2006 Part 3

 

Additional Highlights of 2006:

The Ocean Literacy Committee established a small working group charged with drafting a scope and sequence of the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts.

The International Committee planned sessions at the 2006 annual conference that would involve colleagues from other countries, and the committee contributed to the development of the program for an international conference of Pacific Rim nations in Fiji in 2007.

The NMEA Executive Committee officially approved the establishment of a distinct Capital Reserve Account separate from the Endowment Accounts, and the sum of $50,000 was approved to open the account. Don Hudson (ME), NMEA Treasurer, announced that as of February 13, the combined Endowment Accounts had a value of just over $300,000 and the Capital Reserve Account a value of $50,000.

The NMEA Long-Range Plan for 2006-2008 was reviewed and updated during the NMEA Executive Committee Winter Retreat in January. This plan provides a road map with dates for NMEA to accomplish its goals, mostly through the work of its committees.

The Outreach Committee conducted two surveys. One was for Non-NMEA members who belong to local chapters. The object was to determine why these people do not belong to NMEA. The other survey was to question lost members from the past three years. A total of 55 people completed the Lost member survey; while 94 completed the Chapter Member (Not NMEA Member) survey.The results of these surveys will be used to identify how NMEA can better serve marine and freshwater educators and how the renewal notification process might be improved.

The Ocean Technology Foundation provided $2,500 for international scholarships for the 2006 conference.

The first issue of NMEA News (Volume 22, Issue 1, Spring 2006) included the following information:

  • “From the Pilot House”: President Sarah Schoedinger commented on the January meeting of the Executive Committee of the NMEA Board.
  • “News Blast:” There was an announcement that Jean-Michel Cousteau’s "Ocean Adventures" would be on PBS in April.
  • “Share Your Ideas”: There was an invitation to share your ideas in Current: the Journal of Marine Education.
  • “NMEA Calendar” listed upcoming events.
  • "Gamming With Bill Hastie": (click to read this entire column) This column was revived after an absence of more than sixteen years and will be written by members of the President’s Circle. Hastie (OR) wrote about Dr. Masaru Emoto"s book The Hidden Messages in Water.
  • “NMEA 2006 Conference Update:” Sarah Richards (NY) gave updated information.
  • “Summer Scuttlebutt from the Bridge:” Chris Petrone described Scuttlebutt happenings.
  • “Invasive Species Initiative": This was a description of how to join the initiative to stop the spread of invasive species.
  • “Chapter Reports:” Numerous chapters reported.
  • "Committee Reports": The Finance Committee, History Committee, and Long-Range Planning Committee gave reports.
  • “Summer Opportunities for Students:”
  • “Summer Opportunities for Teachers:”
  • This issue also included an “Annual Conference Scholarship Program Application,"Annual Awards Information and Nomination Form, Information about the NSTA Conference in St. Louis in 2007, and how to become involved in the NMEA track at that conference.

 

As of March 1, 2006, NMEA had 1,160 members.

In conjunction with the annual NSTA conference, the Mid-Year NMEA Board Meeting was held on April 5, 2006 at the Hilton Anaheim Hotel in Anaheim, CA. A few of the action items developed at this meeting were: 1) Johnette Bosarge (MS) will contact Knight Abbey Printing to provide a PDF file of Current, Vol. 22, No. 1 and all future issues burned to a CD for archive and promotional purposes. 2) Bill Hastie (OR) will develop a proposal for producing a NMEA promotional DVD. Hastie will submit this proposal to the Board at the 2006 Annual Meeting. 3) Sarah Schoedinger (NC) will investigate a NOAA/NMEA track of sessions for NSTA 2007. The NOAA-sponsored track of sessions could serve as the NMEA second day of NSTA sessions.

Also at the Mid-Year meeting, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were updated. In addition, the Branding and Web Committee, chaired by Rita Bell, presented to the board a NMEA style manual for the NMEA Logo (Brand).

