Photo: Hammerheads Darwin Jonathan
Explore Our Stories
The Galápagos Islands are recognized worldwide as a natural sanctuary for their rich ecosystems and biodiversity. The sharks and giant tortoises of the Galápagos are a subject of study and interest for visitors and scientists from around the world, who seek to observe and learn about their ecology, behavior, and importance in the balance of this fragile ecosystem.
Photo: Greenpeace
Follow Marti, a curious child who discovers friendship and respect for nature through the creatures of the Galápagos.
A story about empathy, discovery, and how small acts of kindness can protect big wonders.
Follow Marti, a curious child who discovers friendship and respect for nature through the creatures of the Galápagos.
A story about empathy, discovery, and how small acts of kindness can protect big wonders.
Science, Stories, and Imagination
The Galápagos Science Center’s Virtual Classroom offers free educational materials designed to inspire curiosity, empathy, and environmental awareness. Through storytelling and creative activities, children explore the wonders of the islands — from giant tortoises to marine life — while learning about the importance of protecting nature.
What is it and what is it for?
Since 2019, with the purpose of promoting the conservation of species that inhabit the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the islands, an educational activity called Reading Sessions has been carried out. This initiative is inspired by science-based stories centered around sharks and giant tortoises. The main stories used are: “Marti, the Hammerhead Shark” and “Tessa, the Giant Galápagos Tortoise.”
Through activities designed to develop reading comprehension, critical thinking, and values such as empathy, respect, and conservation ethics, each story becomes the foundation for its own series of Reading Sessions. These sessions aim to strengthen coexistence and raise awareness about the protection of our marine and terrestrial species.
Both educational activities are endorsed by the Education District 20D01 and have evolved to meet the needs of the community.
Reading Sessions with Marti have been conducted in person (2019), virtually (2020–2021), and through local teacher-led replications (2022).
Reading Sessions with Tessa have taken place in person from 2022 to 2024.
Now, in its fully digital format, the Virtual Classroom provides access to all educational resources for both Marti, the hammerhead shark, and Tessa, the giant Galápagos tortoise—expanding opportunities to learn about the conservation of the islands’ iconic wildlife. This platform allows us to reach more people and offers participants the chance to receive a certificate of completion once they finish the program.
What is the goal of the Virtual Classroom?
The purpose of this educational space is to empower the regional community to promote environmental awareness, with a special focus on the protection of sharks, giant tortoises, and other marine species that inhabit the uniquely fragile ecosystems of the Galápagos.
Who is it for?
It is designed especially for schools and families, where teachers, parents, and guardians play a key role as facilitators. Meanwhile, children—primarily between the ages of 7 and 11—from the communities of the Galápagos Islands, mainland Ecuador, and other countries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific participate as the main learners and explorers.
Participants can access a variety of educational resources free of charge and complete the activities independently, adapting them to their own schedules and focusing on the learning needs and goals of their group.
Based on previous experiences, approximately ten hours are needed for preparation and full completion of the activity.
The Reading Sessions with “Marti, the Hammerhead Shark” and “Tessa, the Giant Galápagos Tortoise” are part of the community engagement activities developed by the Connecting with Nature Program (GSC–GCT). They offer the following support for the implementation of the activity:
Digital educational resources
General guidance for facilitators
A digital certificate for facilitators
Physical delivery of the educational kit, available only for participants located in the Galápagos
Complete the initial form to receive an email with the download link for the educational resources and to access our support throughout the entire process.
Download the materials of your choice and enjoy the adventures inspired by the iconic species of the Galápagos.
We will contact you to welcome you and guide you through your learning experience.
Follow Marti, a curious child who discovers friendship and respect for nature through the creatures of the Galápagos.
A story about empathy, discovery, and how small acts of kindness can protect big wonders.
Follow Marti, a curious child who discovers friendship and respect for nature through the creatures of the Galápagos.
A story about empathy, discovery, and how small acts of kindness can protect big wonders.
Why It Matters
By combining science and storytelling, we help children understand that caring for nature begins with curiosity.
These resources aim to build environmental awareness from an early age — nurturing the next generation of scientists, artists, and guardians of the Galápagos.
Photo: Hammerheads Darwin Jonathan
Get Involved
Want to share our materials with your school or organization? We welcome educators, parents, and community leaders to collaborate and expand the reach of our educational initiatives.
Together, we can make learning an adventure that connects every child with the wonders of the Galápagos.
Learning from Nature, Caring for the Future
In 2022, the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) and the broader UNC & USFQ Galapagos Initiative will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. We are proud to announce the World Summit on Island Sustainability scheduled to be held on June 26–30, 2022 at the Galapagos Science Center and the Community Convention Center on San Cristobal Island.
The content of the World Summit will be distributed globally through social media and results documented through papers published in a book written as part of the Galapagos Book Series by Springer Nature and edited by Steve Walsh (UNC) & Carlos Mena (USFQ) as well as Jill Stewart (UNC) and Juan Pablo Muñoz (GSC/USC). The book will be inclusive and accessible by the broader island community including scientists, managers, residents, tourists, and government and non-government organizations.
While the most obvious goal of organizing the World Summit on Island Sustainability is to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the GSC and the UNC-USFQ Galapagos Initiative, other goals will be addressed through special opportunities created as part of our operational planning of the World Summit.
For instance, we seek to elevate and highlight the Galapagos in the island conservation discourse, seeking to interact with other island networks in more obvious and conspicuous ways to benefit the Galapagos Islands, the UNC-USFQ Galapagos Initiative, and the world. We will seize the opportunity to further develop the I2N2 – International Islands Network-of-Networks. Further, we wish to highlight and emphasize multiple visions of a sustainable future for the Galapagos Islands and we cannot do this alone. Therefore, engaging the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Government Council of Galapagos, the Galapagos National Park, and local Galapagos authorities, including government and non-government organizations and local citizen groups, is imperative.
Borrowing from Hawaii’s and Guam’s Green Growth Program and the Global Island Partnership, we wish to examine existing global programs that emphasize island sustainability and their incorporation into life, policies, and circumstances in the Galapagos Islands. We will also seek to enhance our connections with the institutional members of our International Galapagos Science Consortium and expand the Consortium through the recruitment of other member institutions. We will also work to benefit islands and their local communities by working with citizen groups as well as important NGOs who seek to improve the natural conditions in the Galapagos and diminish the impact of the human dimension on the future of Galapagos’ ecosystems.
Lastly, we will use the World Summit to benefit UNC & USFQ and our constituencies through a strong and vibrant communication plan about the World Summit, creating corporate relationships as sponsors, identifying funding goals through donors, and benefiting our study abroad program for student engagement in the Galapagos Islands. We plan to develop and issue a Galapagos Sustainability Communique after the World Summit that includes the vision and insights of all its participants for a sustainable Galapagos with applicability to global island settings.
We are eager to hear your perspective and have you join us at the World Summit on Island Sustainability!