ACER’s Education and Outreach Team is working to increase the exposure to and understanding of coastal Gulf of Mexico habitats and the Deepwater Horizon event by K-12 students, their teachers and the general public. By translating and distributing results to the public at large, the team anticipates a greater understanding of the ACER project and research results, of the importance of coastal habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and an appreciation for the role scientific research plays in our society. Please click on one of the items below to learn more about our programs.
Keep up to date with ACER’s public outreach! Here we provide a list of upcoming, current and past events. Join us for our Science Cafés as well as our regular Boardwalk Talks at the Estuarium.
Want to learn more about ACER and our research? Check out our Fact Sheet Series, available here digitally or in DISL offices in print. Fact sheets focus on the research by our 7 subgroups as well as their findings and current publications.
Scientists use a great deal of technical language to talk about their research, yet the ideas behind the work are usually pretty straightforward. In many disciplines, they also use sophisticated equipment to test their ideas. In this blog series, we explain the ideas being tested by ACER scientists by describing the vocabulary, the equipment and methods being used, and the areas being studied in non-technical, everyday language.
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 and biota that are the focus of ACER research.
With a philosophy focused on active engagement and hands-on learning, ACER’s Education Team is developing curricula and activities for middle and high school science classes. Curricular topics reflect emerging ACER research that reinforces classroom science standards. Activities and labs will be vetted and implemented with the help of our ACER Teacher Advisory Team.
Curricula: The lesson plans, labs 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:
As with all of ACER’s work, we wish to highlight the importance and uniqueness of the Gulf of Mexico.
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