Birch Aquarium at Scripps is proud to host the annual Southwest Marine Educators Association (SWMEA) Spring Educator Workshop

April 11- 12, 2008

Friday and Saturday, 9am to 4pm

Grades 4-12

This two-day teacher symposium will give educators, informal and formal alike, the opportunity to learn about regional marine-science education programs, cutting-edge research on climate change and shark conservation, and strategies for implementing hands-on science activities that explore this research, in addition to networking and partnering opportunities with educational peers. Each day incorporates science content presentations, given by local researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, activity demonstrations, and discussions presented by regional educators.

The Climate Challenge - Friday April 11:
Climate change will be the topic as local experts and SWMEA educators explore climate science content, share strategies for informing and educating our audiences, and introduce useful and current climate resources.

Sharks & Rays of the Southern California Bight- Saturday April 12:
Shark research and conservation will be the focus as Scripps researchers present short lectures on current efforts led by the Southern California Bight Elasmobranch Consortium. Morning presentations will be followed by afternoon educator workshops modeling how to best implement shark and ray activities into informal and formal lesson plans. Workshop sponsored, in part, by the Southern California Bight Elasmobranch Consortium.

Workshop Fee (includes light breakfast, lunch, snack, and learning materials):
* Current SWMEA Members: Both Days: $35 or Friday: $20, Saturday: $15
* Members: fees as above plus SWMEA membership fee

SWMEA Membership Fees:
* New/ renewing SWMEA Professional Member: $25
* New/ renewing SWMEA Teacher/Student Member: $10
* New/ Renewing SWMEA/NMEA Member: $60

For registration information please contact the Education Office 858-534-7336.