ROM humble beginnings in 2013,
when the charity provided the
funds for 50 fifth-graders from
New Hanover County to be a part
of the tour of Masonboro, the
f
impact grew to over 1,300 students served
in 2019.
“Thanks to the collaboration between
us and Masonboro.org, NERRS, NHCS,
Duke Energy and so many other generous
individuals, the Island Explorers program
gives New Hanover County fifth-graders
the chance to be field scientists for a few
hours, helping them make real life connec-tions
to the concepts in the classrooms,”
There is no substitute for getting outside,
exploring the natural world, bouncing ideas
between fellow students, or learning from
teachers as they illustrate the facts and theories
found in the classroom.
Clockwise from top left: Richard Cecelski of Carolina Ocean Studies
talks to students aboard the Winner Cruise Queen as they leave
Carolina Beach. Students reel in a spottail pinfish at the Kure Beach
Pier in 2019. COS instructor Jane Radack corrals an Atlantic blue crab
caught by students during a Masonboro Island Explorers program at
the south end of Masonboro Island.
says Jane Radack, program director at COS.
“It’s great to see how exploring coastal
ecosystems excites the kids!”
The importance of providing children
with hands-on learning experiences is a
recurring theme on the Carolina Ocean
Studies’ website. Online resources are incredible and one has to wonder where our society would be these days without
them. But there is no substitute for getting outside, exploring the natural world, bouncing ideas between fellow students,
or learning from teachers as they illustrate the facts and theories found in the classroom or online.
RICHARD JOHNSON
CAROLINA OCEAN STUDIES CAROLINA OCEAN STUDIES
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WBM july 2020