{"id":10,"date":"2009-09-28T10:15:19","date_gmt":"2009-09-28T14:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/scotchbonnet\/?p=10"},"modified":"2020-10-27T11:37:55","modified_gmt":"2020-10-27T15:37:55","slug":"autumn-2009","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/scotchbonnet\/2009\/09\/autumn-2009\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumn 2009"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the first online-only issue of the Scotch Bonnet <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 now only available online and as a portable document file\u00a0(.pdf)<\/a> if you\u2019re like me and want to keep a hard copy<\/a>! As you may know, the Spring 2009 issue was the last to be mailed to subscribers. If you\u2019re interested in keeping up with Scotch Bonnet, drop an e-mail to scotchbonnet@ncseagrant.org<\/a>. We\u2019ll add your e-mail address to our database and you\u2019ll receive notice when each new issue is available online.<\/p>\n

Fall is my favorite time at the coast.\u00a0 There is so much going on, and the autumn environment is always just perfect for me \u2014 a little twinge of cool in the air, the sound of sea oats blowing in the stiff breeze, deserted beaches (okay, almost deserted), waves crashing on the shore, etc.\u00a0 Just writing about fall beachcombing is getting me eager for a walk on the beach.\u00a0 I think I\u2019m going to leave work right now and go beachcombing!<\/p>\n

Keep reading for some fall opportunities and ideas for educators.\u00a0 There is a lot going on in North Carolina!<\/p>\n

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Take A Child Outside Week \u2013 September 24-30<\/h2>\n

www.takeachildoutside.org<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"TakeJoin the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for the third annual \u201cTake A Child Outside\u201d week. \u00a0This international event encourages people to help reconnect children with nature. \u00a0Parents, teachers and other caregivers are asked to make a pledge to take a child outside, and then to post a description of what they did or where they went on the Web site (www.takeachildoutside.org). \u00a0In addition they can find hundreds of partnering organizations offering unique opportunities from across the United States and in four foreign countries.<\/p>\n

This event was created in response to the fact that today\u2019s generation of children does not spend significant time outdoors exploring the natural world. \u00a0As adults, people who have a strong connection to a special place in the environment are more likely to support conservation efforts. \u00a0Children who feel alienated from the environment can experience increased feelings of stress, have trouble paying attention and have a sense of being disconnected from the world.\u00a0 Studies also link the lack of time outside to increased childhood obesity and increased attention-deficit disorder behaviors.<\/p>\n

For more information about the week or becoming a partner, please contact Liz Baird at liz.baird@ncdenr.gov.<\/p>\n

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MAMEA Conference Set for October 2-4<\/h2>\n

www.mamea.org\/2009conf.html<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"Mid-AtlanticCome on and join marine educators from North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, Washington D.C. and Maryland for an exciting professional development opportunity at the Virden Center, University of Delaware\u2019s College of Marine Studies, in Lewes, Del. October 2-4!<\/p>\n

\u201cNew Inspiration in Marine Education\u201d will offer a variety of educational experiences for marine educators from the MAMEA region.\u00a0 On Friday, October 2, enjoy field trips including kayaking, a tour of the research labs and a wetlands hike.\u00a0 Gary Kreamer from \u201cGreen Eggs & Sand\u201d will be the featured speaker for Friday evening. He will talk about Delaware\u2019s unique aquatic habitats.<\/p>\n

Saturday, October 3, features presentations on the latest marine and aquatic research and how we can include this new and exciting information in our classrooms and education programs; as well as presentations by educators on lessons, activities and resources.\u00a0 And you don\u2019t want to miss the fun-filled marine auction and accompanying party!<\/p>\n

You can choose to stay and take advantage of the free University of Delaware\u2019s Coast Day with exhibits, seafood cooking demonstrations, boat tours, a boat show and much more on Sunday, October 4.\u00a0 Visit www.ocean.udel.edu\/coastday for details about this annual event.<\/p>\n

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NC Outdoor Classroom Symposium \u2013 October 22-24<\/strong><\/h2>\n

www.eenorthcarolina.org\/outdoor_classrooms_about.htm<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"NCThe Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, the N.C. Botanical Garden, the Environmental Education Fund, the N.C. Office of Environmental Education and the Natural Learning Initiative at North Carolina State University invite you to attend the North Carolina Outdoor Classroom Symposium on October 22-24 at the N.C. Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill.<\/p>\n

The symposium will focus on techniques for creating, maintaining and using outdoor classrooms and strategies for integrating outdoor learning into the curriculum.\u00a0 It will feature sessions on how to create specific types of school gardens and natural areas, how to start farm-to-school programs and how to design and use your school grounds to enhance learning across the curriculum. Pre-symposium workshops will be offered on Thursday. Mobile workshops on Saturday will give participants the opportunity to visit school and community gardens.\u00a0 Other highlights will include a Friday evening reception, educational exhibits and many opportunities for networking and learning!<\/p>\n

Sessions will be appropriate for educators who already have an outdoor classroom and for those who are just beginning to develop their schoolyard areas for outdoor environmental learning. Teachers can earn CEU credits, and all participants can earn credit towards their N.C. Environmental Education Certification.This will be a great opportunity for classroom teachers, teacher assistants, school administrators, parent volunteers, non-formal educators and those involved in the design of outdoor learning and play areas from across the state!<\/p>\n

Visit the Web site for a brief agenda and to find out about registration.<\/p>\n

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Other Interesting Educational Opportunities for Educators<\/h2>\n

If you enjoy walking the beach, finding neat things, picking them up and appreciating them, then I have got some wonderful events for you this fall!\u00a0 Sea-beans, sea glass and beachcombing in general are featured in three unique learning opportunities.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be reporting on at least two of these in upcoming issues of Scotch Bonnet<\/em>.\u00a0 Maybe I\u2019ll see some of you there!<\/p>\n