Blue Schools Canada
Advancing National Strategy Action Stream #3
What is Blue Schools Canada?
Blue Schools Canada (BSC) is the national hub of the Blue Schools Global Network, an international initiative aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
The Blue Schools Global Network grew out of the successful All- Atlantic Blue Schools Network, of which COLC was a founding member, that launched in 2021. Our goal is to promote ocean literacy and climate action through education. Our work aligns closely with the UNESCO-led Education for Sustainable Development and Greening Education Partnership initiatives. By connecting educators, students, and communities across Canada (and globally), we aim to foster collaboration and empower individuals to become stewards of the ocean, freshwater systems, and climate.
Policy Briefs for Educators: A foundation for our work
Below are policy briefs that provide a concise overview of two UNESCO-led documents that support educators and learning communities in integrating ocean and climate education into their practice.
Blue Schools Canada Framework
The interconnectedness of people, planet, and purpose forms the foundation of the Blue Schools Canada framework. Our approach recognizes the intrinsic link between human well-being and the health of the global ocean and climate. This holistic perspective is essential in cultivating a generation of informed, engaged, and responsible citizens.
Our Vision: To create a network of engaged teachers that inspire and empower students to become stewards of the ocean and climate, driving positive change through knowledge, action, and collaboration.
Our Mission: To foster a holistic, interdisciplinary learning environment that integrates ocean and climate education across the curriculum, cultivates critical thinking, and prepares students to be informed and engaged citizens.
Our Approach:
- Curriculum Integration: Our team of ocean-water-climate specialists collaborate with educators to seamlessly incorporate locally relevant ocean-water-climate knowledge streams into every grade level and subject within K-12 education.
- Reconciliation: We honour and respect Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and learning principles, fostering a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between people and the natural world.
- Global Citizenship: We cultivate a sense of responsibility for our planet and its inhabitants, encouraging students to participate actively in building a sustainable future.
- Learning for Action: We believe education should be transformative, empowering students to take action on the environmental challenges facing our communities and the world.
Serving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
By integrating these four key SDGs into the Blue Schools Canada project, educators, students, and project partners collectively work towards healthier and more sustainable communities.
Curious about a specific goal? Click on an SDG tile to learn more.
Ready to connect with the Blue Schools Canada community?
Please take 5 minutes to complete this brief registration form.
Teachers can sign up for free membership for a single class, multiple classes, or their entire school. Once registered, our BSC Coordinator will contact you to confirm your membership and provide details about the Blue Schools Canada initiative. Share your school’s exciting news on social media using the hashtag #BlueSchoolsCA and tagging @@CANoceanlitCO on X (formerly Twitter).
Ocean Education Resources
Blue Schools Zone
(oceanweek.ca)
BSC Foundational Understandings Poster
BSC Promotional
Poster
AABCN e-book
(2023)
Youth Guide to the Ocean: Learning and Action Series
The Ocean Challenge Badge (Youth and UN Global Alliance)
Teaching the 17 SDGs
Partners in Blue Learning
Blue Schools Canada is coordinated by the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition.
