NGI Researchers Provide Summer Experiential Learning Opportunity to Regional Students

June 21, 2022

This summer NGI Researchers along with Educators from the Mississippi Aquarium are providing 90 regional students with the opportunity to experience marine science sampling and research firsthand aboard the USM R/V Jim Franks.

It is our belief that experiential learning and the hands-on nature of this program will generate positive educational outcomes and excitement, invigorate student interest in the natural sciences and their environment, and potentially impact students' long-term (college) educational interests and career goals (an important NOAA workforce development goal).

This program will allow students to experience sampling and data collection and lively lectures that include Gulf Coast history, geography, geology, biology, and ecology concepts, as well as environmental and climate factors.

Initial results of this outreach project were presented and published in the proceedings of the Hawaii University International Conference (HUIC) on STEM/STEAM Education

Harris, J. G., Dyer, J. L., Turnage, G., Skarke, A., 2022, Initial benefits and outcomes of experiential learning programs in complex field sciences., Proceedings and Programs, Hawaii University International Conferences, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM/STEAM and Education, Honolulu, Hawaii.