We’ve Launched our Virtual Reality School Education Project!

We started our Virtual Reality pilot program in island schools in early February! And here’s the video you have all been waiting for… (drum roll…!!!)

Click here to see Shorelines and Salmon: Friends of the San Juans’ Immersive Education 360VR!

Dive in and imhttps://youtu.be/vP6ZlXe9Jikmerse yourself among the critical nearshore habitats of the San Juan Islands with this 360 video. Find out why forage fish and juvenile salmon depend on eelgrass beds and bull kelp while watching a group of scientists working on a collaborative restoration project.

Thanks to Immersive Education Program funders: Keta Legacy Foundation (also known as Mountaineers Foundation), The Wheeler Foundation and Friends of the San Juans members.

Another thanks to the Coastal Watershed Institute (herring research); UW Friday Harbor Labs, WA State Department of Natural Resources, SJI Conservation District (eelgrass planting project); Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group (salmon).

Footage by Friends of the San Juans’ Marine Science Coordinator Jess Newley, editing by Chris Newley, and narration by student intern Kaia O.

This video is part of the Immersive Education curriculum, currently being piloted in San Juan Island high schools. Contact Jess at [email protected] if you know a class that would like to sign up.

Best viewing options:

  • For the full immersive Virtual Reality experience it is best through a VR headset like the Oculus Go that we are using in the classroom.
  • The next best option is to view this video using a Google Cardboard headset that takes the 360 video a step up into VR.
  • If you don’t have a headset at all, the best option is to view this video through the YouTube app on your smart phone.
  • Helpful hint: No matter your viewing option – make sure to choose the highest quality possible! (Look for the 3 dot menu in the lower right hand corner.)

From the first time we visited the islands, we were awe-struck by the natural beauty of this majestic setting: towering conifers, green meadows, beautiful lakes, forested mountains, all surrounded by the sound! Like any beautiful location, this magical environment could be “loved to death”, which is why it is so important that Friends of the San Juans is there to help us protect what we all love.

David and Geri Turnoy

members, Orcas Island