For the past two years, one of the most supportive and influential collaborators in the formation of my sabbatical project has been the Seacoast Science Center (SSC). Staff members from this amazing organization go full tilt when it comes to educating others about the ocean’s ecosystems and their conservation – and they are taking this energy and infusing it into the development of our rocky shore curriculum for New Hampshire educators and their students.
Here is a brief overview of the Seacoast Science Center and their mission:
- They are a non-profit marine science education organization located at Odiorne State Park in Rye, New Hampshire.
- Their facility houses interactive and educational exhibits for all ages.
- They provide several programs on marine education on a variety of subjects for a variety of age groups.
- They are home to the New Hampshire’s Marine Mammal Rescue Team – a group of dedicated individuals responding to all reports of live and deceased marine mammals in NH’s coastal region.
The three individuals who are helping me most on this project so far have been Kate Leavitt (Director of Mission Initiatives – on left), Sarah Toupin (School and Group Program Manager – on right), and Perrin Chick (former Education Director). Each of these passionate educators has already provided a tremendous amount of ideas, insights and expertise in both the development of my project and in the growth of my own knowledge and enthusiasm. I am very much looking forward to collaborating with them throughout this sabbatical year.
Here are the main ways we are going to be working together:
- Kate and Sarah have agreed to help me with the creation of this curriculum – providing feedback in the drafting, revising and editing of this project.
- The SSC has agreed to provide images and illustrations to increase the educational and visual value of the curriculum.
- The SSC is willing to provide me with occasional office space during the duration of my sabbatical.
- The SSC is going to provide me with opportunities to shadow their naturalists during their educational programs.
- The SSC provides several learning events that I will take advantage of, including this year’s BioBlitz.
The Seacoast Science Center and its dedicated staff is a blazing lighthouse of marine education to our region’s residents and tourists. They provide innumerable amounts of expertise, skills, programs and compassion to those interested in learning about marine wildlife and their habitat. With the smallest amount of coastline, NH’s residents need to learn about the value and importance of their rocky shore and how they can be productive stewards. I am extremely excited and thankful to be working with the SSC and its staff, and will continue to provide updates on our collaborative efforts!
Thom R. Smith 