The Lettered Olive: S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Education News
[ August 6, 2021 ]
Here we are in August! It's the time of year that signals both the end of summer break and the start of a new school year. Whether you've combed the beach for shark's teeth, traveled to visit family, read books you didn't have time for during the school year, or drenched friends poolside with your expert cannonball splash, we hope you've had a great summer. Also making a (smaller) splash, is this issue's featured creature, the cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris). Commonly found off the S.C. coast, this jellyfish is recognized by its round shape, purple hue, and short tentacles. As ocean temperatures warm in the summer, hundreds of these jellies can be seen in the surf zone, often striking fear into the hearts of swimmers, surfers, and boogie boarders. But, not to worry! The stinging cells of cannonball jellyfish are weaker than other jellies, typically causing little to no irritation if touched. Cannonball jellies eat zooplankton and serve as a primary food source for loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles. And, speaking of food, oftentimes a spider crab can be found within the bell (outer covering) feasting on zooplankton. Within this commensal, symbiotic relationship, the spider crab feeds on the zooplankton caught in the cannonball's tentacles, and, in turn, the jellyfish is neither harmed nor benefits from the presence of the spider crab. You have to wonder...are other sea creatures jellous of this relationship? As we round to corner to the start of the school year, we hope you'll make a splash of your own by taking advantage of these educational opportunities brought to you by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and our partners! (photo credit: Kim Morganello)
Upcoming Professional Development
REconnect (Researcher/Educator) Symposium
October 6, 2021 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
South Carolina Aquarium
Registration Opens: August 23, 2021

Save-the-date for 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. Registration opens August 23, 2021, and more information can be found on the REconnect Symposium webpage. Questions can be emailed to E.V. Bell or Brian Thill.
2021 - 2022 Educator Science Café  Series
"Survival: Against the Odds"
September 21 and 22*, 2021
November 16 and 17*, 2021
January 25 and 26*, 2021

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
Grant Funding
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.
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.
Call for Nominations
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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