The Board voted to ...

  • accept the style guide and the first phase of branding.
  • increase the number of scholarships to the annual conference from 10 to 13. (Money dedicated was increased from $3,500 to $4,500.)
  • officially endorse the document Ocean Literacy Essential Principles of Ocean Science for Grades K-12.
  • endorse the follow-up conference to the One Ocean Marine Forum (held in Hawaii in 2005). The follow-up conference titled the International Pacific Marine Educators Conference (IPMEC) will be held in Fiji in January 2007.
  • accept the draft Grants Policy developed by the Grants Committee for the development and submission of proposals in which NMEA is a partner.
  • accept the revised Long Range Plan.
  • accept the revised Standard Operating Procedures.
  • abolish the annual board fee.

    At the meeting, it was announced that the past conference in Maui, 2005, netted $113,826.83 with 525 conference attendees. There were 131 new members at this conference. Ann Coopersmith (HI), 2005 Conference Chair, presented Don Hudson (ME) with a check for $61,798 (NMEA's split).

    Future Conference Locations: 2007: Portland, ME; 2008: Savannah, GA; 2009 Monterey, California; 2010: Gatlinburg, TN.

June 7-8, several NMEA members participated in the Conference on Ocean Literacy held in Washington D.C . As a part of this conference, there was high level government participation. Also regional workshops were hosted by aquariums across the county.

 

NMEA Celebrated its 30th Anniversary this year.

 

 

A poster announced the upcoming event. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

 

When members were asked to submit memories of NMEA via e-mail to ssnyder2@columbus.rr.com, Wes Batten (VA) contributed the following:
"My first exposure was attending the Woods Hole Conference and then in 1968 I attended Ron Linsky's Conference on Catalina Island.  It was a truly gratifying experience since I had already started in the marine education programs by helping to establish, along with other Pennsylvania State College marine educators (Millersville, Indiana & Kutztown State Colleges to name the major early players), the Pennsylvania Marine Science Consortium with headquarters in Lewes Delaware.  This was in 1966. I also established the first oceanography courses at Kutztown that same year.  I was involved in both the 1971 and 1974 conferences and was on the first Board formed at the Pacific Grove Conference in 1976.  All of this sudden interest in marine education resulted from my attending the first National Science Foundation Institute in Oceanography at the University of Washington in 1964-65.  I was heading to the PhD in Oceanography at UW, but lost my Dad in February of 1965 and had to return east with my wife and three children to assist my Mother with her affairs.  That's when I joined the faculty at Kutztown State College (University) in PA. 

I can shed some light on the development of the WAVE LOGO for NMEA.  During that Pacific Grove meeting I offered to work with my graphic artist at the Mathematics and Science Center in Richmond, VA to design an appropriate signature piece for the new NMEA.  Norbert Hamm and I came up with the original design with the words adjacent to the "waves" reading National Marine Education Association.  As you know "Education" was changed to "Educators" several years later.  The logo was legally registered the same year.  It has been used since that time except the words were dropped out. Perhaps Norbert has the original art work.  I will check with him on that issue, but I suspect it is long gone." 

The second issue of NMEA News (Volume 22, Issue 2, Summer 2006 ) was issued just before the conference. It included the following information:

  • “From the Pilot House:” President Sarah Shoedinger discussed the accomplishments made by the Board at the Mid Year meeting, the success of the NMEA Share-a-thon at the NSTA conference, and upcoming conferences of interest to the membership.
  • “News Blast” announced a report by the National Academies that targets K-12 and higher education as important factors in the preparation of the scientific and technological foundations that affect our nation’s future economic prosperity.
  • “Gamming with Jeff Sandler": (click to read this entire column) Jeff discussed the goal of NMEA: to create a well-informed public. Of NMEA, he states “We are a network of like minded professionals available for sharing and assistance.”
  • “NMEA 2006 Conference: Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple”: Written by Sarah Richards, this article included a very complete description of the upcoming conference.
  • “The Bridge and NOAA Team Up”: Chris Petrone explained that the Bridge has joined forces to more effectively disseminate NOAA’s web-based ocean education resources.
  • Articles on research projects, the 2006 National Ocean Sciences Bowl, and teacher opportunities were included.
  • “Chapter Reports”

