Studies have shown that 95% of a person’s opportunity to learn occurs outside the K-12 classroom and continues throughout their lifetime. For that reason, one of the audiences that TESI strives to reach is Florida’s lifelong learners. These individuals seek out formal and informal learning opportunities to increase their knowledge about how to be better stewards of our environment.
TESI reaches these audiences by providing targeted outreach programming to various groups of lifelong learners throughout the state. This past month, we have presented to these audiences through new channels and partnerships. For example, in October I was a guest on The Ilene Silverman Show on Gainesville’s WGFL-TV channel. During the show, I introduced viewers to TESI and our mission and explained how they could get involved.
K-12 education and outreach coordinator Stephanie Killingsworth and I also presented during the monthly University of Florida Insights lecture series about TESI and the emerging AI (artificial Intelligence) initiative at UF. The series is hosted by the UF Office of State Government Relations, which provides important constituent services to elected officials and other stakeholders to increase the visibility and impact of UF.
TESI also partnered with the Florida Association of Native Nurseries to host a continuing education course for Florida landscape professionals titled, “Communicating Insect-Friendly Landscape Value to Your Clients.” This class was a way to reach industry professionals, who are important conduits of scientific information to their audiences.
Finally, we are pleased to have developed a partnership with the Florida Museum's Randell Research Center and Shell Point Retirement Community in Ft Myers in which we are presenting a three-part series titled, "Facing Florida’s Future." Each of these outreach activities are vital to reaching Floridians of all ages who are interested in learning about how together we can make a positive difference for the future of our state.
Last month, TESI director Bruce MacFadden made a guest appearance on Gainesville's local Ilene Silverman Show where he discussed the Institute's mission, program areas and how viewers can get involved. Silverman is a long-time friend of the Florida Museum who served on the Museum Associates Board for many years, including two terms as President. The show started airing on local public television in the Gainesville area on Oct. 31 and will continue until Nov. 11. See below for the broadcast schedule, or watch the episode at the link above!
Our team of trained science communicators and environmental educators works with scientists, peer organizations, nonprofits and decision-makers to curate and share the latest science-based information related to Earth systems science in Florida.
Facing Florida's Future: Scrolls of the Sea Webinar Draws Crowd in Southwest Florida
On Oct. 23, TESI hosted a webinar titled "Shells: Scrolls of the Sea," in partnership with the Florida Museum of Natural History's Randell Research Center and the Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers. The webinar was the first in a three-part series titled, "Facing Florida's Future: Shells," where scientists share how their work with fossil shells, shells from archaeology sites, and modern-day shells help us understand today’s environmental challenges. The series was organized and produced by Kaylin Jablonski, TESI community outreach coordinator for Lee County and coordinator assistant at the Randell Research Center.
More than 90 attendees joined and asked questions on Zoom, while others simply turned on their televisions as the program was conveniently broadcast throughout the Shell Point Retirement Community.
The next event in the series, "Shells: Sentinels of the Sea" takes place Friday, Nov. 6 from 2 to 3 p.m. ET and features Carla Hadden, an assistant research scientist at the University of Georgia Center for Applied Isotope Studies.
Floridians Learn About Wildlife Crime & Forensics During Science Off Tap: Changes on the Horizon
Did you miss our second Science OFF Tap of the fall season? Not to worry, you can get up to speed on wildlife crime in Florida and the methods scientists use to solve it by watching the recording above!
Tune in to learn from Madelaine Verbeek, a University of Florida master's student studying forensic sciences and conservation, about what it's like to be a wildlife forensic scientist. We would like to send a big thank you to the 80 attendees who interacted with the presentation and helped spark important conversations!
Climate Conscious Chats: How Will Climate Change Impact the Future of Food Production?
TESI, in collaboration with the West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability, hosted the second webinar in our series "Climate Conscious Chats," on Oct. 28. Germán Sandoya, assistant professor in the University of Florida's Horticultural Sciences Department's Breeding and Genetics Research Program, discussed how genetics can play a role in solving some of the food production problems caused by climate change.
The final event in the series will focus on what the future of livestock will look like in the midst of our changing climate. Visit the link below to learn more and register!
Join Us for a Virtual Deep Dive into Florida's Springs!
Grab your popcorn and candy because between now and Nov. 9, the film “Lost Springs” will be available to view for free on the Museum’s YouTube channel! View the film, then take part in a panel discussion with experts in the field on Nov. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. ET, and learn more about the importance, health and conservation of our state’s water.
This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required.
Through our internships, outreach grants program, training seminars, and K-12 teacher professional development workshops, we help scientists, educators, and journalists hone their science communication skills and disseminate research to broader audiences.
TESI Grant Recipient Teaches Students About the Importance of Seagrass
Seagrass may not look like much, but Jamila Roth wants to make sure that Florida students of all ages know that it’s more important than they think.
