{"id":160,"date":"2014-10-15T14:34:27","date_gmt":"2014-10-15T18:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/scotchbonnet\/?p=160"},"modified":"2018-08-07T15:11:42","modified_gmt":"2018-08-07T19:11:42","slug":"autumn-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/scotchbonnet\/2014\/10\/autumn-2014\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumn 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the newest online issue of Scotch Bonnet<\/em>. This marine education newsletter also is available as a PDF<\/a> \u2014 if you\u2019re like me and want to keep a hard copy!<\/p>\n

I had a chance of a lifetime this summer to travel to the other side of the world, exploring the beautiful island of Bali and Komodo Island National Park! Here are some photos of this fascinating area \u2014 above and below the water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\"Komodo

The oldest and largest komodo dragon on Komodo Island. Photo by Terri Kirby Hathaway.<\/p><\/div><\/td>\n

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\"Close

A close up of a komodo dragon. Photo by Terri Kirby Hathaway.<\/p><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\"Electric

An electric blue seastar. Photo by Terri Kirby Hathaway.<\/p><\/div><\/td>\n

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\"Corals\"

Some of the 350 species of corals. Photo by Terri Kirby Hathaway.<\/p><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\"Blue

Blue-green chromis hide among branching corals. Photo by Terri Kirby Hathaway.<\/p><\/div><\/td>\n

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\"Sunset

Sunset behind Pulau Sangeang. The volcano is still smoking after an eruption on May 28, 2014. Photo by Terri Kirby Hathaway.<\/p><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\"Mudskipper\"

A mudskipper on Menjangan Island. Photo by Terri Kirby Hathaway.<\/p><\/div><\/td>\n

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\"Bali

The Bali starling is the national bird of Bali. Photo by Craig Ward.<\/p><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Seeing Komodo dragons in two of only three places that they exist in the wild was an incredible thrill, as you can imagine. And witnessing the largest, oldest male on Komodo Island lumbering along the beach was awesome! The guides told us that he was over 40 years old and he was almost 4 meters \u2014 more than 12 feet \u2014 long. They were excited to observe him also!<\/p>\n

In addition, the underwater scenery around Komodo Island National Park was exquisite. I\u2019m so impressed with the beauty of all the 350 species of hard and soft corals. The water was clear and the fishes were so colorful.<\/p>\n

We visited Menjangan Island, part of West Bali National Park in the northwest corner of the island where the Bali Starling Recovery Project is headquartered. This beautiful white bird was very close to extinction because of poaching for the caged-bird trade. From a population of six birds in 2001, this species has made a comeback thanks to the diligent work of several agencies and organizations. We witnessed several tagged birds in the wild, plus at least two individuals without tags, indicating that those two birds hatched outside of the reintroduction program \u2014 a sign of success!<\/p>\n

Our trip to Indonesia was an incredible experience: beautiful people and incredible scenery that I would highly recommend.<\/p>\n

Thanks to Windy Arey-Kent, James Charlet, Melissa Dowland, Megan Ennes, Dana Haine, Ethan Theuerkauf and Marty Wiggins for their contributions to this issue.<\/p>\n

Explore this issue of Scotch Bonnet<\/em>. There are professional-development opportunities and family explorations for everyone. Try to take advantage of these wonderful conferences, workshops and more. Keep reading for those unique opportunities and ideas for educators. There is a lot going on in North Carolina and beyond!<\/p>\n

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Sea Turtle Exploration: STEAM Curriculum<\/h2>\n

www.seaturtleexploration.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"NC<\/a>The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher<\/a> presents Sea Turtle Exploration, a new curriculum to help educators engage students in the fundamentals of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). They provide ready-to-use, standards-based lesson plans centered around sea turtles. The curriculum is aligned to the North Carolina Standards and Common Core for grades K-5. Teacher resources will give you the tools you need to teach STEAM using sea turtles.<\/p>\n

In addition to the curriculum, explore additional resources such as sea turtle fact sheets, conservation actions, coloring pages and online activities. During the school year, follow the aquarium\u2019s weekly blog posts. Topics will include species profiles, aquarium staff spotlights, behind-the-scenes videos, new lesson plans and more. Sign up to receive blog updates each week.<\/p>\n

Classes will be able to \u201cadopt\u201d a turtle and learn about its care and growth. By adopting a sea turtle, participants will receive weekly updates with information, including the turtle\u2019s current weight and length. Each class will also receive a certificate of participation.<\/p>\n

Also, meet Womble, a sea turtle that stranded near the aquarium in 2013. Hear about his recovery and the important discovery the veterinarians made during his stay at the aquarium. Learn how you and your students can help protect sea turtles.<\/p>\n

Visit the website and curriculum at www.seaturtleexploration.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As you use the curriculum, send your questions, comments or suggestions to the aquarium so they can continue to improve. Also, send photos of your class exploring the activities and you may be featured on the aquarium blog! For more information, contact Megan Ennes, education program specialist at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, at megan.ennes@ncaquariums.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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EENC Hosted SEEA Meeting in September<\/h2>\n

www.eenc.org\/index.php\/conference<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"EENCEThe Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) hosted the 3rd annual conference of the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEA) at the Caraway Camp and Conference Center near Asheboro.<\/p>\n

David Sobel, an authority on child development and place-based education, offered the keynote address. Louise Chawla, a well-known EE researcher, spoke on various unique programs connecting children and nature around the world. Many other educators shared classroom activities, ideas and content.<\/p>\n

In addition, this conference featured the inaugural SEEA research symposium. The meeting provided opportunities for EE researchers and interested individuals to learn about current projects and foster collaborative relationships. The presentations and poster session were a welcome addition to this weekend event. Participants expressed hope that this symposium would become an integral part of the conference.<\/p>\n

The weekend was a wonderful opportunity to connect with like minds from around the southeast states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.<\/p>\n

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International Science Challenge for High-School Students<\/h2>\n

ncsmt.org\/competitions\/ncisc\/<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The North Carolina International Science Challenge, or NCISC, is a yearly North Carolina science competition for high-school students. The selected students travel to Beijing, China, to present their science research projects at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition in the third week of March. The competition requires students to undertake a research project, write an abstract explaining their research problem, and present their research to a panel of scientists and engineers. The students selected spend a week in Beijing presenting their research, meeting students from other countries, and experiencing various cultural and scientific events. The NCISC is offered jointly by the North Carolina Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center (SMT Center) and the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.<\/p>\n

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