Marine Science

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series

Hawaiian Monk Seals: Working to Recover the Endangered Seal of Hawai‘i

May 18, 2023

12 pm Hawaiʻi / 3 pm Pacific / 5 pm Central / 6 pm Eastern

Hawaiian monk seals, ʻilioholoikauaua, are the world's only tropical seal and one of the most endangered marine mammals. These unique seals are native to, and only live in the Hawaiian Archipelago. The biggest segment of their population resides in the remote islands and atolls of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program works throughout the populated main Hawaiian Islands and the Monument to understand the biology of monk seals, what they need to survive, what threatens their survival, and how to help. Join one of the program's ecologists, Dr. Stacie Robinson, as she shares the latest status updates and research.

This presentation is part of the Third Thursday By the Bay Presentation Series at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, which is the visitor center for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. This lecture series is also supported by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Register for Webinar

SOURCE: ONMS Education

Local Roots: Global Impact Workshop - TX

Thursday, May 11, 2023

8 a.m.- 12 p.m.

The Climate Initiative invites you to a FREE climate education workshop for non-formal and community-based educators on the Texas Gulf coast.

This event has been designed specifically for educators in non-formal settings such as after-school programs, summer camps, service learning providers, churches, and other community-based organizations. The purpose of this workshop is to create space for networking, professional development, and experiential engagement with TCI's resources and programs. You will learn about TCI's free tools for youth climate education and action, as well as some amazing opportunities to earn stipends for using our resources this spring and summer. 

The workshop takes place from 8 a.m. - 12 noon at MarMo Plaza (2121 Market St.). This event is completely free for educators and includes fun giveaways and breakfast from Galveston Bagel Company. 

To attend, please register at https://bit.ly/43eeCAM. 

SOURCE: The Climate Initiative

Nature Education 4-week Online course

Cornell University

May 15 – June 11, 2023

Nature experiences can be educational, joyful, and comforting, especially in today’s urbanizing and post-pandemic world. Nature education brings people closer to nature and thus contributes to human well-being, including physical and mental health. This course will introduce you to diverse nature education practices, including programs run by urban and wilderness nature centers, unstructured play time for children, adventure and outdoor education programs, educational experiences in national parks, forest schools, as well as citizen science and environmental stewardship programs that incorporate nature-based experiences. 

Topics include personal and community benefits of nature education, cultural ecosystem services, traditional and novel approaches to nature experiences, and challenges and critiques of nature education. Based on research and practice examples, this course is designed to help educators, volunteers, community leaders, parents and anyone else to gain professional credentials in nature education, and to incorporate nature in their educational programs and everyday life.

Learn More & Register

SOURCE: AZA Education Digest

Ocean Challenges

Whether your school is near the coast or miles from the ocean, it is critical students understand the challenges our oceans face today. High on the list is plastic pollution, coastal erosion, and ocean warming. Use time at the end of the school year for students to create an awareness campaign—for example, encourage other students to say no to single-use plastics—and use the campaign to educate the entire school community. Explore these resources from NOAA’s National Ocean Service to get started learning about plastic and other marine debris. Read more about the United Nations World Oceans Day happening on June 8th!

SOURCE: National Wildlife Federation

Garden for Wildlife Month

May is Garden for Wildlife™ Month! Join us as we celebrate 50 years of the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife™ movement.

• Learn why gardening for kids is important and find tips to pique their interest.
• Follow the Garden for Wildlife channels on social media for great tips & resources for your school garden. And stay tuned for information about upcoming webinars on topics including monarchs, tropical milkweed, and birds.
• Thinking of creating and certifying a wildlife habitat at home? Your garden should include food, water, cover, places to raise young, and sustainable practices. Save 20% when you register as a Certified Wildlife Habitat and purchase any sign next month using code GARDEN20.
• Remember that there is no fee to certify a Schoolyard Habitat; the only cost comes if you choose to purchase a sign. Get started by downloading our free Schoolyard Habitats® Planning Guide which includes case studies, student activities, and Green STEAM curriculum connections. In case you missed it, our webinar series around the Schoolyard Habitats® Planning Guide is available on the Eco-Schools USA YouTube channel.

SOURCE: National Wildlife Federation

Climate Time Machine

NASA

Have you seen these visualizations from NASA? Use them in the classroom to demonstrate how climate indicators such as sea ice, sea level, and global temperature are changing over time.

SOURCE: National Wildlife Federation