Education Opportunities
[ S.C. Sea Grant Consortium - February 5, 2021 ]

Dear South Carolina Educators,
Happy 2021! It's a NEW year and that means lots of resolutions -- those that are broken or still going strong! Speaking of strong, to kick off this first newsletter of 2021, our featured creature is none other than the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) that is commonly found along intertidal zones of salt marsh-tidal creek ecosystems. Although notably present being shucked during wintertime oyster roasts, this sturdy bivalve is praised for being more than just a culinary delight...or adventure (depending on who you ask). Oysters provide numerous ecological benefits including: stabilizing shorelines, providing habitat, dissipating wave energy, and filtering water -- in fact, one single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons a day! Often observed growing in clumps, or reefs, adult oysters are sessile and thus unable to change locations. Prior to the adult stage, the free-swimming juvenile, or veliger, use cilia for locomotion to seek a hard substrate on which to settle. Once the veliger has settled on its permanent real estate, the juvenile oyster, now called spat, will grow into an adult oyster. Oysters are filter-feeders and obtain their nutrients from the currents; should an irritant, such as a sand grain, make its way in between the shells, the animal will secret a substance called nacre to enclose the irritant. As layer upon layer of nacre is formed, it often results in what we commonly know as a pearl. So, in honor of the oyster, take this pearl of wisdom and don't miss out on these exciting educational opportunities from the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and our partners!
(Photo credit: SCDNR)
Celebrating Black History Month
Coastal Heritage and Curriculum Connection

Check out some of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium's previous Coastal Heritage magazine issues that highlight African American history and culture in our state. Each issue has an online education supplement, Curriculum Connection, that provides standards-based extensions for K - 12 students:


A Teachers Guide to African American Historic Places in South Carolina

Engage your students in learning about areas of the state that have African American significance with A Teachers Guide to African American Historic Places in South Carolina.

StudySC

StudySC was created by the South Carolina State Library and provides standards-based web resources, ideas for projects, lessons, and other activities for K - 12 students. Explore the site by topic or grade level. StudySC has a wealth of resources for learning about African American history and culture.
New Opportunities and Resources!
Beat the Winter Blues: Environmental Quarantrivia!
February 23, 2021 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Deadline to Register: February 22, 2021

Does every day feel like Groundhog Day? Well, be prepared to smile, laugh, and beat the winter blues by joining virtual Environmental Quarantrivia! This fun, educational opportunity gives individuals or teams the chance to test your environmental know-how with others across the state. Quarantrivia is open to members of the South Carolina Marine Educators Association (SCMEA) and/or the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC). Not a member? Check out these fabulous organizations and become a member today! This event is free-of-charge and sponsored by SCMEA, EEASC, and the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium. Pre-registration is required by February 22, 2021. Questions can be sent to EV Bell or Hannah Giddens.

Save the Date: "Back to Basics" Virtual Educator Science Café
"Mixtures and Matter"
March 24, 2021 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Registration Opens: March 1, 2021

Educators and parents-turned-educators are invited to register for the March Educator Science Café, "Mixtures and Matter"! Join ocean science and space experts for an "out of this world" experience as we travel from the hydrosphere to the stratosphere and beyond to explore topics such as the four states of matter, density influences on the ocean ecosystem, and much, much more -- all from the comfort of your own home! After registration, a theme-based recipe will be sent to you that you can enjoy while we come together to learn around the virtual dinner table. This event is brought to you free-of-charge by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Renewal credits offered. Send questions to EV Bell or Hannah Giddens.

Funding Opportunity: South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium Request for Proposals (2022 - 2024)
Concept Letters Due: March 5, 2021
Full Proposals Due: June 4, 2021

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium's Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2022 - 2024 is now open! To access the full announcement and eligibility requirements, please visit the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium's RFP information page.

New Curriculum: Water Shapes Our Planet and Our Lives

Explore a new comprehensive fourth grade, virtual-learning science unit on the water cycle, weather, climate, and natural processes that shape the Earth’s coasts and communities. This virtual science unit was supported with grant funds from the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association and provides a hands-on component where students explore local weather, discover and craft tools used by scientists to collect weather data, and evaluate long-term trends recorded by climate scientists. All materials serve as teaching resources for both educators and families. Contact communications@secoora.org with questions.

Pollinator Conservation Webinar
March 18, 2021 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Deadline to Register: March 15, 2021

Register today for a FREE Pollinator Conservation Webinar! This webinar is hosted by the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina and Champions of the Environment. Formal and informal K - 12 grade educators in S.C. are welcome to attend. Expert speakers will provide presentations on:

  • Importance of pollinators
  • Planting for pollinators
  • Preserving pollinator habitat
  • Creating Carolina Fence gardens
  • Establishing Monarch Waystations
  • Lesson plans and activity guides

Attendees will receive door prizes, educational toolkits, and additional resources. Visit scdhec.gov/champions to learn more.

Take Action South Carolina Virtual Presentations

The Take Action S.C. Partnership encourages and promotes environmental education across South Carolina. This unique group of state agencies, colleges, and schools as well as other environmental organizations believes that education is key in protecting and preserving the environment for future generations. The partnership encourages teachers and students to explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment. As a result, they will develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions. Check out the wealth of resources they provide, including virtual classroom presentations.
Have You Read This Far?
Mystery Poster Giveaway!

Congrats! If you've read this far, then you are eligible to receive an assortment of 4 - 5 coastal, ocean, and/or other environmentally-themed posters! What topics, you ask? Who knows?! To request your mystery posters, please fill out this short form no later than February 19th. Posters will be mailed by the end of February. Supplies are limited!
See You Soon!
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