Ocean Exploration Education Mini-Grants Support “Ocean Explorers” Event for South Florida Students
May 10, 2022
On Earth Day (April 22, 2022), the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) hosted an “Ocean Explorers” event for about 100 middle and high school students from under-resourced schools in Miami, Florida. The immersive field trip experience was composed of 14 stations highlighting current research happening at the University of Miami and other local marine science organizations. Each station featured engaging, hands-on activities for students to ‘get their hands wet’ while learning about ocean exploration science and conservation topics ranging from coral reef restoration and ocean acidification, to bioluminescence and underwater robots! University of Miami students and faculty members also partnered with groups of the middle and high school students, serving as science role models and sharing career connections with the budding explorers. The field trip also included tours of lab spaces at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School and a research vessel.
The “Marine World Magnified” and “Fintastic Faces” stations featured microscopes for students to examine the intricate skeletons of coral and the larval form of many local fish species. Students were then challenged to match the larval form to the adult fish in a game of “what will I become?” Image courtesy of Shannon McDonnell. Download largest version (1.2 MB).
At “The Ripple Effect” station, Ocean Explorers investigated the impact of ocean pH on animals with calcium carbonate skeletons, like corals. Students saw first hand the potential impacts ocean acidification can have on local coral reefs! Image courtesy of Shannon McDonnell. Download largest version (1.3 MB).
“Ocean Explorers 2022” was supported by an Ocean Exploration Education Mini-Grant from NOAA Ocean Exploration and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The Mini-Grant project launched in 2021 to engage and inspire the next generation of ocean explorers by advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts related to ocean literacy, stewardship, and workforce development. The University of Miami Rosenstiel School’s project is one of seven that were awarded up to $25,000 to support underserved and/or underrepresented communities in engaging in ocean exploration career pathways and to build capacity for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) educators to bring ocean science and exploration alive in the classroom and beyond.
At the “Feeding Frenzy” station, Ocean Explorers journeyed to the deep sea to learn about bioluminescence and how it is used in predator-prey interactions through game play! Image courtesy of University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS). Download largest version (1.8 MB).
“Ocean Explorers” was created by the Rosenstiel School faculty Dr. Jill Richardson and Dr. Maria Cartolano and coordinated by professional masters students Cyan Simmons and Cameron Shaw. The University of Miami’s mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, also joined the fun and helped to welcome students and kick off the event. Image courtesy of Shannon McDonnell. Download largest version (1.1 MB).
Published May 10, 2022