This term, Grade 4 students at SMUS have been learning about the ocean and how to protect it. As part of their studies, they explored four major threats to ocean health:
- plastic pollution
- noise pollution
- overfishing
- and climate change
Working in groups, each student chose one of these issues to study in more depth.
To support their learning, the classes welcomed special guests, including Seaquaria, who taught them about local marine wildlife and ocean protection. Mrs. Sturgis visited to speak about how climate change affects the ocean. They also heard from One Island One Ocean, who shared details about their Around the Americas Expedition—a journey around North and South America focused on mapping bull kelp forests and studying whales.
Using what they learned, students created persuasive speeches and recorded them as podcasts to raise awareness about the threats facing our oceans and how people can help.
On June 8, World Oceans Day, the Grade 4 classes took their learning off campus and joined the community at Fisherman’s Wharf. There, they educated members of the public about ocean threats and invited donations to support Seaquaria. In exchange, visitors received laser-cut pins of Salish Sea wildlife—designed and created by the students in Digital Skills class. Each pin included a QR code linking to 40 student-made podcasts.
“I appreciated the opportunity to interact with people on the wharf and sell pins to raise money for Seaquaria, who helps keep our ocean safe and healthy,” said Kennedy.
While students shared their work and raised awareness, divers at the Seaquaria tent gathered sea creatures for touch tanks, offering hands-on learning for visitors. The students' display was so popular that they sold out of all their pins.
“I really enjoyed being with my friends and meeting new people that were kind to us and interested in what we had to say about the ocean and how to help protect it,” said Finn.
Samantha Rizzuto
