Integrating science education and marine conservation through collaborative partnerships. Issue 1 (15th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Jeannie Miller; Higgins, Katie; Lee, Kristin; Stearns, Kira; Hunt, Lori
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 95:Issue 1(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 520
• Page End: 522
• Publication Date: 2015-06-15
• Subjects: Environmental education -- Marine debris -- Sea turtle conservation; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Highlights: The GSTC received NOAA grant funding to complete marine debris outreach. Garbage in the Water is an education program meeting state and national standards. All third grades in Glynn County, GA received Garbage in the Water at no cost. Students exhibited a significant increase in knowledge based on pre and posttests. Programmatic success resulted in a formalized relationship with school district. Abstract: The Georgia Sea Turtle Center has a mission of conservation based rehabilitation, research, and education. Marine debris is a serious threat to marine species. In an effort to educate local students, the GSTC obtained a grant to provide educational opportunities to local third graders. Third and fourth grade classes in Glynn County, Georgia were offered a Garbage in the Water program and 964 students were reached. After programming, students showed a statistically significant ( p < .0001) increase in test scores between the pre and posttests. This success led to repeat funding for additional programming for first grades as well as a formalized relationship with the Glynn County School District. As part of this relationship the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is now the official field trip location for all third grades in the district.