned to delivering online programs and are offering them on a pay-what-you-can basis so that anyone can access them.”
Each of the program’s courses are developed and delivered by Sea Smart’s highly trained team of marine biologists and environmental educators. Anxious parents can relax knowing that Sea Smart’s online programs fulfil the BC Ministry of Education’s requirements. Ocean Defender courses promote the knowledge and skills required to be socially responsible citizens, foster critical reflection on issues of environmental equity and encourage caring relationships with the community.
Sea Smart’s Awesome Animals course takes students through a series of interactive and engaging virtual lessons with hands-on activities to learn how to protect the amazing animals that live in our oceans. Visual learners can also enrol in Sea Sketchers to learn how to draw species that call the Salish Sea home. Both courses are suitable for ages 7-13 (or enthusiastic younger learners).
Each course is offered free of charge for those facing financial hardship, or at varying prices depending on how much families feel they can pay.
Sea Smart is a charity that delivers innovative, engaging education programs based on science and current ocean issues to empower youth to be environmental champions. Using fun, hands-on games and activities, its programs teach youth in Kindergarten to Grade 12 about current issues impacting our oceans and get them brainstorming solutions through school programs, after school programs, summer camps and online programs.
