The Center For Aquatic Sciences Inc

Programs: The cause program is designed to address the needs of under represented minorities in the science and education workforce and to provide quality science education through early intervention to underserved youth k-12. Briefly described, the cause program trains high school youth in marine science and biology to prepare them for paid employment as "cause interns," in jobs as summer science camp education and as educators and mentors for youngsters k-8 in the afterschool science clubs. Teen interns in the cause program have experienced successes in employment and learning that greatly enhance self-esteem, widen horizons, and indelibly shape ambitions for future education and employment. Perhaps for the first time in their lives, the teens are the expert the person to whom people will listen and learn. Equally powerful benefits result for the k-8 youngsters who have the chance to develop mentoring relationships with teenagers from their own community, who are enthusiastic role models and committed teachers. 100% of cause seniors have graduated from high school (150 since 1993). This fact is particularly notable given the dropout rate of camden high school students that exceeds 50% and the fact that teens are recruited into the program without regard to school performance. Center for aquatic sciences, inc. Offers a wide variety of classroom lessons on site allowing children grades prek-12 to investigate ocean-related topics, from coral reef symbiosis to the sticky tube feet of the sea star. Our programs are aligned with new jersey core curriculum content standards and national science benchmarks. Center for aquatic sciences, inc. Is committed to educate the public in science and conservation issues and engage in active research and conservation programs. Center for aquatic sciences, inc is active in species survival and conservation efforts. Center for aquatic sciences, inc. 's research director is the world expert on the endangered bangghi cardinal fish, a popular salt water aquarium fish collected in large numbers from its very limited range in indonesia. This work includes field and laboratory work as well as active participation in development of conservation measures. Communities of learning for urban environments and science (clues) is a 5 year initiative of the philadelphia-camden informal science education collaborative (pisec). Pisec members include the center for aquatic sciences, inc. , the franklin institute science museum, the philadelphia zoo, the academy of natural sciences, and 8 community based organizations (cbo's), clues will create a new model of family learning and professional development for members of underserved communities. Clues will take a radically different approach by building capacity for stem education within the cbo's themselves. In addition, clues programs will focus not exclusively on youth but on whole families as learning units. Museum professionals will train qualified community members in stem content and ise skills through an intensive apprentice program. Apprentices, in turn, will train part-time cbo based presenters as workshop leaders. Family programming will include workshops and family events at the museum; local outdoor activities and community workshops; and take home activities. Clues will reach 16,000 individuals from underserved families in the philadelphia-camden region who want to learn more about their urban environment and 96 educators (apprentices and presenters) from the cbo's who have an interest in pursuing professional development as informal science educators.