Education and Outreach

Carmen, Catie and Jess have crafted the following education mission statement: “Kachemak Bay Research Reserve education programs are designed to engage students and the public in hands-on learning opportunities that promote appreciation of the coastal environment; support understanding of coastal ecosystems and their dynamics; and foster stewardship.”

ResourcesActivitiesOutputsShort-term OutcomesMid-term OutcomesLong-term Outcomes Staff Partners Funding Facilities Volunteers Interns Research- based data & delivery Community support Technology Coordinate special events, brown bags, lectures S3 - Increase teacher awareness of lessons & opportunities Evaluate effectiveness of Ed efforts Outreach Ed opportunities Develop & deliver educational programs & events S1 – Program participants possess the science- based knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions Produce quarterly newsletter Programs and services Grant writing and reporting S2 – Students ask scientific questions S4 – Increase public trust in scientific process, data, and KBRR identity S5 – KBRR invited to be a local partner for more/different efforts S7 – Community is aware of KBRR science efforts & programs M1 – Individual & community practices are more sustainable (community engaged in sustainability) M2 – Individuals & community utilize and support science-based and sustainable coastal decision-making M4 – Kids engage and connect w/ nature thru free play & monitoring M5 – Increased KBRR staff participation in Ed delivery & planning M6 – Increased confidence in science delivery of teachers  more outdoor classroom activities L1 – Kenai Peninsula watershed ecosystems are protected and maintained L2 – Human impacts to Kachemak Bay ecosystem biodiversity are minimized L3 – Local community is empowered to engage in environmental issues & discourse LEARNINGACTIONCONDITIONS M3 – Individuals are more observant of surrounding environment S6 – Increased public engagement in coastal science issues/ civic participation S6 – Increased numbers of volunteers, interns, and new & repeat DL attendees Scientific Illustration Kids in Nature leadership and event coordination KBEEA & NERR involvement maintain volunteer pool 2 summer interns each year Receive ongoing grant support Education Logic Model

2012 – 2017 KBRR Management Plan Goal 3: Foster stewardship and inform coastal management through research and public education.

Objective A. Communicate and promote understanding of how coastal Ecosystems function and their connection to society. → Offer Public and K-12 Discovery Labs that focus on coastal ecology and specific KBNERR research projects: - Science Collaborative/climate science research -Salmon in the Hills -SWMP data →Provide professional teacher development opportunities that draw from results of MA/NA and focus on coastal ecology and KBRR research projects: -Sea of Change climate science teacher workshop in Address STEM learning objectives

Objective B: Promote informed decision-making on coastal resource issues through informed exchange and outreach. →Offer K-12 programs that foster critical thinking skills through inquiry-based education that gets kids outside! -May Discovery Lab “Growing Naturalists” →Incorporate hands-on field learning opportunities. - Science Collaborative field dates August 11 th and 18 th →Offer relevant brown bag and evening lectures. - Charles Wohlforth on April 2 nd and 3 rd

Objective C: Expand collaborations with community, statewide, and national partners. →Provide mentorship and community volunteer opportunities - European green crab monitoring -Harmful algal bloom sampling →Offer for-credit teacher workshops through KBC →Work collaboratively with KBEEA and NERRS

Objective D: Foster stewardship by creating opportunities for children and families to connect with the coastal environment. →Host family-friendly events in outdoor locations -3 rd Annual Mud Games in May! →Encourage participation in citizen monitoring →Provide mentorship opportunities -Student volunteers at our Discovery Labs →Collaborate in No Child Left Inside initiative at local, state and federal level

KBRR Goal 4: Increase KBRR’s recognition as a leader in coastal research and education locally, regionally, and nationally.

Objective A: Increase stakeholder and public awareness of and involvement in our mission and goals →Work with the Community Council to identify how They would like to participate in Reserve activities. →Produce a quarterly newsletter -Look for your next newsletter in April! →Submit articles and events to local and regional papers

Priorities to Teach to: -Outreach KBRR research including fish and fishing, invasive species, SWMP data, glacial retreat, coastal uplift, and sea level rise. -Include information about climate change while helping students envision a better future. -Include inquiry-base learning where students formulate questions and participate in data collection and analysis. -Draw upon staff passions. -Make it fun and engaging!

Questions?