SEAWEEK 2011!
It's quickly approaching. Join in one of many organised events, or get cracking on your own!
The Marine Education Society of Australasia (MESA) is currently planning for an exciting and innovative “Seaweek” for the Year 2011.
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Seaweek will be held from Sunday March 6th – 12th 2011 and the theme this year is “Spotlight on Marine Science”. This theme profiles marine science endeavours exploring the earth’s least understood habitat, the marine environments of the world. The theme also provides a focus for students in schools and for communities to inform and inspire them about the significance and value of research on marine and coastal environments. Through a spotlight on the work of scientists we can learn more our marine environment to understand its complex ecosystems and become better equipped to preserve it.
Seaweek is a very successful national program that has been an annual event in Australian Schools for over 20 years. You have an opportunity to support our next generation learning about marine science and promoting environmental awareness of all things marine by getting behind Seaweek at your school.
A major part of our Seaweek program is the MESA website. Information about Seaweek 2011 can be found at http://www.mesa.edu.au/seaweek.htm
Our website is one of the most visited marine education sites in the world with currently over 55,000 visits per month.
An important part of this year, as in past years will be developing education materials available to all schools in Australia and community groups. Please download Teacher Information and units of work containing marine science activities from the MESA website. In addition we have a number of exciting events planned for the national program including: links to research vessels, podcasts from scientists in the field, and a schools National Marine Art competition and much more. Already we have a set of new units on types of marine organisms and a major unit on Aquaculture in Australia.
There are many Seaweek activities and events happening in Sydney. These include:
- Seaweek Festival at Bondi Marine Discovery Centre - Sunday, March 6
- Public lecture for school students interested in marine science. Hosted by Sydney Maritime Museum, with talks by scientists from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. Date to be confirmed.
- Clean Up Australia Day Dive
- Young Marine Scientist of the Year Competition and other activities at Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
- Research activities (water quality monitoring, mosquito mitigation, mangrove protection works) - Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay.
You might like to join in or attend any of the above events. Alternatively, you may want to organise your own Seaweek event or activity in your school or local community, or just utilise some of our online Seaweek resources. Visit the MESA website or contact us for more information.