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.)

The Friends of the San Juans do such a wonderful job of keeping on top of things like the transit of freighters through the Straits and their impact on whales as well as protecting our environment. Jim and I fell in love with the islands, the wildlife, and fishing. We hope to preserve it, not only for our family but for other families, well into the future.

Glen and Deb Bruels

members, San Juan Island