Mrs. Noble’s class at St. Brigid’s School recently visited the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to celebrate the launch of the Biinaagami Giant Floor Map of the Great Lakes-St.Lawrence watershed. This Deep Learning experience highlights the journeys of the Anishinaabe Water Walker and shows how our waterways, landscapes, and ecosystems are all connected. Through fun activities, storytelling, and the use of augmented reality, the students learned about the important relationships between wildlife, people, and nature.
Exploring with Technology
The map contains twelve augmented reality experiences that use 3D visual storytelling to bring the map to life. As students move to different parts of the map, they can see and learn about various aspects of the wildlife, people, and places. The stories shared by several First Nations, who have cared for these lands and waters for generations, are incorporated into the experience.
Using a handheld device like a tablet or smartphone, students can explore these sections, allowing them to “swim” with belugas, observe moose in their natural habitat, and follow the path of a Water Walker. Students interacted with the map in various ways: walking and sitting on the large map, appreciating its visual appeal, learning to read the map, and experiencing the additional dimension of augmented reality.
This interactive experience enhances understanding of Great Lakes wildlife and Indigenous languages, fostering reconciliation with the land and its communities.
Student Reflections
The experience left a strong impression on the students, who shared their thoughts:
“I loved the visuals because they were interesting and rich in knowledge. They showed Indigenous culture and highlighted how we are losing our connection to the earth.”
“I learned that the watershed is vital for both animals and humans, showing how interconnected we all are and the importance of protecting our environment.”
A Commitment to Learning
The launch of Biinaagami was not just an event but a meaningful step toward understanding our relationship with nature and Indigenous cultures. Through hands-on exploration, Mrs. Noble’s class is taking important steps in fostering respect and reconciliation with the land and its people. This initiative reminds us all of the importance of community in creating a sustainable future. To learn more about Biinaagami and our shared responsibility for the Great Lakes, visit biinaagami.org.
