Photo: Hammerheads Darwin Jonathan
An underwater story that inspires learning, empathy, and conservation in the Galápagos.
Marti, the Hammerhead Shark, is part of the GSC Virtual Classroom, an educational initiative that uses storytelling to connect science, community, and environmental awareness.
Through Marti’s journey, children learn about the role of sharks and other marine species in maintaining ecological balance, while developing empathy and respect for nature.
The story is designed for learning both in the classroom and at home—combining reading, creativity, and conservation values.
This program is supported by School District 20D01 and has undergone several adaptations to meet the needs of the community.
It has been conducted in person (2019), online (2020–2021), and through local teachers leading their own versions (2022).
Currently, it is offered entirely online through this platform to reach more people, providing the opportunity to earn a certificate of participation upon completion of the program.
Children (ages 7–11) from the Galápagos Islands, mainland Ecuador, and other countries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Teachers and educators who want to bring science and reading into their classrooms in a fun, interactive way.
Families and parents who wish to share meaningful learning experiences at home.
Virtual Classroom
Bring the Galápagos to your classroom or home! Download the materials and start your journey toward ocean awareness and environmental stewardship.
To subscribe, follow these steps:
Fill out the initial form.
Download the educational resources.
Share your experience.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible
My Friend Marti
Photo: Joshua Vela
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.
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!