Science exploration elevated By Shauna DeBodt Imagine having the opportunity to participate in intertidal explorations, marine biology, identify the ecology around seaweed and learn about its human uses. That is just what happened to eight visually impaired students from throughout BC during the nearly week- long science camp at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre in April. Students had the opportunity to listen to whales, participate in lab work, explore the temperate rainforest, learn about ocean plastics and to explore the sandy and rocky shores of Brady’s beach. Thanks to the support from the Nanaimo- Ladysmith Schools Foundation, the Sunriser Kiwanis Club, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and fundraising efforts from her mother, Camryn, a Grade 11 John Barsby student, was fortunate to experience this opportunity. Camryn has an eye condition called Stargardts, a form of juvenile macular degeneration. Diagnosed with this condition at the age of seven, Camryn has had to adjust to a gradual loss of her central field of vision. Camryn is now legally blind and is currently learning braille. The Camp is intended to provide blind and partially sighted students an opportunity to explore marine life through hands-on, tactile and auditory experiences. Students participated in lab work, field trips, boating excursions and beach explorations. Camryn said, “If someone asked me about science now, I would say Marine Science is my favourite. It is so interesting with so many different elements to it. It’s more than what you think it is – it’s everything magical about the water.” Assisting students on their journey were vision teachers, orientation and mobility specialists and Bamfield Marine Centre staff. A professor from UBC was there conducting research, two photographers and staff from Accessible Media Inc. was conducting a documentary and Ministry staff attended. Nicole Cabral, a resource teacher for students with visual impairments, who accompanied Camryn on her journey said, “Camryn loves being creative and experiencing new adventures and is determined to not be fearful of what her future brings with vision loss. She is a very talented writer and poet, but has been challenged with the science classes, due to the visual nature in which science is typically taught.” This adventure provided real, hands-on opportunities for students in a safe and inclusive space. Students developed relationships and bonds with students from across the province and potentially sparked an interest in a field that may not have been an interest before.  Page 1 Page 1