Education

ACER’s Education Team is working to increase the exposure to and understanding of coastal Gulf of Mexico habitats by K-12 students and their teachers. With a philosophy focused on active engagement and hands-on learning, our team is developing curricula and activities for middle and high school science classes. Curricular topics reflect emerging ACER research that reinforces classroom science standards and will be tested and implemented with the help of our ACER Teacher Advisory Team.

Curricula: The lesson plans and activities under development reflect ACER’s research focus constrained by scientific concepts and practices found in the Alabama Course of Study Standards and the National Science Standards. The curricula will also reflect Ocean and Climate Literacy Principles. Products are grouped into 5 subject areas: “watersheds & estuaries”, “biodiversity & ecosystem services”, “fishes & fisheries management”, “microbial ecology”, and “oil & gas industries”. As with all of ACER’s work, we wish to highlight the importance and uniqueness of the Gulf of Mexico.

Other Educational Resources:

Educational Blogs:

Word Wednesday: Ever wonder about the jargon scientists use? In our Word Wednesday series, we explain the meaning behind scientific terms and concepts important in ACER research.

Tool Talk: What are some of the tools that scientists use to answer questions through their research? In our Tool Talk series, we explain some of the common methods and technologies scientists are using to conduct ACER research.

Habitat Focus: The Gulf of Mexico is a diverse and unique place. ACER’s work is focusing on the Gulf’s coastal ecosystems. But what are these ecosystems? What are the plants and animals found there? Why are these habitats critical? In our Habitat Focus series, we explore the various habitats that are the focus of ACER research.