April 1, 2009

AquaVan Brings Ocean Wonders to Classrooms in the Central Okanagan

KELOWNA, BC: For students growing up in a semi-arid desert region, it’s not every day that they find octopus, exotic fish and other marine life on their doorstep and in their classrooms.  From April 1 and 27, students will have the opportunity to discover the wonders of oceanic animals and plants through the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre’s AquaVan, Canada’s first mobile aquatic education program. 

Marine biologists and presenters will introduce students to fascinating sea life using hands-on activities with live animals and artifacts such as a killer whale’s jawbone and fossils.  There will puppet shows, songs and costumed aquatic characters.  Older students will examine the diverse adaptations of aquatic life under the microscope and through video presentations.

In addition, some Grade 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to spend one day participating in a Marine Biologist Job Shadow.  These students will assist the AquaVan educators throughout the day, earning work experience hours in the process.

Robert Dickeson, Vice-Principal at Springvalley Middle School was instrumental in coordinating the AquaVan visit to School District No. 23.  “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of our students to see marine wildlife up close and to learn about their unique biology.  Last year was the first time that the AquaVan visited our District’s middle schools and the students loved it.  I’d like to acknowledge TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and the Mitchell Odyssey Foundation; their generous contributions have made this experience possible for our students.”

The AquaVan is scheduled to visit Quigley Elementary on April 1-2 as well as several middle schools this month:

Glenrosa Middle School, April 6 and 7
Constable Neil Bruce, April 8 and 9
Rutland Middle School, April 14 and 15
Springvalley Middle School, April 16 and 17
Dr. Knox Middle School, April 20 to 22
K.L.O. Middle School, April 23 to 27

Launched in 1994, the 37-foot (11-metre) AquaVan brings a taste of the Vancouver Aquarium to communities in British Columbia and Alberta. 

Approved by the Superintendent and Robert Dickeson on April 1, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Robert Dickeson, Vice-Principal, Springvalley Middle School, (250) 862-3274

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.