The Lettered Olive: S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Education News
[ August 27, 2021 ]
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As August rounds the corner into September, it signals the official end to the summer break and those theoretical days-of-laze. In its place are blaring alarm clocks incessantly honking early-morning motivational serenades by which to lure us out of bed and into daily routines, schedules, and demands. Are you ready to hit that snooze button again? While we adjust our internal alarm clock so we can be productive during daylight hours, one organism, the beach evening primrose (Oenothera drummondii), does its best work as the sun sets. This woody shrub is commonly found along southeastern dune systems, and as daytime melts into dusk, the beach evening primrose flourishes -- opening up a semi-translucent yellow flower that blooms throughout the evening and early morning. During this period, it serves as an effective pollinator for insects, such as moths, that are more active in the evening hours. Although the primrose produces a delicate, beautiful bloom, don't let the name fool you...this plant is a prima donna! Not only salt and drought tolerant, the beach evening primrose has an extensive root system that enables it to spread out across the sand and aid in dune stabilization, along with plants like sea oats and sea beach amaranth. No matter what time of day you flourish, we hope that this new school year is off to a good start. As you begin to plan out your year, be sure to take advantage of these educational opportunities from the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and our partners. (photo credit: E.V. Bell)
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Educator Professional Development |
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REconnect (Researcher/Educator) Symposium
October 6, 2021
In-person: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Virtual: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
South Carolina Aquarium
Registration Now Open!
You are invited to the inaugural REconnect (Researcher/Educator) Symposium that will be hosted by the S.C. Aquarium and the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium. Formal and nonformal educators are invited to attend this free event, during which time they will engage with coastal and marine scientists to learn about current research and receive ideas and resources for classroom applications. Can't make the in-person event? Plan on attending the virtual session! Registration and more information can be accessed on the REconnect Symposium webpage. Questions can be emailed to E.V. Bell or Brian Thill.
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2021 - 2022 Educator Science Café Series
"Survival: Against the Odds"
September 22, 2021
November 16 and 17*, 2021
January 25 and 26*, 2022
What does it take to survive? Mark your calendars to join the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum as we delve into the science of survival during the 2021 - 2022 Educator Science Café Series! Participants will engage with science experts about factors impacting survival from the smallest organisms to ocean/global health. Each café will provide an opportunity to join in-person or virtual, will address S.C. State Science Standards in a cross-curricular manner, and offer renewal credits. All cafés (in-person and virtual) will be held from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Registration information about the September café will be available September 1, 2021. Questions can be sent to E.V. Bell or Hannah Giddens.
*denotes virtual session
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Beach Sweep/River Sweep
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Beach Sweep/River Sweep is S.C.'s largest one-day, volunteer-driven litter cleanup. Every 3rd Saturday in September, thousands of South Carolinians clear beaches, rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps of aquatic debris. This event is co-coordinated by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, and takes place in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup, coordinated by the Ocean Conservancy. Please visit the Beach Sweep/River Sweep page for more information on the event and clean up locations.
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S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
Marine Education Program Assistant
The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (Consortium) is hiring a Marine Education Program Assistant to evaluate, develop, and conduct virtual and in-person classroom, field, and professional development. More information on the position and how to apply can be found on the Consortium's job page.
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New Issue of Coastal Heritage Now Available
The latest issue of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium's award-winning, quarterly magazine, Coastal Heritage, is now available! This issue, All Hands on Deck, examines how coastal challenges over the next 30 years will be addressed - download your copy today! Access previous issues and their corresponding K - 12 education supplement, Curriculum Connection, by visiting the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium's publication page.
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S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
Educational Resources
As you head back to virtual or in-person instruction, be sure to check out the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium's education page for upcoming trainings, online materials, and other resources! From downloadable science journals aligned to Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and lesson/activity video tutorials to curricula and professional development opportunities, the education page has something for everyone! Questions about any of the materials can be emailed to E.V. Bell.
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Champions of the Environment
Deadline to Apply: October 15, 2021
K-12 teachers, do you need funding for your environmental education project? Champions of the Environment offers grant awards of $2,500 for projects that improve or protect the environment. Submit your online application between August 1 and October 15 at scdhec.gov/champions. Questions can be emailed to Amanda Ley.
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Renkas Marine Education Grants
Deadline to Apply: October 1, 2021
Do you have a future classroom project, program, virtual field trip, virtual tool, or platforms for distance learning that needs financial assistance? The South Carolina Marine Educators Association (SCMEA) is here to help! Each year, SCMEA gives up to three, $200 grants to individuals implementing educational projects or programs. For more information and to apply, please visit the SCMEA website.
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S.C. Marine Educator of the Year
Deadline for Submission: October 1, 2021
This award recognizes the most outstanding marine educator in S.C. The recipient of this award will receive a $250 check, a five year membership in SCMEA, and an engraved plaque. Nominate an individual by October 1st. The recipient of this award will be acknowledged at the annual conference and it is the responsibility of the nominator to ensure that the recipient is present during the awards ceremony. Please visit the SCMEA website for more information on how to apply.
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Have Something to Include? |
Have an opportunity or resource that you would like to add to the next S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Education email update? |
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Join hundreds of South Carolina educators like you! The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium sends out weekly marine science and coastal education updates with opportunities and resources. |
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