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A National Coalition of Aquariums Educating About Climate Change

Cynthia Vernon

Monterey Bay Aquarium


This collaboration led by three major national aquariums - Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBAq), National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB), and New England Aquarium (NEAq) - is developing a leadership initiative to build capacity within aquariums and related informal science education institutions nation-wide, enabling education staff to engage and inspire millions of visitors to take action about climate change and the ocean. The project increases climate literacy among informal science educators by: 1) creating a national network for training, resource sharing and support; 2) developing climate change activity carts to support exhibit interpretation; 3) providing training for youth interpreters; and 4) hosting regional and national summits to strengthen collaboration and showcase and disseminate model programs. Outcomes for educators include increased knowledge of climate change science; knowledge of strategies, tools and materials for educating about climate change; and confidence in their ability to communicate about climate change.

Funding agency NOAA
Through the funding program ELP

Award Numbers NA09SEC4690045

Selection Year:
2009

Award Period:
10/01/09 - 03/31/13

Products

Climate Change Activities: Round 1

http://www.climateinterpreter.org/resource
Round 1 climate change activities invloves three activities that help Aquarium educators engage and educate visitors around the subject of climate. The theme of the three activities is balance. The activities help explain the science, make the connection between charismatic megafauna and the climate, and suggest solutions.

Audience Type: Educators, Public, Informal Educators

Product Type: Curriculum, Exhibits

Climate Change Communication COP

http://www.aquariumsandclimate.com/
Online community for informal educators focused on climate communication, and interpretation techniques.

Audience Type: Educators

Product Type: Electronic Media & Tools, Professional Development

Climate Communication & Education Webinar

Webinar series focused on climate change (and related content) communication, education, and interpretation techniques.

Audience Type: Educators

Product Type: Electronic Media & Tools, Professional Development, Video/Radio/Webcasts

Tabletop Exhibits

Tabletop exhibits that help relate climate change to the ocean and ocean health.

Audience Type: Educators

Product Type: Exhibits

Interpretive Stations & Carts

Magic Planet interpretive stations and cart-based activities.

Audience Type: Informal Educators

Product Type: Exhibits

Aquariums and Climate Summit

2012 Summit to follow up on 2008 aquariums meeting -- how far have we come?

Audience Type: Educators

Product Type: Professional Development

Climate Communication Tools

Training tools for increasing ability to convey climate change and behavior change.

Audience Type: Educators

Product Type: Civic Engagement , Professional Development