GLOWS BiodiversiTV - KAST

GLOWS BiodiversiTV: Highlighting Kootenay Biodiversity with a STEAM + Careers Lens

GLOWS BiodiversiTV celebrates the biodiversity of our region, the amazing careers available to those who are inspired by using science and technology to protect the planet, and the digital and science literacy recommended by professionals in our region.

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GLOWS BiodiversiTV is a multimedia and bilingual STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts & Math) + Careers learning experience for youth ages 10 to 18. During its launch in 2020 for Science Literacy Week, we showcased four organizations (aka heroes) working to protect biodiversity within the Kootenay region.

This online educational program was designed just for educators (and everyone who identifies as one in this unique time in history) to provide engaging, multimedia content to learners throughout the Kootenay region.

GLOWS BiodiversiTV was made possible with the support of National Science & Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for Science Literacy Week 2020.

Why STEAM?

GLOWS is KAST’s youth program. GLOWS (Growing & Learning Opportunities With STEAM) provides opportunities to help Kootenay youth ages 5-19 find inspiration about their post-secondary education in a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) disciplines. Throughout BiodiversiTV, we showcase how STEAM is integrated into each of the organizations doing impactful work protecting biodiversity in the Kootenay region.

Why Careers?

GLOWS purpose is to encourage Kootenay youth to pursue further education in STEAM. We do this by introducing youth to learning opportunities, engaging content, and inspirational people! BiodiversiTV is our first program that showcases relevant education pathways, and a sneak peek into the career paths of local professionals doing amazing work in STEAM!

RESTORING WETLANDS: BETTER HABITAT FOR THE NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG

Discover what it’s like to be a Wildlife Biologist protecting species at risk in beautiful Creston Valley, located in the Kootenay region of British Columbia.

Watch as we follow Marc-Andre Beaucher, Head of Conservation Programs at Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, to Duck Lake where he works to enhance the habitat for the Northern Leopard Frog. This frog is one of two known populations in B.C. that is red listed, which means the frog is an indigenous species to BC that is threatened.

Learn about the protected area, the technology used to support the work being done, and the education and career pathways available to pursue STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) in the field of Wildlife Biology.

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MONITORING WATER TEMPERATURE AT ELK RIVER TRIBUTARIES

Have you ever considered pursuing a career in biology, earth science or botany? Meet three professionals, Beth Millions, Ayla Bennett, and Chad Hughes who followed their passion for the natural world to land their dream jobs at the Elk River Alliance.

Learn about a water monitoring project that, with the support of advanced technology, will give them water temperature data for up to fifty years! This data will help them determine the impact of climate change on creeks, and the species that live there, that flow into the Elk River in Fernie, British Columbia.

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INVASIVE SPECIES: A THREAT TO REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY

Did you know that the second leading disruption to biodiversity is invasive species? Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society does the very important job of combating plant and aquatic species that don’t belong in the Kootenay region. They’re protecting our biodiversity every day!

You’ll meet four dynamic women from this organization and learn about their education and career paths, the technology used to support their work, and how you can stop the spread of invasive species where you live!

Nerrissa Abbott, Senior Field Technician
Jessica Zimmer, Summer Field Technician Intern
Khaylish Fraser Aquatics Program Coordinator
Laurie Frankcom,Education Program Coordinator

From Creston Valley to Nakusp, B.C., this team of technicians is doing great work.

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RESTORING GRIZZLY BEAR HABITAT

In a beautiful integration of traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science, the Okanagan Nation Alliance Natural Resources team is managing a five year project to enhance habitat for the Arrow Grizzly Bear (ki?lawna?) On this episode of BiodiversiTV we follow three staff members as they tell us about the project, their education paths, and the science and technology that helps them do this important work. Meet Yvonne Patterson, Wildlife Biologist; Addison Fosbery, Senior Wildlife Technician and Sterling Peterson, Field Technician and Drone Pilot as they work to understand, protect and enhance life for Grizzly Bears in the Monashee range near Nakusp, BC.

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For each GLOWS BiodiversiTV episode, you will also find:

Educators Toolkit

Community Partners Toolkit

BiodiversiTV Activities

A list of activities you can use with your group or class

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Featured Faves (a curated list of relevant):

Books & Audio books
Podcasts
Youtube Channels
Apps + Websites

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Got questions? Want to connect? Email us at glows@kast.com!

Featured Organizations