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
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
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.
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.
To learn more visit their webpage https://www.otago.ac.nz/marine-studies. Hannah ended by inviting the club to visit!
