Hannah Drury gave us a very interesting and informative talk about her role as an educator with the NZ Marine Studies Centre located at Portobello at the University of Otago's Marine Science Department. Hannah is passionate about everything to do with the ocean and shared that passion with us. She told us not only about the history of the Portobello Marine Aquarium since it's instigation in the early 1900's to where it is today as a cutting-edge marine science laboratory and learning centre.  Hannah is responsible for the development and delivery of Marine Science education programmes for primary schools and community interest groups. Here is a summary of the key points of her presentation which was accompanied with a great slide show. Buildings 1904 Portobello Marine Fish Hatchery and Biological Station Portobello Aquarium – Shutdown after Christchurch earthquake Marine Studies Centre Education They educate 15,000 to 18,000 people per year. One of the largest out-reach programmes in the country. Have a virtual reality programmes (40 VR headsets) What they do Guided tours Events Workshops and festivals Natural initiatives Resource Professional learning and development Volunteers Build Connection to the marine environment Connection to science Critical thinking Practical Science Skills Two-way learning Public awareness Public empowerment. Much of work of the centre is grant funded. They have a mobile marine aquarium called the Aquavan and reach out to schools with fun learning programmes both hands on with the van and using the virtual reality class set Hannah can even take the children on a deep sea dive. They reach out to schools and communities around the South Island including Nelson. Hannah told us that youth ranks climate change as the number 1 societal issue. |