With funding and guidance from TESI's education and outreach grants program, the fourth-year Ph.D. student in the UF School of Natural Resources and the Environment created lesson plans about seagrass that she used to teach third through seventh graders at four after- school science clubs across Alachua County.
“I think that seagrass is just a really exciting and engaging ecosystem, and so it’s perfect for educating K–12 students,” Roth said. “It can be simplified in order to teach many really important ecological concepts about food webs and ecosystem services and biodiversity.”
Megan Ennes Offers Insight Into The Efficacy of Online Programming in Museums
With more museum educational programming going online, Megan Ennes, TESI faculty member and curator of museum education at the Florida Museum, has been analyzing the efficacy of museum-developed digital programs.
"Whatever else 2020 might bring, online learning is here to stay, which makes it a good time to reckon with those challenges," Ennes writes in her recent article published on the American Alliance of Museums website. "Fortunately, my research sheds some light on some strategies to tackle them. The good news is they all share a common solution: not trying to go it alone. Establishing the right partnerships and investing in professional development for your education staff can increase the reach, success, and sustainability of your online programming."
New SEFS Video Offers Science Communication Tips for Interacting with K-12 Audiences
TESI's Scientist in Every Florida School program has rolled out a new video to help prepare scientists for their visit to a K-12 classroom. During the video, science communicators share their best practices for keeping students engaged and ensuring their interaction with a scientist is meaningful and memorable.
Scientist in Every Florida School
Through this free program, our mission is to build long-term collaborative relationships between teachers and scientists, better integrate current scientific research and big data into classroom lessons that adhere to Florida Sunshine State Standards and connect a scientist with every school in the state.
SEFS Scientists Makes 62 Visits to Classrooms in October
During the month of October, scientists from all walks of life made 62 visits to Florida K-12 classrooms! Topics ranged from the importance of insects to the water cycle to how to build a hurricane-proof house. If you know a teacher interested in scheduling a SEFS virtual classroom visit, they can request on at the following link: Request a Scientist
Join SEFS for Free Virtual Field Trips in November
K-12 teachers, students and all curious minds are welcome to join the Scientist in Every Florida School program for the following two free virtual field trips this November! Learn more and register at the links below:
SEFS hosted two virtual field trips during the month of October, reaching approximately 100 teachers and students around the state. If you missed them, not to worry! Learn more and view the recordings below.
Into the Garden: Plant Trickery
On Oct. 20, SEFS partnered once again with Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County to host the second event in the "Into the Garden" series. Scientist Tolulope Morawo, assistant professor in the University of Florida department of entomology and nematology, introduced students to the secret language between plants and animals.
Ocean Expert Exchange: Pioneering Underwater Camera Systems
On Oct. 22, SEFS and the ANGARI Foundation took students on an under-the-sea experience during the second Ocean Expert Exchange of the semester: Pioneering Underwater Camera Systems. Underwater camera pioneer Casey Sapp shared his experiences developing cutting-edge underwater cameras, including 360°, VR and 3D systems, in support of ocean science, awareness and conservation.
First-Graders Take Note: Collier County Students Learn Why Taking Notes is Important in Science
For many students, taking notes can seem like a tedious part of their school day. In a virtual visit with over 100 Collier County first-graders coordinated by SEFS, TESI educator and coordinator Sadie Mills taught students why note-taking is an important part of scientific research. Using a hands-on activity, Mills demonstrated why our memories aren’t as dependable as we might think they are.
Teacher Charice Bechtel-Spartz stated, "I would like to share that our experience with Sadie was the best presentation I have ever seen in my 20 plus years of teaching! She was amazing! We were able to have all six first-grade classrooms watch her live. Sadie made virtual teaching look so natural and easy. She was well-prepared and her PowerPoint explaining the importance of scientific note-taking was very well done and grade-level appropriate."
Are you interested in learning more about our Scientist in Every Florida School Program? Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter where we give updates on the program, showcase scientist visits and advertise upcoming professional development opportunities for both scientists and teachers! If you are a teacher (or curious individual), subscribe at the following link: Teacher SEFS subscription. If you are a scientist, subscribe at the following link: Scientist SEFS subscription.
Every Friday, we also publish a weekly sampling of free and inexpensive environmental learning opportunities on our Facebook page. For the time being, we are specifically featuring virtual opportunities. Visit our Online Learning Opportunites page to see what we've collected so far.
Support Our Mission
Like the work we do? Consider supporting our communication, public outreach, and science curriculum development initiatives by making a gift using our secure giving site.
For more information on how to support the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute Endowment,
Capital Project Expansion of the Florida Museum, and the
Scientist in Every Florida School Moonshot Project, contact:
Marie Emmerson
Senior Director of Development
Florida Museum of Natural History emmerson@ufl.edu
cell: 352-256-9614
