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The Lettered Olive: S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Education News
[ February 10, 2023]
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Whether showering your significant other with flowers or surprising friends and family with candy, Valentine's Day honors those relationships that are the most important in our lives. Like humans, organisms found in nature display a diverse palette of connections that are both unique in structure and purpose. Relationships can occur between members of the same or different species; serve to protect, reproduce, or gain resources; and contribute equal, unequal, or neutral benefits. Our featured species this month, Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), provides an example of a commensal relationship where one organism benefits while the other neither gains nor is harmed. Spanish moss is often seen draped dramatically over the branches of live oaks, tupelos, or other large trees, where it is provided with a stable location from which to flower and thrive. The host tree, on the other hand, does not benefit (nor is harmed) by its presence. Despite the common name, this epiphyte is neither Spanish in origin nor a true moss; instead, it is a member of the bromeliad family, which puts it more closely related to pineapples. As an epiphyte, Spanish moss does not gain life-sustaining water and nutrients from the host tree, but instead gathers those elements from rain, air, and debris that accumulates nearby. Although the name, "Spanish moss," is not indicative of its geographic origin or classification, the inspiration comes from both the Indigenous American name, "itla-okla" (tree hair), and its physical resemblance to the gray beards of Spanish conquistadors.
Therefore, in the spirit of celebrating professional relationships, be sure to take advantage of the following educational opportunities from the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and our partners -- you will no doubt benefit from these experiences and resources!
Photo Credit: E.V. Bell
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Celebrating Black History Month
Coastal Heritage Magazine and Curriculum Connection Access issues of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium's award-winning, quarterly magazine, Coastal Heritage, that highlight the contributions and celebrate the history of African Americans in South Carolina. Each issue is free to download and has an accompanying educational supplement, Curriculum Connection, designed for use in K -12 classrooms.
PBS Student Lessons and Resources: Commemorate Black History Month in your classroom with lesson plans and resources that cover topics ranging from civil rights events to discussions about race in current events. These lessons are appropriate for history, English language arts (ELA), and social studies classrooms, and include resources for students in middle or high school. Access the library of resources here.
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NOAA's "Picture Climate Change"
Student Photo Contest
Deadline for Submissions: February 15, 2023
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking photos from students in grades 5 - 12 that capture the ways in which climate change is impacting landscapes, wildlife, or ways-of-life. Submissions will be accepted through February 15, 2023 and winning photos will be featured on the NOAA Regional Collaboration Network website and possibly displayed in various NOAA facilities around the country. For details on photo submissions, please visit the contest website.
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South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Coastal Conservation Summer Internship Program
Applications Due February 28, 2023
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Marine Resources Division and the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) are offering a coastal conservation summer internship program! The goal of this program is to create and promote conservation-based career paths for underserved students from the Lowcountry. Interns will learn about conservation careers, including biological research and monitoring, communication, fisheries management, wildlife and land management, and environmental education and outreach. The internship will be a full-time paid position with housing options available. Applicants must be 18 years or older. More details can be found the SCDNR application form and questions can be sent to the SCDNR Community Engagement Specialist, Juan Aristizabal.
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Educator Professional Development | |
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(Virtual) Educator Science Café:
Basically, It's Getting More Acidic
February 22, 2023 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Deadline to Register: February 15, 2023
Join the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum for our final Educator Science Café of the 2022 - 2023 series!
The virtual February café, "Basically, It's Getting More Acidic," will feature Dr. Angelos Hannides from Coastal Carolina University and Dr. Janet Reimer from the University of Delaware, as they share information about potential impacts of ocean acidification, opportunities for community engagement, and classroom applications. Door prizes will be awarded and a themed-recipe will be provided for participants to make (optional) as we gather around the virtual dinner table for engaging discussions.
Attendance is free-of-charge; however pre-registration is required by February 15, 2023. Questions can be sent to E.V. Bell or Hannah Giddens.
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BioDiscovery Workshop
March 17 - 18, 2023
James Island County Park
Only a few spaces remain! Register today for the BioDiscovery Project Educator Workshop! Open to any coastal formal and nonformal educator, this hands-on, STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) project engages students and teachers in exploring the organisms that colonize docks, pilons, and other structures in the marine environment. Participation is free-of-charge, stipends and renewal credits provided, and all supplies, meals, and lodging are included. Please visit the project page to learn more about the BioDiscovery Project and complete this form to secure your spot! Questions can be sent to Lindsay Patterson or E.V. Bell.
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Learn to Use Microscopes Teacher Workshop
March 24, 2023 from 9 am - 3 pm
NOAA Hollings Marine Laboratory
Charleston, S.C.
Deadline to Register: March 10, 2023
Formal educators are invited to join National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) Hollings Marine Laboratory scientists and S.C. Sea Grant Consortium education staff for an engaging, hands-on workshop about using microscopes in the classroom. Learn about different microscopes, general maintenance and upkeep, classroom applications, and current research. All formal educators are welcome to attend; however, workshop content is aligned with the 2021 College- and Career-Ready Science Standards for grades 4 - 12. The workshop is free-of-charge, lunch will be provided, and renewal credits offered. Registration for this workshop can be accessed through the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium's education webpage. Questions can be sent to Morgan Treon.
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Environmental Education Association of South Carolina
2023 Conference Save-the-Date and
Call for Proposals
June 21 - 24, 2023
Penn Center (St. Helena Island, S.C.)
Mark your calendars for the 2023 Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) Conference, "InclusivitEE: Environmental Education for Everyone"! This year's conference will take place at the historic Penn Center on St. Helena Island from June 21 - 24, 2023 and will provide ample opportunities for learning, engagement, and exploring! Session proposals are being accepted through March 1, 2023.
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S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Education Resources | |
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S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Speaker Request Form
Do you have a science night or career day coming up in the future? Would you like a speaker for your students or organization? The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (Consortium) has plenty to share regarding marine science careers, current research projects, and engaging coastal science activities for all ages! Be sure to check out our career page to learn more about the Consortium, and if you are interested in booking the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium for an upcoming career day or science night, please fill out this request form.
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Enviroscape Loaner Program
The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium offers use of their Wetlands Enviroscape Model free-of-charge to any S.C. K-12, nonformal, and homeschool educator. The Wetlands Enviroscape Model provides a hands-on demonstration about how watersheds can be affected by development, pollution, and other human-made and natural impacts. Included as part of the demonstration are ways in which potential pollution impacts can be mitigated (e.g., riparian buffers and salt marshes). To find out more information on requesting to borrow the Enviroscape, please visit the Enviroscape Loaner Program page to fill out the request form. Questions can be sent to Morgan Treon.
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