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Marine Science Institute (MSI)

Marine Science Institute (MSI). San Francisco Bay, CA. Founded in 1970. MSI was founded in the midst of the “environmental crisis” of 1970 when many were discovering that water wasn't as inexhaustible and indestructible as we thought.

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Marine Science Institute (MSI)

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  1. Marine Science Institute (MSI) San Francisco Bay, CA

  2. Founded in 1970 • MSI was founded in the midst of the “environmental crisis” of 1970 when many were discovering that water wasn't as inexhaustible and indestructible as we thought. • That same year, Earth Day was created, and the Environmental Protection Agency was established. • MSI’s mission: to cultivate a responsibility for the natural environment and our human communities throughinnovative marine science education. “We believed then, as now, that education was the single most valuable commitment we could make for our future.“  MSI Founder Robert Rutherford

  3. Accomplishments • One million students have discovered the San Francisco Bay and Delta with MSI since 1970. • Currently work with 50,000 students of all ages each year on a budget of $1.5M (avg. cost of $28/student). • 500 schools use MSI as their science annex. • Wildlife Heritage Trust National Award of Excellence for lasting impact on SF Bay's surrounding community. • San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) says MSI’s efforts are essential to protecting the Bay’s natural resources. • Recognized for excellence in science education by San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.

  4. MSI Programs • Education Program “Discover Our Bay” helps teachers meet CA state content standards with 40,000 students each year: • Discovery Voyage aboard 90-foot research vessel on the Bay • Canoes in Sloughs in Redwood Creek • Shoreside Services at MSI’s Discovery Lab & Dock • Inland Voyages in classrooms all around the Bay • Tidepool Excursions at Pillar Point • Marsh & Beach Explorations at Half Moon Bay State Beach • Biomimicry, Scientific Method Combo • Membership Program: eco-learning for the whole family. • Summer Marine Camp: 1-week extended programs for 1,200 K-12 students each summer. • Volunteer Program: Internships, Volunteer Docents • Public Outreach: Ecotours, Aquarium Spotlight, Earth Day

  5. CA Education Crisis • California schools rank among the lowest in the nation. • In CA, less than 18% of 12th graders achieve competency in science. • 80% of Bay Area K-5 teachers in the study reported spending 60 minutes or less per week teaching science. • $17.3 billion in budget cuts to California education since February 2009. • Attrition in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is due to student loss of interest and enthusiasm.

  6. SF Bay in Crisis • Millions of pounds of trash - about 80 percent originating on land - end up nestled along shorelines and floating in the Bay region's waterways each year. • Pacific Garbage Patch of plastic trashis now 4 X larger than Texas. • Students do not connect messages such as “Don’t Litter” and“Flows to the Bay” to the Bay. • 90% of all ocean animals start their lives in an estuary. The SF Bay is the largest estuary on the west coast. We have a responsibility…

  7. MSI Impact • Measurable increases: • Knowledge of grade level science content; • Understanding, appreciation, and respect for the San Francisco Bay ecosystem; and • Environmentally responsible behavior. • Gives students the experience of being a scientist for a day. • Exposes students to future career paths. • Makes students aware of how their everyday choices affect the marine environment.

  8. Be Part of the Solution Opportunities to support the good work of MSI: • Brownlee Repower Campaign • Repower MSI’s floating classroom, the 90-foot R/V Robert G. Brownlee for the next 10 years of service. • Upgrade MSI’s original ship engines to the cleanest marine diesel engines available today. • Increase fuel efficiency (currently a $30,000/year expense) and decrease carbon emissions of MSI’s ship. • Sponsor Discovery Voyages for Bay Area students • $2,500 fully sponsors a Discovery Voyage for up to 60 students from schools in low income communities, including bus transportation. • $10,000 sponsors 250 students from a range of schools reflecting the Bay Area’s diversity.

  9. For More Information • Contact us at: (650) 364-2760 • Visit our web site at: www.sfbaymsi.org • Come observe a program: • Call Janeen at (650) 364-2760, x.14, or email her at janeen@sfbaymsi.org to arrange. • My contact information: • Caitlin Dobson, Land Program Manager • (650) 364-2760, x.17 / caitlin@sfbaymsi.org

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