Education – old

CRRF has had a long term interest in marine education through publications, educational booklets, public talks, hosting interns and contributing newspaper articles. Our new laboratory building has a class/conference room, plus a teaching library and media room, and we are expanding the program and reaching out to Palauans of all ages.

BACK TO NATURE: JELLYFISH LAKE

During the 2020-2021 school year CRRF undertook and proved a concept educational program, “Back to Nature: Jellyfish Lake” for all 6th and 8th grade students (11-13 years old) in Palau.  The educational effort instills knowledge, pride and a sense of ownership of their natural resources through both classroom work and field experiences at Jellyfish Lake. It  is a unique marine ecosystem in Palau that is home to millions of Golden jellyfish, and we use Jellyfish Lake as a learning classroom and vehicle for instruction in the scientific method, climate change and human impact. This interactive, outdoor class differs from traditional classroom settings and enriches the learning experience by giving students hands-on learning activities. This program gives Palauan school children an opportunity to visit the lake which, sadly, more tourists than Palauan students have visited. By building a connection to Jellyfish Lake, this program will promote interest and appreciation towards the use and management of Jellyfish Lake and, more broadly, coral reef environments in Palau. The pilot program was funded by the GEF Small Grants Programme and New Zealand North Pacific Development Fund, with a follow on year (2021-2022) and program equipment for teachers funded by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Lesson plans and program information for use in Palau schools can be found here.

ROBOTICS

EXTERNSHIPS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

LINKING VISITING SCIENTISTS WITH LOCAL STUDENTS

In the past few years we have been arranging student tours to oceanographic research vessels working in Palau waters, such as the R/V Roger Revelle of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and to CRRF to meet visiting scientists, to expose students to a type of scientific activity that is only occasionally present in Palau. We do not want students to miss an opportunity to be exposed to “something different” that might inspire them to go on into a career in science or technology.

Visiting Universities/Colleges

CRRF also hosts small university classes visiting Palau, utilizing our classroom/conference room, laboratory and boats. In May – June 2018 & 2019, CRRF hosted Dr. Rebecca Rundell’s class “Invertebrate Conservation Biology in Palau: Ridge to Reef” from the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF).

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