University hosts international event giving teachers insight into marine science

The University of Plymouth’s expertise in marine conservation, innovation and policy will be demonstrated to teachers from across the country during an international event this summer.

EarthEcho International, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to equipping young people with the resources to act now for a sustainable future, is inviting secondary school teachers to join Philippe Cousteau Jr for an EarthEcho Expedition to Plymouth.

Participating teachers will serve as Expedition Fellows and have the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they can take back to their classrooms to engage and inspire their students and others around the world.

The programme – at venues including the University, National Marine Aquarium and Plymouth Fisheries – includes the chance to develop adventure-based STEM learning modules that introduce students to the innovative engineering and technology solutions addressing fisheries management, policy and community impacts.

During 2020, the modules created by the educator team will be distributed digitally to classrooms across the world at no charge.

The teachers will be in Plymouth for five days in August 2019, during which time they will spend three days with scientists working in the University’s School of Biological and Marine Sciences, and the Marine Institute.

Lecturer in Marine Biology Dr Benjamin Ciotti, who is coordinating the University’s involvement, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to show teachers from across the UK some of our world-leading research into the marine environment. By inspiring them, we hope in turn to ignite the passions of their students and help to create an engaged generation who want to care for our seas and the species that live in them.”

EarthEcho Expeditions aim to leverage the rich Cousteau legacy of exploration and discovery to bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education alive for today’s 21st century learners and their teachers.

Philippe Cousteau Jr, founder of EarthEcho International, said:

“EarthEcho Expeditions provides educators with the opportunity to experience the frontlines of environmental issues and the experts and community leaders who are developing real-world solutions to solve them. Our focus with each expedition is to create place-based education experiences that can be leveraged on a global scale through our Expedition Fellows. England is home to some of our most prolific fisheries. We are excited to partner with the Northrop Grumman Foundation on this year’s timely Expedition, examining innovative solutions to protect critical fish populations and the people and communities who depend on them.”

Sandra Evers-Manly, president of the Northrop Grumman Foundation and Northrop Grumman vice president of global corporate responsibility, said:

“We are delighted to continue our support of the outstanding EarthEcho International programs. We are looking forward to working with this year’s educators to spark enthusiasm in their students, to learn more about STEM concepts and the environment.”

Interested teachers can find more information on how to apply at http://earthecho.org/expeditions. The deadline for interested applicants is Tuesday, April 30 2019 and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline.