U.S. classrooms can connect to orcas in the San Juans

GCI, a leading managed technology service provider, today announced that it will help connect students in grades 3-5 throughout the U.S. to orcas that frequent the waters near Washington’s Lime Kiln Point State Park through an interactive distance learning event. Classrooms will be able to participate by using video conferencing equipment or a desktop/laptop connected to a projector for a live, interactive experience. GCI will use its satellite-based mobile classroom, which enables connectivity in remote areas, to support the sessions which will be held May 23, 24 and 25, 2016.

“Reliable broadband access is challenging within the San Juan Islands and for this to be successful, connectivity was key,” said Dr. Pam Lloyd, vice president of GCI Education. “Distance learning technology offers students the opportunity to visit places they never thought possible and we are excited to help bring the Pacific Northwest whale migration into classrooms.”

During this event, put together by the Washington Parks Foundation, Inspired Classrooms and Killer Whale Tales, an environmental education program, students will virtually travel to Washington’s Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island to whale watch, see biologists hard at work, and participate in a park tour. Researcher and Executive Director of Killer Whale Tales, Jeff Hogan, will engage students in orca identification and research including:

the four specific criteria that whale researchers use to identify individual whales

why tracking individual whales, and therefore identification, is an important part of whale research.

Students will participate in a hands-on/minds-on activity where they will experience what it is like to communicate using only sound. Students will also identify different orca pods based on recordings.

“Lime Kiln state park is one of the best places in the world to view whales and we are thrilled to have our students participate virtually,” said Phillip Johnson, director of AKTEACH at Kodiak Island Borough School District (KIBSD). “GCI has a long history of bridging geographic barriers through distance learning and its suite of technology solutions for schools throughout the state of Alaska and beyond, including in Kodiak.”

Participating is free and classrooms interested can register here. The event will also be broadcast live. Inspired Classroom, an interactive distance learning company, will record the content and provide it to classrooms around the globe.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.