Ocean Watch Education Kit Átl’ḵa7tsem - Txwnéwu7ts Howe Sound Edition

Kids who grow up near the shoreline might take for granted the fact that they have access to one of the world’s best playgrounds.  Educators who teach in ocean communities might forget that they have access to one of the world’s greatest teaching resources.

In response to great community feedback about the educational value of the Ocean Watch Howe Sound Edition Reports (2017 & 2020), Ocean Wise has created a seven-week curriculum for middle school students to deepen their learning about Átl’ka7tsem/ Txwnéwu7ts/ Howe Sound. Teachers can access a three-hour workshop to get classroom-ready with the curriculum.

The curriculum taps into core competencies for Grade 7 in Language Arts and Science, including big ideas like evolution, climate, and its change over the earth’s geologic time. Lessons and activities tap into critical core competencies, including communication, creative thinking, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Resources accompanying the curriculum include a student workbook, unit plan, and educator guidebook. A wide array of videos, games, science experiments, and other activities are also included.

Lesson overview for Howe Sound Education Kit:

  1. Learning place names (with multiple linguistic/cultural references), locations on the map

  2. Exploring Marine Biodiversity and the interconnected species of Átl’ḵa7tsem / Txwnéwu7ts / Howe Sound

  3. Understanding Ocean Ecosystems and use Átl’ḵa7tsem / Txwnéwu7ts / Howe Sound is used as an example to describe biotic/abiotic factors necessary for life on earth

  4. Understanding human connections to Átl’ḵa7tsem / Txwnéwu7ts / Howe Sound and the cultural and economic values related to the region.

  5. Studying the history of water quality in Átl’ḵa7tsem / Txwnéwu7ts / Howe Sound and impacts on local species.

  6. Examining climate change and its direct/indirect impacts on  Átl’ḵa7tsem / Txwnéwu7ts / Howe Sound as well as community responses.

  7. Learning about habitat protection and the creation of Marine Protected Areas in Howe Sound.

To view the complete package of educational resources, check out Ocean Watch education kit Howe Sound. 

Pro-D Day teacher training is available to ensure teachers are classroom-ready. For more information, contact Danika Strecko, Youth Education Manager at Ocean Wise.

Ruth Simons