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Ocean Literacy: A Lowcountry Perspective

Ocean Literacy: A Lowcountry Perspective. Whit McMillan, Director of Education. Ocean Literacy means….

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Ocean Literacy: A Lowcountry Perspective

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  1. Ocean Literacy: A Lowcountry Perspective Whit McMillan, Director of Education

  2. Ocean Literacy means… • An ocean-literate person understands:- the essential principles and fundamental concepts- can communicate about the oceans in a meaningful way,- is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the oceans and its resources.

  3. Seven Principles of Ocean Literacy • Earth has one big ocean with many features. • The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth. • The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate. • The ocean makes Earth habitable. • The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems. • The ocean and humans are inextricably linked. • The ocean is largely unexplored.

  4. How do we spread these principles to a larger audience? • Who is our audience? • One size doesn’t fit all, we need diverse products for diverse audiences. • Make an emotional connection and personalize the ocean. • A personal example…

  5. How did I get here? • Early experiences with nature. • Supportive parents and great educators • Field experiences • State Fair • Fort Fisher • ACE Basin and Hunting Island • Now, how does the Aquarium and others help to reach people like me?

  6. Mountains to the Sea • Our Mission: “The South Carolina Aquarium is a regional resource inspiring conservation by excelling in education, and in the care, display, and study of aquatic life. “ • Mountains to the Sea Theme • Move visitors to explore the environment around them • Local habitats

  7. We aren’t alone! • SE COSEE • Sea Grant • SCDNR • NOAA/ NERRS • Spirit of South Carolina • Many others (Earth Force, LEEP, TNC, US Fish and Wildlife)

  8. A network of partners with proven results • Visits to accredited zoos and aquariums prompt individuals to reconsider their role in environmental problems and conservation action, and to see themselves as part of the solution. • Visitors believe zoos and aquariums play an important role in conservation education and animal care.

  9. Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter: Study data • Visitors feel they experience a stronger connection to nature as a result of their visit. • Visitors bring with them a higher-than-expected knowledge about basic ecological concepts. Zoos and aquariums support and reinforce the values and attitudes of the visitor. (AZA MIRP 2006)

  10. How does a regional aquarium help achieve Ocean Literacy? • We provide an opportunity for an emotional connection with the ocean. • We foster learning at all ages. • We personalize the ocean for our visitors. • We help to motivate visitors to conserve ocean resources.

  11. Bringing Ocean Literacy Home: Fostering a Connection • Education about our oceans help to promote the principles of ocean literacy. • Free School programs • 68,000 students/2500 teachers • Visitor Programs • Internships • Conservation programs

  12. Structured School Programs: Field experiences and Educator Training • Free, standards- based • All curriculum materials are available on our web site (www.scaquarium.org) • 2005-2006 • 8500 students from 30 counties • Trained 240 teachers • SC Teachers receive free admission anytime!

  13. Visitor Programs • Theme-based fun programs • Impart a conservation/ ocean literacy message • Schedule changes seasonally • Evaluated for interpretation and content

  14. High School Intern Program: A continued connection • Targeted at under served youths (must qualify for free or reduced lunch) • 20 students selected after application process • All go through training class • Top ten are selected for paid summer internship • 2006 Recipient of AZA Diversity Award

  15. Conservation Efforts • Work with businesses • Our greatest successes come when working with partners. • Sea Turtles • Partner with resorts and property managers • Sustainable Seafood • Over 60 partner restaurants

  16. Whit McMillan wmcmillan@scaquarium.org

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