Description:
Ocean Literacy means understanding the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean. Fortunately, there are countless ways to incorporate ocean literacy into your teaching, and not just in science classes or activities. Spend a day with seasoned MARE teachers from multiple disciplines (literacy, science, physical education, world cultures, etc.) as they share activities, lessons, and examples of creative ways to incorporate ocean education into your classrooms and clubs. Also learn of different ways to incorporate ocean literacy into your programs both in and outside of the classroom. The day will conclude with a discussion about how to infuse ocean literacy into your curriculum and activities regardless of the grade level or subject area you teach.
Rob Causton – Physical Education, Oxford Central Elementary School
Position: Physical Education Instructor, Oxford Central School
Crystal DiBetta – Library Media Specialist, Robert Hunter Elementary School
Position: Library Media Specialist, Robert Hunter Elementary School
What I do: Check out my website to learn about the programs I run for K-4 at Robert Hunter Elementary School: https://www.frsd.k12.nj.us/page/2210.
Michael Griffin – Spanish – World Cultures, Eisenhower Intermediate School
Position: Spanish 5th & 6th Grade Teacher, Eisenhower Intermediate School
What I do: I introduce Spanish to students in grades 5 and 6. I have been a MARE instructor for a few years now and I enjoy bringing ocean science into my classroom. My expertise in the MARE program lies in the integration of science themes and activities into existing curricula. I also love technology and find that through the incorporation of technology into my classroom, I am able to use more science based resources–even in a Spanish classroom! The ocean is one of my favorite places to visit and I have a passion for teaching people all of the great stuff about it!
Susan Haskell –
Position: Elementary Teacher, Cedar Creek Elementary School, Lacey Township School District
What I do: I currently teach second grade students. I am also the technology club advisor for my school and taught in the technology lab for two years in Lacey. This year I was honored as Cedar Creek School’s Teacher of The Year. I am proud to be a Rutgers alumna and a Master MARE trainer. Lacey Township is one of the fortunate districts that have adopted the MARE program district wide K-6 and a former MARE district of the year. We have been sharing the MARE curriculum with our students for 17 years, encouraging our children to be stewards of their Jersey shore community.
Karen Lobby –
Position: 2nd grade and Literacy, Watchung Elementary School, Middlesex School District
What I do: MARE trained since 2005. Member of the MARE Leadership team. Responsible for all subject matter for my second grade students. Strong interest in integrating literacy to all subject matter. MARE has given me the opportunity to infuse literacy lessons around the Ocean Literacy Principles. Learning about the sandy beach through reading, writing and scientific study has given my students better insight into animals, habitats, and the responsibility we all share in protecting one of our most valuable resources. Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award winner in 2010.
Grade Level:
K-8
Program & Materials:
Catch a Good Book: Using MARE in the Classroom – MARE-Make All Readers Excited! Teaching reading and writing skills using the M.A.R.E. curriculum is as easy as a seagull stealing food from your picnic. Learn how to select and find the latest and best ocean themed books. Have some fun integrating reading, writing, viewing, and listening skills using ocean books and videos. Be prepared to become a student again and get involved in a variety of activities.
Catch a Good Book: Using MARE in the Classroom Lesson Plans
Thematic Unit about the Galapagos in Spanish – Description of workshop unit: The goal of this unit is to have the students gain a better understanding of the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands and to make the connection that the National Reserve, in the country of Ecuador, is a place where speaking the Spanish language would make a learning experience much more fruitful as all visitors start in the Spanish-speaking country of Ecuador to venture out to the islands. Secondary objectives include the acquisition of marine vocabulary in the Spanish language and creating a dialogue with a boat owner to get them to the islands as the first order of business in the unit. This unit will also be inquiry based and set with a sense of realism. The teacher should also incorporate some problem solving skills. The voyage will begin with a letter written in Spanish petitioning the students for their help.
Learning Through Movement: a Look at PE in its Truest Form – We will tap into the students in a class who best learn through doing. We all know about the different ways students learn and too often the kinesthetic learner is left out of the classroom settings. This session will introduce movement activities that can be used in a PE class or in any other classroom. Hopefully the information given will allow teachers the opportunity to introduce, inform or assess learning in their classroom. PE gives the teacher a true opportunity for “students to demonstrate.”
Using Technology with MARE – Participants will gain ideas of how to utilize technology to enhance MARE lessons. Virtual field trips, Realtime data, Live Webcams and Literature links will be featured. No technology experience is necessary to dive into this sea!