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CURRENTS
Winter 2004/2005 |
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JASON launches new format with Disappearing Wetlands |
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Scientists and student Argonauts involved in the latest JASON
expedition search for nutria in the disappearing wetlands of Louisiana |
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The latest JASON Project expedition
will take scientists, Argonauts and students from around the globe to Louisiana to explore an area of great environmental concern: the world's fragile and
endangered wetland habitats. This expedition marks the completion of a huge reengineering effort at the
JASON Foundation for Education to better align its curriculum and educational products with the requirements of teachers.
This change has resulted in a new expedition format and improved teaching materials. JASON expeditions
are no longer numbered – this year won't be referred to as JASON XVI. Rather, the emphasis is on the destination and
curriculum focus. Part of the reengineering process has been to move JASON from a one-year focus to a three-year focus. For local teachers, this
means they will be able to receive educational materials and expedition updates not just for the current year, but for the next three years. It is for this
reason and because of the great importance of Bermuda's wetland habitats that BBSR is launching
JASON Expedition: Disappearing Wetlands with so much enthusiasm.Wetlands are critical life-supporting ecosystems found throughout the world
that provide habitats for an incredible diversity of plants and animals. They are nurseries for countless species of fish and shellfish that we depend on
for food, they protect vulnerable coastlines from hurricanes and storm surges, and they help filter and purify the small amount of freshwater that is
found on our planet. Wetlands are also threatened ecosystems. The mission of JASON Expedition: Disappearing Wetlands is to better understand what
wetlands are, why they are disappearing, and how to best manage these ecosystems worldwide. The goal of
BBSR's education department is to encourage every school in Bermuda to adopt their closest wetland area. This adoption process will
involve the students in research and restoration projects that will build awareness of these vital habitats and teach important scientific concepts as
well. Teachers at the primary, middle and secondary-school levels will be trained to teach the JASON curriculum units and will be shown field research
techniques during professional training days at BBSR in November. This year the expedition promises to be as exciting as ever, with the
broadcasts coming live from the bayou near New Orleans. Many important issues will be addressed, including the loss of land due to global warming
and stream diversion projects, the tension between shrimp fishermen and oilmen, and the invasion of invasive species into the bayou. Satellite
broadcast dates are January 31st to February 5th, 2005. There will be just one week of live broadcasts for this expedition, although BBSR plans to show highlight tapes during a second week. |
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Waterstart provides a great introduction to marine science BBSR and Waterstart
Ltd. marked the beginning of their new collaboration this summer with three two-week programs for local teenagers. Thirty-four students took part in the day camps, and 13 received scholarships provided by donors from the community.
The collaboration is proving to be both mutually beneficial and dynamic. With BBSR's
research faculty and
graduate interns
available to enhance and assist with the curriculum for the environmental camps, students have a unique opportunity to interact with working scientists, contribute to real research and observe the scientific method in action. This summer, the teens conducted surveys of the distribution of a rare soft coral and counted West Indian top snails along the shoreline of Paget Island, an area that has not previously been surveyed.
For BBSR, the connection with Waterstart is providing access to a new network of local families with teenagers who are interested in marine science. The hope is that these motivated students
will go on to pursue careers in science at school and will maintain their connection to BBSR. Most students begin Waterstart at age 12, at which time they are also eligible for BBSR's After-school Marine Science Program, which is offered
through the Institute for Talented Students. They may later return to BBSR as
Bermuda Programme interns during university, and then even pursue a
graduate
thesis at BBSR. Waterstart could act as a hook to attract talented and motivated young people to marine science.Bermuda Programme
intern Char-Lee Simons is a perfect example of the possibilities for local students presented by the Waterstart camps. Char-Lee is studying molecular cell biology and microbiology at Georgia State University, but also has a keen interest in education. As an intern in the Bermuda Programme this summer, Char-Lee worked as a counselor for Waterstart, helping to teach ecology and biology and assisting with water safety and scuba training. Her focus was to produce a staff manual on lessons, activities and safety for future Waterstart counselors.
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