Abstract

The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) has developed a new marine science program designed to meet the unique needs of students in grades six through eight and their teachers. The "Ocean Ambassadors" program allows us to reach middle school students at a formative time in their lives, with an aim to support and inspire the next generation of informed and engaged citizens who will care about marine mammals and the health of our oceans.

The "Ocean Ambassadors" program is founded on the following principles: a) that children in middle school are in a challenging and transformative time and need programs tailored specifically for them; b) that teacher professional development is essential, and organizations like TMMC can be a resource as Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are adopted in the state of California; c) that an in-depth, project-based learning model can engage a broad range of middle-school students; and d) that a high-quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education can foster students who understand and care about the environment and their community regardless of whether they follow STEM careers or not.

The "Ocean Ambassadors" program includes the following components:

 Full academic year-long program to school partners, including training, program curriculum, supplemental resources and access to the center

 Structured curriculum for teachers, including 10 thematic lessons, each supported with an original, professionally produced instructional video as well as laboratory-based explorations, and field trip and activity guides

 Three (3) professional development workshops and on-going support for participating teachers

 Comprehensive evaluation system to assess student learning, teacher development and overall program quality

 Culminating event called "ConservationCon" where students present a "call to action" in an effort to raise public awareness around marine mammal health and ocean conservation

"Ocean Ambassadors" was piloted over the course of two academic years, 2013/2104 and 2014/2015. During these pilot phases, "Ocean Ambassadors" has reached over 250 students and eight teachers from eight schools representing diverse communities throughout the Bay Area. Preliminary evaluation data shows that participating students demonstrated a greater understanding of the mission and work of The Marine Mammal Center as a result of participating in the program. Participants expressed that field trip experiences to the center and opportunities to observe healthy, wild marine mammals enriched the curriculum.

* Presenting author