Local Non-Profits Collaborate to Create Global Conservation Initiative
National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation makes donation that sparks international education program
October 27, 2014 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Local not-for-profit organization, the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation (NSTSTF) has begun an international conservation campaign that helps educate the public on the plight of sea turtles. In collaboration with Inwater Research Group (IRG) of Jensen Beach, FL the campaign will serve as a way to translate technical sea turtle research into conservation education for schools and communities. Over $31,000 was donated by NSTSTF to launch this initiative locally.
Since the partnership began, the two organizations have developed detailed and engaging lesson plans for K-12 teachers that focus on marine conservation and align with state standards. These lesson plans were originally developed to reach the local community and offer educational support. Due to the fact that the curricula are free, the program has reached international and global areas, including Hong Kong, Guam and Egypt. To date, the program has reached 5 countries, 33 states, and over 32,000 students.
“I have one student with autism that thought today was the best day of his life,” said Mrs. Zavala, teacher at Hamlin Charter Academy in West Hills, CA. She has been implementing the free lesson plans over the past couple of weeks. “I’ve never seen so much excitement over learning, and my fourth graders now have a love affair with the leatherback sea turtle” she added.
The lessons focus on marine conservation and were developed by seasoned educators to get students out of their seats and engaged in activities that cater to all different learning styles. Students will learn about sea turtle biology, ecology, and how they can take an active part in the conservation process. The lessons mimic much of what IRG scientists do on a day-to-day basis and often place students in the role of biologists.
“We were thrilled to be able to partner with National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation on this endeavor,” comments Rebecca Mott, Education Program Manager for IRG who is heading up the initiative. “It really allows us to involve students in the conservation process and teach them how they can help in their daily lives,” she continued.
Once teachers have completed the lessons, they can also request follow-up interviews with IRG staff to answer any remaining questions the students have. Educators can request lesson plans through this initiative by contacting Rebecca Mott at rmott@inwater.org or by visiting inwater.org/education. In addition to lesson plans, the initiative allows IRG biologists and educators to make appearances at events and school outreach programs along the east coast of Florida.
Since the partnership began, the two organizations have developed detailed and engaging lesson plans for K-12 teachers that focus on marine conservation and align with state standards. These lesson plans were originally developed to reach the local community and offer educational support. Due to the fact that the curricula are free, the program has reached international and global areas, including Hong Kong, Guam and Egypt. To date, the program has reached 5 countries, 33 states, and over 32,000 students.
“I have one student with autism that thought today was the best day of his life,” said Mrs. Zavala, teacher at Hamlin Charter Academy in West Hills, CA. She has been implementing the free lesson plans over the past couple of weeks. “I’ve never seen so much excitement over learning, and my fourth graders now have a love affair with the leatherback sea turtle” she added.
The lessons focus on marine conservation and were developed by seasoned educators to get students out of their seats and engaged in activities that cater to all different learning styles. Students will learn about sea turtle biology, ecology, and how they can take an active part in the conservation process. The lessons mimic much of what IRG scientists do on a day-to-day basis and often place students in the role of biologists.
“We were thrilled to be able to partner with National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation on this endeavor,” comments Rebecca Mott, Education Program Manager for IRG who is heading up the initiative. “It really allows us to involve students in the conservation process and teach them how they can help in their daily lives,” she continued.
Once teachers have completed the lessons, they can also request follow-up interviews with IRG staff to answer any remaining questions the students have. Educators can request lesson plans through this initiative by contacting Rebecca Mott at rmott@inwater.org or by visiting inwater.org/education. In addition to lesson plans, the initiative allows IRG biologists and educators to make appearances at events and school outreach programs along the east coast of Florida.
About National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation: The National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation is a non-profit Florida corporation incorporated in 1987 for the purpose of preservation of marine life and is concentrating its efforts on endangered species, oceans and waterways. For more information, visit savetheseaturtle.org.
About Inwater Research Group (IRG): Inwater Research Group is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to provide the scientific community and general public with information to promote conservation of coastal and marine species and their habitats. Based in Jensen Beach, Florida, the organization studies sea turtles throughout the entire southeast region of the United States.
About Inwater Research Group (IRG): Inwater Research Group is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to provide the scientific community and general public with information to promote conservation of coastal and marine species and their habitats. Based in Jensen Beach, Florida, the organization studies sea turtles throughout the entire southeast region of the United States.
