It is ALMOST complete! The Rocky Shore Marine Science Curriculum: An Ecosystem Unit for Elementary Educators will be accessible to anyone, for free, on April 14th.
I met with Kirsty Walker yesterday, the President of Hobblebush Design, and we thoroughly examined the rocky shore ecosystem curriculum for adjustments that needed to be made. Kirsty is remarkably talented, and for those who have had the chance to get a sneak peak at the ecosystem unit, they have been extremely impressed with its professional appearance and organization.
The following preparations still need to occur before it is deemed “ready for use”:
- Complete the Atlantic Ocean Rocky Shore Guide and Life at the Rocky Shore Fact Sheets sections (additions need to be made).
- Make final modifications to lesson plans based on classroom teachers’ feedback.
- Have experts in the field of marine science and education examine the curriculum one more time before giving it their final approval.
This NGSS-aligned, Ocean Literacy Principles-aligned, 7-week ecosystem unit will prove to be a very valuable and helpful resource to all elementary educators who access it. And one of the coolest features – it will be a “living” document that will be modified from time-to-time to continuously improve it based on teacher and student input.
Lastly, a HUGE thank you to Carol Steingart, President of the Gulf of Maine Marine Education Association (GOMMEA) and owner of Coast Encounters for promoting this curriculum at this week’s National Science Teacher’s Association Sun, Surf and Science conferences in Los Angeles, California. Your efforts and passion for marine education and conservation are immensely appreciated!
Thom R. Smith 
Soooooooooproud!!!
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