Highlights of the Board Minutes (Old Board) at the National Conference: July 16, 2006

  • Treasurer’s Report: The Maui (2005) conference did well financially. Our endowment increased by 6% with no withdrawals. The scholarship committee recommended an increase for conference scholarships from $350 to $450. The Ocean Technology Foundation again donated funds for conference scholarships.

    Standing Committee Reports were presented:

  • Outreach: Bill Hastie (OR) handed out results of Survey Monkey surveys that collected information on members. He discussed his recommendations on how to attract new NMEA members based on the survey information. A suggestion was made that this information should be sent to the Conference and/or Chapter Committees to work on. Beth Jewell (VA) made a motion to change the conference registration form and membership renewal form to include demographic and job information. Motion passed.

  • Ocean Literacy: Craig Strang (CA) reported that there was a meeting in April in Berkeley for Scope and Sequence planning- there were 45 people in attendance. Lynn Whitley (CA) hosted a meeting at USC to do editing and first cut of conceptual flows and to eliminate redundancy. Progress will be slower in the future because there is no funding to go further. Most of the actual money to do work has come from National Geographic, NOAA, COSEE, and the College of Exploration. Currently, the emphasis is on K-12 efforts- we need to make concerted effort to target informal education.

  • NSTA Liaison: Beth Jewell (VA) will investigate the possibility of NMEA sponsoring a Professional Development Institute (full day of workshops) and associated sessions at future national conferences of NSTA instead of an NMEA track of sessions.

  • Long Range Planning: Sarah Schoedinger (NC) shared that her committee proposed having a board retreat, possibly after the 2007 conference July 28-29. The number of participants will be capped at 30.

  • Conference: Tami Lungsford (DE) made a motion that a new SOP 10 be created: “Any chapter planning to host an NMEA conference should complete the Proposal to Host an NMEA Annual Conference form and submit to the Conference Committee Chair. In addition, the host chapter should take into consideration the recommendations listed in a document available through the Conference Committee titled NMEA Chapter Considerations for Hosting an NMEA Conference.


***

Highlights of the Board Minutes (New Board) at the National Conference: July 21, 2006

  • President Thaxter Tewksbury called the meeting together. All attendees introduced themselves and it was noted that a quorum of voting members were present.

  • Treasurer’s Report: NMEA is in good standing. The major difference from previous annual budget is money. Ten thousand dollars is available for the Long Range Board Retreat to assist in board travel, housing, and meals and to hire a facilitator.

 

In 2006, PIKE was retired. In the July conference booklet, Bill Hastie (OR) wrote an article about PIKE's retirement. Click on the picture (left) to read this article.

In September 2006, the NMEA Board received the following e-mail from Johnette Bosarge, Administrative Assistant (National Office):

"It gives me GREAT honor to announce the arrival of a mysterious package a couple of weeks ago……  One of the MEC educators assisted me in opening the large box.  And, as we lifted the Pike from the tattered box he (the Pike) had a big smile on his face as if he knew he was home at last!!  The Pike arrived safe and sound at his retirement destination—The NMEA National Office……

The MEC Educator said who sent us this thing???  I told them “don’t kid yourself!!”  The MEC does not have enough money to buy this fellow—he has been more places than we can count… and probably even around the world!!  And, I proceeded to tell this staff member the history of the Pike and NMEA. 
 
At any rate, the Pike and I have had several conversations and you all should know he has much wisdom from his many years associated with NMEA!  The Pike has a wonderful view of the National Office’s day-to-day operations as he rests on top of our filing cabinets.   And, I think it is safe for me to speak for both Sharon and me when I say we are delighted and honored to have the Pike join us at the MEC/NMEA National Office.  You all are invited to come down and visit us anytime you wish!!" 

