The development of new outreach programs to promote marine science and nautical science

The development of new outreach programs to promote marine science and nautical science

## Marine Science Outreach: Connecting Schools and Communities

### Newcastle University’s Marine Science Outreach

At **Newcastle University**, the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences runs an array of activities, projects, and courses aimed at schools and the general public. Let’s dive into some of their offerings:

1. **School Programs**: These activities engage children with the marine environment. Through hands-on experiences, students learn about marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation.

2. **Courses**: The university offers a six-month program covering the biology and ecology of marine organisms. This course is designed for anyone who shares a fascination for the marine environment.

3. **Projects**: Newcastle University emphasizes that marine issues are everyone’s responsibility. Their projects focus on raising awareness and ensuring the continued protection of our seas and sustainable use of marine resources.

### USF College of Marine Science Outreach

The **University of South Florida (USF)** College of Marine Science hosts several outreach programs:

1. **Marine Science Lab Outreach Projects**: Individual labs within USF’s College of Marine Science contribute to outreach efforts. For example:
– The **Marine Microbiology Lab** engages in real-world research on microbial communities in marine environments.
– The **Realtime Ocean Modeling and Prediction Lab** educates students about ocean modeling.
– The **Reef Indicators Lab** creatively uses a “coral reef cake” to teach about reef health.
– The **Zooplankton Ecology Lab** shares insights through their “Ocean Gazing” podcast.
– Additionally, there are programs like the **Optical Oceanography Laboratory**.

2. **Community Programs**: USF collaborates with local organizations to provide engaging experiences for middle and high school students:
– **Girls Inc. of Pinellas**: Empowers girls through marine science education.
– **St. Petersburg Science Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center & ROV Competition**: Encourages students to explore underwater robotics.
– **National Ocean Science Bowl**: A quiz competition that tests knowledge of oceanography.
– **Ocean Conservancy International-Coastal Cleanup**: Promotes environmental stewardship.
– **Tampa Baywatch Restoration Programs**: Involves habitat restoration efforts.
– **Teen Research Underwater Explorers (True Dive Team)**: Encourages young divers to explore marine ecosystems.

3. **Testimonial**: Melissa Folks from Ridgecrest Elementary shares her experience after a field trip to Clam Bayou: “From the moment we step foot on this amazing property, our girls become scientists for
The development of new outreach programs to promote marine science and nautical science.
Marine science and nautical science outreach programs can focus on environmental conservation, career opportunities, and educational resources. Environmental conservation programs can include interactive experiences both at-sea and onshore that target a variety of audiences, including K-12 students, college students, teachers, and citizen scientists. These programs heighten knowledge of and engagement in marine and environmental sciences, foster dialogue between scientists and the public, and enhance STEM education

. Career opportunities in marine science and nautical science can be promoted through applied research focused on issues relevant to stakeholder needs, development of new seafood products, processes, and training opportunities to help advance the state’s seafood industry workforce, and raising awareness of wild public health and culinary professionals, restaurateurs, wholesalers, and retailers, and policy makers

. Educational resources can include marine science curricula, virtual resources, and ocean education resources that provide lessons for students to create timelines and posters, learn about ocean science, and explore myths and legends

. It is important to note that experiential learning has the potential to increase student engagement and understanding in marine science and nautical science, and can offer opportunities for advancements in knowledge, careers, and attitudes