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7: Education

Linda Broussard, USGS National Wetlands Research Center, Lafayette, Louisiana

The USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) has contributed carefully selected and vetted content to the National Biological Information Infrastructure’s (NBII) Central Southwest and Gulf Coast regional node since late 2004. The node provides Web-based access to data and resources about Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Gulf of Mexico. Also in 2004, the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA), a partnership of the States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, was formed with the goal of increasing regional cooperation among the States to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf (GOMA, 2008). Because NWRC was already providing content on the Gulf Coast to NBII, working with the Alliance was a natural fit.

The initial focus of GOMA centered around five issues of regional significance that could be effectively addressed through teamwork at the local, State, and Federal levels:

• Water quality for healthy beaches and shellfish beds;
• Wetland and coastal conservation and restoration;
• Environmental education;
• Identification and characterization of Gulf habitats, and
• Reducing nutrient inputs to coastal ecosystems (GOMA, 2006)

A sixth priority issue, coastal community resilience, was identified and recommended for inclusion (GOMA, 2008).

According to the Alliance white paper on environmental education, a three-fold approach is required for a successful program: (1) increasing public awareness and knowledge of the environment and its associated challenges, (2) developing critical thinking skills and plans to address those challenges, and (3) fostering proactive attitudes. This mission is addressed though both formal and informal education. Formal education involves the K-12 school systems and institutions of higher learning. Informal education is addressed through community- and professional-based programs (GOMA, 2005).

One of the commitments of the Environmental Education Network (EEN) in the Governors’ Action Plan is to design and host a Web site to support education and outreach efforts of the EEN, including an electronic clearinghouse to disseminate effective Gulf Coast-related educational information and materials via the Internet (GOMA, 2006). In early 2006, NWRC began working to develop the electronic clearinghouse, or digital library. The GOMAEEN digital library went live in early 2008 through the NBII (http://www.nbii.gov/gomaeen). NWRC personnel are currently working with members of the Network to develop the GOMAEEN Web site. The site is expected to be accessible online by early 2009.

The GOMAEEN digital library offers resources that address the priority issues identified by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. Each priority issue section features educational resources categorized by State, including lesson plans, reports, games, images, and information on science careers and field experiences. USGS Science Centers and projects throughout the Gulf States are highlighted.

Contact Information: Linda Broussard; U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center, 700 Cajundome Blvd., Lafayette, Louisiana 70506; phone: 337-266-8692; fax: 337-266-8841; email: broussardl@usgs.gov

Gaye Farris. USGS National Wetlands Research Center, Lafayette, Louisiana

Scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) develop and disseminate scientific information, primarily through scientific publishing and workshops that reach other scientists. The USGS, however, realizes the need to communicate with other audiences: non-core professionals including policymakers; the general public including media and students; and the internal USGS audience. The literature documents the need for public science literacy because of our increasingly knowledge-based economy, our generation of children dubbed with “nature deficit disorder,” and a documented fundamental shift away from nature-based recreation. To reach diverse audiences along the Gulf Coast and elsewhere, the USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) employs a tailored approach recommended by the National Science Foundation.

Outreach at NWRC covers three areas: community relations, education, and media. Different strategies are employed for each, and all activities are not done annually because resources and personnel are limited. Web sites, including podcasts, and many fact sheets and handouts are produced for all audiences (including scientific ones). Occasionally a USGS Circular is produced for the public.

Community relations are geared to high-visibility events like Migratory Bird Day, Earth Day, GIS Day , Black History and Women’s History Months with national leaders such as Jerome Ringo and Sen. Mary Landrieu speaking, university museum and library exhibits, and a Gulf Coast juried art competition and auction. Ad hoc projects include helping with a hospital mural, wetland-theme ballet, creative writing class, author readings, and Elder Hostel tours.

The backbone of the educational program is the goals of the National Science Education Standards that ultimately define a scientifically literate society. Thousands of school children tour NWRC each year and learn about wetlands and science careers. Job- shadowing programs and classroom visits are offered. Students with special needs or from underrepresented groups take part in fishing rodeos for Winners on Wheels, tours for children from shelters, and the JASON and SEEDS projects. The NWRC is part of a grant to help two local schools with high minority enrollment. NWRC has also created an educational clearinghouse/library for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and is represented on the Alliance’s educational steering committee.

Media strategy is based on building relationships. Although NWRC dealt with more than 50 national and international media after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, NWRC primarily concentrates on Gulf Coast media. Since the mid-90s NWRC has sponsored Science and the Media seminars to improve communications between scientists and media, and has arranged for a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist to speak at USGS national events.

Finally, NWRC looks outside to improve communications. Staff members examine published case studies, attend USGS Communications meetings, and are involved with organizations such as the National Association of Government Communicators and Public Relations Society of America.

Contact Information: Gaye Farris; U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center, 700 Cajundome Blvd., Lafayette, Louisiana 70506; phone: 337-266-8550; fax: 337-266-8664; email: farrisg@usgs.gov