Sailors for the Sea Expands Rainy Day Kits - Sailors for the Sea

Sailors for the Sea Expands Rainy Day Kits

Press Release

For environmental education with two new plans – Provides youth sailing program with Marine Science Lesson Plans. Contributed by Birch Aquarium/The Scripps Institute of Oceanography these lesson plans encourage young sailors to develop a passion for protecting and preserving the ocean and local waters

 

Newport, Rhode Island- April 10, 2012 – Sailors for the Sea, the only ocean conservation nonprofit focused on the sailing and boating community, today published two new lesson plans contributed by Birch Aquarium/The Scripps Institute of Oceanographyto its Sailors for the Sea Rainy Day Kits for Environmental Education, the first-of-its-kind marine science based lesson plans developed for junior sailors.  

The Rainy Day Kits lesson plan library now totals eight complete plans with the addition of:

  • A Story of Sand – activities designed to teach students about beaches and the different geological and physical processes that form sand.
  • Beach Bucket Scavenger Hunt – a fun, hands-on activity that introduces students to beach ecology and the role man-made objects can play in the ecosystem.

These free, informal environmental lesson plans, are available online and were created in partnership with leading marine biology and science institutions. The 30-45 minute modules provide community sailing centers, yacht clubs, and waterfront facilities with practical educational tools for teaching the principles of environmental sustainability to young sailors. Sailing instructors who may not be formally trained educators in ecology or biology can easily incorporate the flexible lesson plans and their relevant content about marine ecology into their sailing instructions. The goal is to share the practical tools and tips needed to make a positive impact to natural resource depletion and habitat degradation.

According to Annie Brett, Program Lead, Sailors for the Sea, “The Rainy Day Kits program adds a fun dimension to youth sailing programs. Unbeknownst to the students they are exposed to serious environmental education that is integrated into traditional sailing instruction. Since introduced last year, lesson plans have been downloaded by 232 sailing clubs and programs and taught to more than 20,000 young sailors. Our goal is create a new generation of ocean stewards who develop a greater passion for protecting the marine ecosystem.”

Sailors for the Sea, along with leaders in the fields of marine and environmental science and education, created and contributed the lessons and labs making up the Rainy Day Kits program. The complete library of Rainy Day Kits lesson plans are available now by download by clicking here, and include:

  • A Story of Sand , contributed by Birch Aquarium/The Scripps Institute of Oceanography – students learn about beaches and the different geologic and physical processes that form sand.  
  • Beach Bucket Scavenger Hunt, contributed by Birch Aquarium/The Scripps Institute of Oceanography -a fun hands-on activity that introduces students to beach ecology and the role manmade objects can play in the ecosystem.  
  • Bio-Magnification Game , contributed by the Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean – tag-inspired game that demonstrates the concept of bio-magnification as it relates to plastics and how chemicals and plastics can make it onto our dinner plates.  
  • Clam Jigsaw , contributed by Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies – students create a cutout model of a clam to investigate the anatomy and physiology of these animals.  
  • Density Currents , contributed by the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science – demonstrates the Thermohaline Circulation throughout the world’s oceans and the relative density between cold and warm ocean water.  
  • Dirty Water Challenge , contributed by the New England Aquarium – teaches students about their environment in an engaging and practical way. Inquiry and discussion is embedded within the practical-students have to design, plan and then build their own design of water filter. Students are exposed to important concepts from a variety of scientific disciplines, including how the water cycle works, and the principles behind water filtering.  
  • Oyster Tag , contributed by Sailors for the Sea – tag-inspired game that demonstrates the effects of pollution on oyster reefs, as well as the effect of oyster reefs on pollution.  
  • Who Dirtied the Water? , contributed by the New England Aquarium – interactive story asks students to take on the roles of different historical and modern characters who have had a role in the pollution of a body of water. As the story is read, each character in turn adds a film container full of pollutants to a jar of clean water representing the body of water.  

The Sailors for the Sea Rainy Day Kits for Environmental Education are still in development. By summer 2012, this online resource will grow to at least 15 lessons as new plans are added monthly. The first six lesson plans available now by download. 

About Sailors for the Sea
Founded in 2004, Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect and restore our oceans and local waters. For more information or to participate in any of the Sailors for the Sea programs, or to become a member and support the organization, visit www.sailorsforthesea.org

Spread the Word

Media Contact

Jennifer Brett
Communications Manager, Sailors for the Sea
jbrett@oceana.org
Sailors for the Sea
449 Thames Street, 300D
Newport, RI 02840

Press Kit

Download our official logos and boilerplate content and descriptions.

Sailors for the Sea is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
© 2024 Sailors for the Sea. All rights reserved.

News & Press | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy