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Workshop Dates

June 17-21, 2013

About the Workshop

Aquaculture is a highly competitive and the fastest growing segment of agriculture in the United States. Florida’s aquaculture industry is diverse, producing an array of food fish, shellfish, alligators, baitfish, aquatic plants, and ornamentals. To support the continued growth of the industry and encourage public support for aquaculture, there is a significant need to integrate aquaculture curriculum and activities into elementary, secondary, and post-secondary science education programs. Research shows that educational experiences are enhanced when aquaculture is incorporated into the science curriculum. The hands-on, real-life nature of aquaculture encourages student enthusiasm and willingness to participate in classroom activities. The incorporation of aquaculture in education programs can prepare students for employment in the aquaculture industry or aquaculture activities can simply be used as a multidisciplinary teaching tool that actively engages students in hands-on learning experiences. However, the introduction of new material, concepts and topics within an educational setting is often a challenging, labor-intensive effort, particularly if resource materials are scattered and difficult to access. The intent of this workshop series is to provide information in a user-friendly, efficient manner to educators who have limited aquaculture experience. Additionally, teachers and educators who participate in the workshop will receive a classroom aquarium start-up kit.

The Teach Aquaculture Curriculum

Harbor Branch and University of Florida scientists and educators have developed the Teach Aquaculture curriculum for middle and high school level classes. Portions of this curriculum will be introduced to workshop participants through hands-on activities and lessons. The eight aquaculture education modules include:

        • Introduction to Aquaculture

        • General Biology of Aquaculture Species

        • Design and Operation of Growout Production Facilities

        • Broodstock Breeding and Hatchery

        • Water Quality

        • Nutrition

        • Harvesting, Processing, and Packaging

        • Cultivation of Aquatic Plants and Seaweed

Key components of the modules include lesson plans, pre- and post- assessment tools, equipment usage guidelines, and material supply lists. The lesson plans incorporate all aspects of instruction from experimentation to concept development to formal assessment, build upon individual learning styles, and encourage students to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills while participating in individual and collaborative group projects. All components are easily adaptable for use in any middle school, high school, community college, or vocational training program.

Contact Information

Please contact Amber Garr for more information or additional questions.

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Workshop Schedule

The following is a tentative workshop schedule. Lunch and snacks will be provided each day. Participants are responsible for their own breakfast and dinner arrangements. Workshop activities will begin on Monday at 8:00 am and end on Friday at 2:00 pm.  

Monday
Registration, Introductions, History of Aquaculture, Florida Aquaculture session at UF (UF-IFAS PolyCom Session – See Below), Tour of UF-IFAS Aquaculture Facilities in Fort Pierce

Tuesday
Tour of HBOI-FAU Aquaculture Facilities, Aquariums in Classroom, Biology of Aquaculture Species, Animal care and use, guidelines, and resources, Water Resources and Water Quality, Artemia and Live Feeds

Wednesday
Aquaculture Nutrition,  Exploring Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, Water For Life, Soils and Pond Aquaculture, Harvesting, Processing, and Packaging

Thursday
Plant and Seaweed Aquaculture, Boat Tour and Plankton Collection in the Indian River Lagoon, Coastal Ecology and Collecting Trip, Dinner with guest speakers and instructors (informal)

Friday
Collecting Permits, Regulatory Statutes, and Educator Eligibility, Aquaculture certification guidelines and application process, Questions and wrap-up

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Apply to the Workshop

The workshop will be held at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University in Fort Pierce, Florida. During the week-long residential experience, teachers will participate in field exercises, meet scientists, receive new curricula and resources, and explore classroom activities. Enrollment is open only to Florida teachers who have not previously participated in an Aquaculture Immersion Excursion workshop at HBOI and is limited to 25 participants. Applications will be accepted from:

1. Middle (grades 5-8) and high school teachers from Florida who teach or are willing to teach aquaculture and marine science in their classrooms.

2. Instructional faculty from Florida community colleges or trade schools who teach or are willing to teach aquaculture and marine science in their classrooms.

3. Educators from non-formal educational institutions that have aquaculture or marine science exhibits or plan to add aquaculture to their programs.

All applicants must have stated support from their principals or supervisors indicating that he/she will support their efforts to integrate aquaculture and marine science topics into the curriculum. Teachers who are members of groups underrepresented in marine science and/or who teach significant numbers of students who are members of groups underrepresented in marine science will strongly be encouraged to apply. In selecting individuals for participation in this workshop, we will not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. To encourage a broad, diverse population of teachers to apply for the program, an $800 stipend (payable via direct deposit) will be offered to workshop participants. Download the Aquaculture Immersion Excursion application here.  Application deadline is April 19, 2013 and teachers will be notified of their acceptance by April 26, 2013.

Please fax or mail the completed application form to:

Amber Garr

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU
5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Tel: 772-465-2400 ext. 578
Fax 772-466-6590
Email agarr1@hboi.fau.edu

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Classroom Start-Up Kit

To assist with teacher-student engagement in the classroom, an aquarium start-up kit will be provided to each workshop participant. Since the workshop selection process will be focused on novice teachers with no aquaculture experience, a classroom aquarium will provide means to disseminate the curriculum to students who may not otherwise have any exposure to aquatic life.  The aquarium package is valued at $200 and may include supplies such as a tank, hood, light, substrate, and a water quality kit. 

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Registration and Travel Information

Registration

Participants accepted to participate in the workshops will be notified via email by April 26, 2013. At that time, you will receive a registration packet which will include a registration form, W-9, and consulting worksheet required to process your stipend. Each participant will receive $800 to attend the workshop.

Travel

Participants are required to make their own travel arrangements. Harbor Branch is located in Fort Pierce, Florida on the state’s east coast. Orlando International Airport (90 minutes) is the most used airport by visitors to Harbor Branch; other airports are located in West Palm Beach (70 minutes), Melbourne (60 minutes), Fort Lauderdale (120 minutes), and Miami (150 minutes). The workshops are held at the Aquaculture Center for Training, Education and Demonstration in the Aquaculture Development Park.  Download the Travel Information sheet for a list of local hotels, car rental companies, and directions to campus.

Car Rental

There are several local rental car agencies, and many will also be available at the airports. Harbor Branch is not located within walking distance to any hotels, food stores, or recreational activities.

Avis – 1-800-917-2847
Enterprise – 1-866-799-7959
Hertz – (772) 562-4304
Budget - (772) 567-8788 

Hotel Information

We are working to secure workshop hotel(s) and discounts to allow participants a chance for informal interactions with other participants. Please check back for updates.

Dependents

No support will be provided for dependents.

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Contact Us

Dr. Amber Garr
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU
5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL  34946
Ph. 772.242.2578
Fax. 772.466.6590
Email. agarr1@hboi.fau.edu