HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Feb. 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), supported by Irving Shipbuilding, is excited to increase ocean literacy in classrooms by introducing the Taking Making into Classrooms: Ocean Toolkit.
“We developed this toolkit to support teachers who were looking for creative ways to integrate experiential ocean education into their practice. We want to encourage young people to be curious about the ocean, and to also recognize that ocean STEM concepts include, but go beyond, ecosystems and ecology – there’s a whole world of Ocean-related engineering, technology and economies to explore!” said Dr. Sherry Scully, Director of Learning & Organizational Development, COVE.
The Marine People Partnership, operating through COVE, facilitated a multi-day conference in July of 2018 for 50+ educators from across Nova Scotia on experiential ocean education. The input from the teachers during this conference helped formulate the Ocean Toolkit which will allow teachers to foster more ocean literacy and stewardship in their classrooms. Modeled on the Taking Making into Classrooms toolkits developed by colleagues associated with the Innovative Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia (Kelowna Campus), the Ocean Toolkit is the sixth toolkit in this series.
The Ocean Toolkit has been assembled from the hard work and collaboration of educators from across the province, and through support and partnerships with Dr. Susan Crichton, Innovative Learning Centre, the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
A team from Irving Shipbuilding put together a package of blueprints and instructions so classes could build their very own Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS). The activity will help students get an idea of the work of the engineers, skilled trades people, quality inspectors, and project managers who are building six AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy at Halifax Shipyard as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
"We are proud to be working with these partners to inspire future generations of Canadian shipbuilders. Introducing students to the ocean sector at an early age is key to growing and developing our workforce," said Kevin McCoy, President, Irving Shipbuilding.
Canada’s lead AOPS, the future HMCS Harry DeWolf, will be delivered to the Navy in summer 2019.
For the full version of the toolkit, visit Taking Making into Classrooms: Ocean Toolkit.
Funding for the Marine People Partnership is part of Irving Shipbuilding’s Value Proposition commitments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. To date, Irving Shipbuilding has committed more than $12 million in Value Proposition investments toward creating a sustainable marine industry across Canada.
About Irving Shipbuilding
Irving Shipbuilding Inc., Canada’s National Shipbuilder, is the most modern shipbuilder and in-service ship support provider in North America. Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, our skilled team and innovative facilities provide efficient building, fabrication, conversion and servicing of vessels and offshore platforms. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is the prime contractor and shipbuilder for the Royal Canadian Navy’s next class of Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC) and Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). We are proud to continue our long history as a trusted partner in Canadian shipbuilding. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is a member of the J.D. Irving, Limited group of companies, a diverse family owned company with operations in Canada and the United States. Learn more at www.IrvingShipbuilding.com or www.ShipsforCanada.ca.
About COVE
Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE) is an ocean tech business park that encourages collaboration across sectors to connect local and international companies in the ocean sector. MPP is a project operating through COVE which focuses on workforce development and engagement in Ocean Industries where youth and teacher engagement is a primary focus. COVE brings together people, ideas, industry and research to help our community and members work in new ways. Together, we are a catalyst in creating the world’s next practical, commercial and revolutionary ocean tech advances. Irving Shipbuilding, as part of its Value Proposition commitments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), has invested $4.52 million in COVE to support development of the programs and operations. Learn more at www.COVEOcean.com.
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