Ocean Week Campaign
In raising awareness about ocean conservation, I decided to host three activities during Ocean Week (June 5th - June 9th): the Killer Plastics Project display that introduces students to ocean pollution, one hands-on activity where students can write down their opinions towards ocean conservation, and an information session on ocean conservation and the Youth to Sea Leadership Program. In preparation for these activities, I communicated my ideas with my school's Green Team; the Green Team supported me by creating social media posts that informed students about my activities. While raising awareness about ocean pollution, I collaborated with the Green Team to deliver the ideas of recycle, reuse, and repurpose.
The Killer Plastics Project Display
From Tuesday to Thursday, I displayed my "Killer Plastic" Project from Youth to Sea in my school's showcase. The showcase is in front of the library, and students had the opportunity to read about the marine food chain and bioaccumulation while viewing the 3-D printed sculptures. In preparation for the showcase, I communicated with the school principal and the librarian to receive permission to present my Youth to Sea learning results during Ocean Week. I have placed books - regarding climate change and pollution - along with the structures to encourage students to investigate into the pollution problem and understand the impact of pollution on our ecosystems. Before the sculptures arrived at my school, they have been at four other secondary schools in the Greater Vancouver region and reached more than 5000 students.
Interactive Board Activity
From Monday to Thursday during World Ocean week, I organized an interactive whiteboard where students were welcome to write down their thoughts about ocean pollution and ocean conservation. Before lunch break, I set up the whiteboard in the foyer where students had to pass to reach the cafeteria. To encourage participation, I distributed cookies to students who participated. In four days, I received responses from approximately 80 students of all grades.
Youth to Sea Information Session
On World Ocean Day, I hosted a Youth to Sea information session to inform my peers who are interested in oceanography and ocean conservation about the Youth to Sea Leadership Program. The guest speakers, Eric Watson and Siya, introduced the Youth to Sea program while I shared my learning experience at Youth to Sea. In total, 38 students attended the event; After the information session, 27 students signed up for the mailing list. Furthoremore, I composed an article about Youth to Sea and the information session and sent it to the school Newspaper Club to be published. In June, the Newspaper Club published the article as a summary of the information session. In September, I plan to publish another article on ocean pollution and Youth to Sea to encourage students who are interested in environmental studies and oceanography to apply to Youth to Sea. By doing so, I hope to spread awareness about Youth to Sea and ocean pollution while encouraging youth to be more involved in the community.
Youth to Sea and Killer Plastics Project Information Session
