About the Project
Island Visions is a multimedia storytelling platform that brings the wonder of the four northern California Channel Islands to students of all ages. The project combines this interactive website with a visually rich “untextbook” that weaves together the voices of over 40 islands experts from all walks of life. Island Visions merges these voices and views, creating a living classroom that will inspire the next generation of scientists and stewards.
Island Visions was created in memory of renowned filmmaker and naturalist Mike DeGruy. Mike spent much of his career bringing moving images of the wonders of the ocean — the wonders in our backyard — to students of all ages. He always pointed out across the channel to the islands, saying that this was the best classroom. This project is an effort by Santa Barbara Middle School and Pedal Born Pictures to share Mike’s sense of wonder with that next generation.
The Team
Pedal Born Pictures is a creative storytelling agency that crafts multimedia narratives to shed light on wonders hiding in plain sight. They have created award-winning documentary films and dynamic print resources everywhere from Rwanda to Santa Rosa Island. They believe that only by listening to the voices of our neighbors—be they finned, flippered, or footed—can we protect our planet for future generations.
Founded in 1976,
Santa Barbara Middle School is a co-educational school that offers students in grades 6-9 a profound educational experience combining Academics, Creative Arts & Sports, Outdoor Education, and Community Involvement. SBMS has been taking students out to the Channel Islands to experience the wonder for over two decades. They are firm believers in the power of teaching to exist beyond the four walls of the traditional classroom.
