Agenda

Agenda

Canadian Wildlife Federation Learning Institute Presents …

2010 Summer Institute

 

Belugas, Humpback Whales and Biodiversity :

An Amazing Sailing Voyage of Learning

Along

Canada’s St. Lawrence River

 

Where: Tadoussac, Quebec

When: Sunday, August 8^th to Sunday, August 15, 2010

Cost: $1,500

Languages: English and French

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8

Welcome to CWFLI’s 2010 Summer Institute for educators!

Dr. Yves Jean is the host of the 2010 Summer Institute

Set sail for an amazing learning voyage along one of Canada’s most extraordinary international watersheds and river, the St. Lawrence.

2010 is the United Nations’ International Year of Biodiversity.  We will celebrate this special event through an exciting sailing expedition along the St. Lawrence River.  Learn about belugas, humpback whales and many other marvellous forms of marine wildlife that inhabit this majestic waterway. 

Biodiversity means the variety of life on Earth. It’s about the variety within the species (or genetic diversity), the variety between species, and the variety of ecosystems.

Our 8-day voyage begins in Quebec City, one of North America’s best known historical cities.  From there, we’ll drive to our destination, the Saguenay-St. Lawrence National Park, Canada’s first Marine National Park, where sailboats will be waiting for us. 

We’ll spend time in places such as the picturesque city of Tadoussac, a unique spot of exceptional whale-watching opportunities. Top researchers, scientists, education experts and sailing crews members will join us along the way.  Get video cameras rolling for fabulous footage of famous Blue whales that live in this part of Canada!

This experience will be conducted in both official languages.

Attention Educators

This unique experience is designed as a learning experience for educators to transfer their learning into a classroom or related working environment contexts.  Learning more about the use of technologies as teaching aids is part of the curriculum of CWFLI Summer Institute programs.  CWFLI also engages in conducting educational research and evaluation in association with its programs with the cooperation of all Institute participants.  

Advance preparation are required in the use of Internet-based programs such as Moodle and in on-site training to gain familiarity with video production and interviewing techniques.  Please read below the specific conditions of participation. 

All participants will receive an attractive and signed Certificate of Completion from Canadian Wildlife Federation Learning Institute for professional development portfolios.

Interested in a University Credit, Too? 

Learn more below about how to engage an academic credit at TELUQ-UQAM.  Candidates must have appropriate qualifications to apply at undergraduate and graduate levels. Cost of tuition is governed by the accrediting institution and is over and above the cost of this voyage. The transfer of credits to another university may be possible but are the responsibility of the candidate. 

Here’s a taste of what we’re working on for educators seeking to learn more about Canada’s marine wildlife and biodiversity.

2010 Summer Institute Agenda Preview: A Work-In-Progress

Elements described in this preview are subject to shifts for smooth sailing and operations as we work out details.

The main area of interest of this scientific education voyage is to explore the Saguenay-St. Lawrence marine park area. While our starting (and ending) point is Quebec City, we also plan to visit Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes, Les Escoumins and other points of interest along Quebec’s north shore and the Saguenay river up to Baie Éternité (including the Ste. Marguerite bay for beluga viewing opportunities).

Day 1 (Sunday, August 8): Arrival in Quebec City and departure for Tadoussac

Arrive and gather at Quebec City for our voyage. Enjoy points of interest in the city on your own if you arrive early. Our afternoon departure features a scenic bus drive along St. Lawrence River’s north shore to Tadoussac. After having dinner at the marina’s restaurant, we’ll prepare for the next days.

Day 2 (Monday, August 9): Computer and technology log-in, visit of the GREMM’s installations and first sailing experience

Today, we’ll start gaining computer and technology knowledge and spend the day with scientists from Parks Canada and from the GREMM.

Day 3 (Tuesday, August 10): Field training with Parks Canada’s officials

We’ll spend the day working in the field with scientists from Parks Canada. We’ll learn more about oceanographic conditions that are responsible for biodiversity and about the studies that are ongoing to protect marine mammals.

Day 4 (Wednesday, August 11): Sailing from Tadoussac to Les Bergeronnes and Guided Field Studies in the afternoon

Sailing from Tadoussac to Les Bergeronnes (a ride of about 3 to 4 hours in duration), we’ll observe, photograph and film whales and other marine mammals. In In the afternoon we’ll visit the Marine Environment Discovery Centre. The centre is located on the St. Lawrence’s shore from which numerous marine mammal species can be seen. During the Saint-Laurent en direct activity, we’ll communicate with a cameraman-naturalist diving in the St. Lawrence and discover, through his camera, the diversity of marine flora and fauna. The ending of the day will be spent observing marine birds from the coast with an ornithologist from L’Observatoire d’oiseaux de Tadoussac (OOT).

Day 5 (Thursday, August 12): Sailing to Anse-St.-Jean (Saguenay River)

This 6-hour sailing trip features the magnificent Ste. Marguerite bay for potential beluga whale observation of females with their young. 

Day 6 (Friday, August 13): Sailing to Baie Éternité

After two hours of sailing, we’ll anchor in the bay for a visit to the provincial park education centre and take a possible hike (weather permitting). For the adventurous (and if time permits) we may include some kayaking on the Saguenay for whale observation. 

Day 7 (Saturday, August 14): Sailing back to Tadoussac

On our sailing trip back to Tadoussac, we’re planning for more beluga observation opportunities in Ste. Marguerite bay. In the afternoon, it will be time to present project’s results.

Day 8 (Sunday, August 15): Departure at 8:30 am for Quebec City, Bon Voyage

It’s time for a return trip to Quebec City.  If you’re planning a flight, make sure it leaves in the later afternoon.  We plan to arrive in Quebec City shortly before noon, depending on traffic conditions.  Safe flight and bon voyage to all who are leaving!  If you’re planning an overnight stay, you are now on your own to discover Quebec City and the Province of Quebec! 

Conditions of Participation

Everyone participating in this unique experience must agree to certain conditions associated with this opportunity:

·         To provide a signed release to be included in film footage of this educational journey of discovery.  We plan to have a professional producer and photographer with us to document this experience, which may be used in CWF documentaries. 

·         To cooperate in preparing a group-focused video of their experiences as a teaching aid for use in their classrooms or work environments and for use on CWF’s YouTube Channel.  Training in the use of appropriate technology for this purpose will be part of trip’s agenda. 

·         To participate by informed consent to participate in educational research associated with this voyage.

·         To sign a liability waiver and to provide a statement of good health to take part in this program.