Distance Learning Events

Check back here to learn when the next distance learning event will take place!

Our thanks to teachers Joy Roth and Nancy Mayer of Washington Virtual Academy for their on-going collaboration and support!

To join

All you need to join is an internet connected computer! If you are watching from a classroom or with friends, you may also need speakers and a projector so your entire group can see and hear. Information on how to join the session, including sign-in instructions and the web address are here.

The platform

We’ll be using the Elluminate platform. This web eLearning platform allows participants in the virtual classroom to view pictures and hear the presenters. Participants also can type in questions, raise hands, and ask questions verbally (with microphone capabilities).

You can learn more about the features of this platform with the Elluminate Participant Setup Guide.

Previous Sessions

We’ve had several sessions where students have learned about a variety of ocean themed topics, including global current patterns, water quality, South American sailing, and fishing!

In May,  the crew was in San Diego, and broadcast from the San Diego Maritime Museum. Several of the crew shared some of their favorite places from the expedition and what they’ve learned during this past year. The crew was joined by a guest from the student crew, 9 yr old Jayce. You can watch a recording of this class session here.

Our March session, opened with an overview of the expedition so far, and then focused to the Galapagos. The crew, including writer Herb McCormick and photographer David Thoreson shared pictures and stories, and told about their close encounters with many animals on land, including iguanas and Galapagos tortoises, as well as when scuba diving. The crew was joined by Stuart Banks, an oceanographer at the Charles Darwin Research Station, who shared information about the Galapagos ecosystem, and his research on the islands.

In February, the crew, including educators Roxanne Nanninga and Zeta Strickland, and First Mate Dave Logan, shared what they’ve learned and seen about one aspect of ocean resources, fishing, so far on the expedition. They showed pictures and shared stories about subsistence level fishing and fishermen they met in the Arctic, fishing practice research and development underway at the Marine Institute in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and their recent experiences in Chile.

In January, Educator Zeta Strickland gave an update on Ocean Watch’s recent accomplishment of sailing around Cape Horn. She shared images of the journey around the horn, and participants learned more about the cape and how the currents and overall geography impact sailing in this area.

In December the crew, including Scientist Michael Reynolds, Captain Mark Schrader, and Photographer David Thoreson led the presentation from Brazil. Scientist Michael explained how winds and currents differ around the world, and how the patterns influence weather and impact sailing.