Canadian Geographic Education, in partnership with the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF) and its Imagine Marine campaign, presents the 2nd annual Marine Month in Canada in October 2024. This national initiative brings marine careers and real-world STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field applications to the classroom, celebrating Canada’s maritime heritage and highlighting the career opportunities in the marine sector. The Marine Month initiative has been designed to inform and engage students and educators from coast to coast through live online events, classroom resources and lessons, and a $500 prize contest for participating teachers. This year’s program has been adapted for students in grades 5 to 12, featuring participating speakers from across the country and the industry: Canada Steamship Lines (CSL), British Columbia Coast Pilots, Montreal Port Authority, Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy, and Marine Atlantic. The Marine Month in Canada program includes live virtual presentations, where students can interact with marine professionals and explore ports, ships, and simulators across Canada. Fireside chats offer intimate discussions on the career journeys and challenges faced by industry experts, providing a personal view of maritime careers. Additionally, an interactive Kahoot! game after each presentation reinforces learning and encourages further interest in marine opportunities.
Teachers and career and guidance counsellors will have access to interactive resources such as videos, quizzes, and online lessons to explore different types of careers, skill sets, responsibilities, and training options with their students before or after the Live Events. Curriculum-based classroom activities aimed at Grades 5 to 8 will also connect the marine sector with subjects like science, math, communications, environment, and economics. Marine Month 2024 introduces a new $500 cash prize contest for classrooms. Teachers may submit one entry per live event they attend with students, up to three entries total. A randomly selected winner will receive a cheque payable to their school, which can be used to support classroom resources. cangeoeducation.ca