Fisheries and Oceans Canada Invests in New, Innovative Ocean School Program for Youth

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - July 21, 2016) - Today, on the campus of Dalhousie University, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is contributing $250,000 to the Ocean School pilot program.

The Ocean School program aims to promote a better understanding of our oceans, connect Canada's youth with these fascinating bodies of water, and inspire a new generation of ocean scientists.

Its curriculum supports the Government of Canada's renewed focus on ocean science and its commitment to protect our three oceans, coasts, waterways and fisheries for the benefit of current and future generations.

Jointly developed by Dalhousie University and the National Film Board, Ocean School is a groundbreaking, ocean science education program for students mainly between the ages of 11 to 15. This innovative program combines cutting-edge research with stunning filmmaking and a variety of modern teaching tools, including interactive virtual classrooms, virtual reality installations, and hands-on research projects

Fisheries and Oceans Canada's contribution will support the program's virtual reality prototype and will help ensure Ocean School's completion by 2017.

Quick Facts

• The funding comes from a new $5M Partnerships and Priorities Fund as part of the $197.1M in ocean and freshwater science. It aims to support and leverage new partnerships and collaborations within Canada's ocean and freshwater science community.
• The investment in Ocean School is in line with Canada's 2013 commitments under the Galway Statement for Atlantic Ocean Cooperation to enhance ocean literacy.

Quotes

"We are proud to partner with Dalhousie University and the National Film Board on the development of Ocean School. By fueling youth's interest in ocean science, this advanced, state-of-the-art program will help inspire Canada's next generation of ocean leaders, innovators and researchers."

- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"The Ocean School partnership is a great example of government and post-secondary institutions working together to encourage our youth to discover the scientific wonders of the sea. Such initiatives are so important as they can inspire the next generation of young Canadians to pursue careers in science."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"We are thrilled Minister LeBlanc visited campus today to provide us with this generous funding; it will enable us to move this project into the next stage of its development. This program unites Dalhousie's world-leading ocean science and education expertise with NFB's award-winning creative talent and learning technologies. We are very excited to see how it will make a difference for Canadian youth, and we thank the Government of Canada for its generosity."

- Martha Crago, VP Research at Dalhousie University

"The National Film Board of Canada is excited to be working with Dalhousie University on Ocean School, the latest in a long tradition of NFB initiatives that bring together Canadian expertise in science, media and education to create cutting-edge learning experiences. As the world's oceans bear the brunt of climate change and the demands of a growing global population, it's more important than ever that young Canadians have the resources they need to face these challenges and make wise choices. With the assistance of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Ocean School will go a long way in changing how we view our oceans―so vast, so rich with life, but also threatened as never before."

- Claude Joli-Coeur, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada

Associated Links

Ocean School website

DFO's Partnerships and Priorities Fund

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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