Monterey Bay Sea Camp Proposed - First In A National Science Education Effort
MONTEREY, CA. "SeaCamp Monterey Bay," an innovative approach to improving K-12 marine and coastal science education, will emerge from its cocoon this week during the National Ocean Conference.
Seeking to improve practical understanding and appreciation of the scientific process and sharpen critical thinking skills, a broad coalition of local, state and national representatives from both the public and private sectors will propose that the first of a nationwide series of "sea camps" be developed in the Monterey, CA area.
The concept received strong support at an April 24 community workshop funded primarily by the California Sea Grant College System, and was unanimously endorsed on June 8 by the California Coastal Commission as part of a "Resolution to President Clinton on Ocean Resources."
The "SeaCamp Monterey Bay" project would capitalize on the area's reputation as a leading center for marine research and education, and build partnerships among the more than 20 government agencies and teaching institutions located in the Monterey region. It is hoped that the Monterey "sea camp" will serve as a model for similar marine camp programs in other parts of the United States.
"SeaCamp Monterey Bay," a year-round residential science camp aimed at elementary and secondary students, will combine interactive classroom projects, field seminars, and visits to educational exhibits and activity centers. A major emphasis will be introducing students to career opportunities in the coastal zone via interaction with professional mentors in business, agriculture, science, public policy and conservation.
"SeaCamp Monterey Bay" aims to serve between 10,000 and 15,000 K-12 students per year at full operation, and will have linkages to public and private school systems, Boys and Girls Clubs, scouting programs and other youth organizations. In an effort to continue marine science interest beyond the camp experience, special programs are planned to include parents and other family members of campers. Curricula will be developed in modules for continued learning at all levels, and linkages will be made through the Internet and other technologies to existing and developing educational programming resources in California and throughout the United States.
"SeaCamp Monterey Bay's" development is being aided by financial and consulting support from the California Sea Grant College System which has been promoting better public understanding of marine science as one of its key missions. With Sea Grant support, "SeaCamp Monterey Bay" gathered conceptual information, established a steering committee, and hosted broad-based workshops and meetings to further the development of the sea camp concept. Sea Grant remains committed to assisting the development of the "SeaCamp Monterey Bay" proposal and the opening of a pilot camp in the summer of 2000.
"SeaCamp Monterey Bay is a creative approach to addressing a critical need for enhancing marine science education and understanding of the coastal environment by the public, " says Dr. James J. Sullivan, director of California Sea Grant. "We're hoping that when 'SeaCamp Monterey Bay' opens, those who participate will pick up the excitement of science, and have a better understanding of its relevance to the world we live in."
Besides California Sea Grant, other "SeaCamp Monterey Bay" collaborators include NOAA's National Ocean Service, the California Coastal Commission, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Cruz Office of Education, Monterey County Office of Education, the Elkhorn National Estuarine Research Reserve, California State University at Monterey Bay and the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Information Contact: Jo Guerrero, SeaCamp Monterey Bay Coordinator, 408-582-3681; Susan Hansch, Deputy Director, California Coastal Commission, 415-904-5400; Rick Starr, California Sea Grant Extension, 408-633-7266
6/10/98
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