To read more about the Pike, click on PIKE.

 

The third issue of NMEA News (Volume 22, issue 3, Fall 2006) included the following information:

  • “From the Pilot House”: President Thaxter Tewksbury wrote about the pride we members of NMEA have in the work we do “to make known the world of water, both fresh and salt”, the outstanding recent conference, and upcoming events.
  • “A few words from Past-President, Sarah Schoedinger”: Sarah summarized the year’s events and thanked the membership for the opportunity to serve as president.
  • “NMEA 2006 Conference: Taking a bite Out of the Apple”: Sarah Richards (NY) described the highlights of the Conference. There were 375 participants from across the US and the world. The NMEA auction brought in nearly $9000 for scholarship support for educators for the 2007 conference.
  • “Gamming with Nora L. Deans”: (click to read this entire column) In this article, Nora wrote a tribute to her late husband, Peter; described the traditional art of wayfinding using wind, water, and stars; and reported on an upcoming issue of Current on “Traditional Knowledge.”
  • “The Bridge”: Chris Petrone described how to make back-to-school and your introductory lessons more fun by incorporating resources from the Bridge.
  • “The NMEA President’s Circle”: Eight of the past presidents attending the 2006 Conference were pictured as they met for the President’s Circle.
  • “Awards”: Descriptions and names of the 2006 NMEA award winners were included.
  • “Chapter Reports” Ten Chapters shared what they’ve been doing.
  • “Opportunities”: Upcoming events (National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration and Coast Day NJ) were described.
  • “Committee Reports”: The History Committee report described the 30th anniversary celebration events at the 2006 conference.
  • “NMEA 2007: promoted the NMEA conference to be held in Portland, Maine July 23-27.

The fourth issue of NMEA News (Volume 22, Issue 4, Winter 2006) included the following information:

  • “From the Pilot House”: President Thaxter Tewksbury discussed an article featured in Science magazine titled Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services. That article stated that wild fisheries being presently fished may have as little as 50 years left before total collapse. However, this trend may be reversible with better management and pollution control. Tewksbury stated "All of us, through the diverse positions that we hold, create a better-educated public every day." A better-educated public will make better decisions. "And, know that you can never be sure of the impact that you will have."
  • “NMEA 2007 Conference”: Don Hudson explained the many opportunities being planned for the Conference to be held July 23-28 in Portland, Maine. For information, visit http://gommea.org/downeast2007/
  • “The Bridge”: Carol Hopper Brill discussed "Getting the Competitive Edge" by preparing students for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. During this competition, students are asked questions about marine science and technology. The Bridge has resources to help teachers prepare their students. Visit http://www.vims.edu/bridge/
  • “Conservation Committee Update”: Amy Gollenberg summarized the work being done by the Conservation Committee to draft a position statement for NMEA.
  • “Gamming With Rosanne Fortner”: (click to read this entire column) Fortner, a Past President and Life Member of NMEA, shared memories of her involvement with NMEA and told how the organization changed her life. In addition, she informed the membership that in the past, NMEA had a research committee. She suggested that perhaps this committee should be revived since there is still a need, as evidenced by frequent contacts she has made with graduate students looking for guidance. Fortner also reminded us that NMEA includes aquatic education about the Great Lakes and this should be considered in the language of our documents about Ocean Literacy.
  • “Putting Ocean Literacy into Action”: Amy Gollenberg gave a review of a new product developed by Dolphin Quest titled Seven Essential Principles for Ocean Literacy: an Activity Guide for Educators.
  • “ARMADA: Project-Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers”: The ARMADA project provides K-12 teachers with an opportunity to actively participate in science research and peer mentoring.
  • “National Marine Educators Association Annual Awards": An insert in the NMEA news described the various awards that are presented at the annual convention. The insert included a nomination form for these awards and an application form for annual conference scholarships for educators.
  • An insert included a description of three new eco-tour activities being offered at the J. L. Scott Marine Education Center, a description of the North American Association for Environmental Education Conference that will be held in November 2007, a Wetland Workshop in Louisiana in June 2007, the NMEA Conference in July 2007, a reprint of a BRIDGE article titled “Liven up your summer with the Bridge”, and an article titled “NMEA strategic Planning Retreat.” The later article described the need for a new strategic plan and how members can have input.
  • “Chapter Reports”
  • "Opportunities for Teachers": The North American Association for Environmental Education invited teachers to submit presentations on marine and aquatic education for its 2007 Conference in November.

 

This Call for Presentations was sent out in 2006 for the 2007 Conference. The deadline for applications was March 1st, 2007. Applicants were notified by April 15th, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue one of Current, The Journal of Marine Education (Volume 22, No. 1, 2006) was a general issue. Managing Editor Lisa Tooker and Designer Martha Malaver produced this outstanding 11-article journal. Topics ranged from a way of combining research, education, and outreach for urban youth in Baja California to International Collaborations in Ocean Education. There was also an article describing highlights of the upcoming NMEA National Conference. In addition, the BRIDGE contributed links and activities for this issue.

 

 

 

 

A special issue titled NMEA: National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), Special Report #2 was issued March 2006. Issue editors included Howard Walters, Susan Haynes, Susan Cook, and Sarah Schoedinger. This report summarizes and contextualizes the results of a two-year research study, which examined the broader impacts of the NOSB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This issue of Current, The Journal of Marine Education (Volume 22, No. 2, 2006) was the Proceedings of the NMEA Conference, held in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2004. The issue editors were Paula Keener-Chavis (SC) and David Niebuhr (FL). The issue included a summary of ways the conference committee kept conservation of resources in mind when planning the conference. Also, in this issue was a summary of keynote speaker Barbara Kirkpatrick’s presentation, “Florida Red tide and Human Health: The Top Ten Questions; NMEA Committee descriptions; 2004 award recipient names; concurrent session abstracts; and a “Message From the BRIDGE.”

 

 

 

This issue of Current, The Journal of Marine Education (Volume 22, No. 3, 2006) was a general issue. Managing Editor Lisa Tooker and Designer Christina Rivers produced this issue. Contributing authors came from a variety of geographic locations and their combined articles addressed the needs of elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Article authors included: Bruce G. Smith, a high school and university chemistry teacher in Wisconsin and an AMS Education Resource Agent for the American Meteorological Society; Joel Biddle, Reef Relief’s Educational Director in Florida; Dave Grant, Director of Brookdale College’s Ocean Institute in New Jersey; Angela C. Morrow-Baker and Stephanie LaCrue, students at the University of Northern Colorado; Tara Fogleman (High school biology and marine science teacher in Georgia) and Dr. Mary Carla Curran; Wendy Carey (Coastal Processes/Hazards Specialist for Delaware Sea Grant), Katie Mosher (Communications Director for North Carolina Sea Grant), and Spencer Rogers (Coastal Construction/Erosion Specialist for North Carolina; and Dr. Lee G. Morris (Assistant Director of Marine and Invertebrate Education at the Institute for Biomedical Philosophy in Georgia) and Dr. Melissa K. Demetrikopoulos (Director of Scientific Communications and Chair, Division of Program Development, and Assessment at the Institute for Biomedical Philosophy.)

Additional articles included one about NMEA’s upcoming National Conference: “Downeast 2007” and an article by Christopher J. Petrone titled “Message From the BRIDGE... Sea State.” The later article described how through the use of ocean observing systems, we can predict exactly what the sea state will be like before leaving the dock.

 

Click on Current to obtain a complete listing of articles in 1976-2008 journals.

 

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