Imagine learning about marine life
and ocean conservation by talking to
a scientist on a marine research ship
far out in the Gulf of Mexico. Or by
building a mini-reef and then using a
web-based camera to see what’s swimming
around in there. That’s the goal
of a new partnership between the Boys
& Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and the
University of South Florida College of
Marine Science.
The project is part of the U.S. Ignite
Smart Cities initiative to introduce
emerging technologies to address local
needs in select cities around the country.
Earlier this year, St. Pete was named
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in the U.S. to become a member of U.S.
Ignite’s Smart Gigabit Communities.
St. Pete’s Innovation District is the
lead partner in helping roll out the program
locally, says Alison Barlow, executive
director of the district. And one
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ideas for bringing STEM education to
youth.
“We’ll be teaching kids about sea
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response and coastal resiliency, but
doing it in a way that is engaging and
fun, helping them understand the valuable
resources right here in their own
backyard,” says Kristen Kusek, science
communication strategist for the USF
College of Marine Science.
Climate change and coastal resiliency
are the science framework, but the
experience will be hands-on, interactive
and fun. That might include science
experiments using underwater drones
and live interviews with the scientists
where the kids get to ask the questions.
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ies and then having a chance to taste a
sample of grouper.
“If we can get them excited, the
learning will come naturally after that,”
says Kusek.
“We can’t take young people out
on research ships, but we can bring
it alive for them. We want them to be
the ‘Guardians of the Gulf’ with an eye
toward protecting the ocean for future
generations.”
The Boys and Girls Clubs of the
Suncoast immediately said yes when
approached about participating in the
new project. “We’re thrilled to embark
on this dynamic partnership to bring
new learning opportunities to our youth
using cutting-edge technology,”
says Freddy Williams,
president and CEO of the
Boys and Girls Clubs of the
Suncoast.
Established in 1959, the
Boys and Girls Clubs of
the Suncoast have six locations
serving Pinellas County
youth in high-need neighborhoods
with under-performing
schools. According to Jennifer
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percent of youth qualify for
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in single-parent households.
The organization’s focus is
academic success, good character
development and health
lifestyle. As Williams points
out: “We are grateful to be
joining this endeavor to help
create great futures for our
community’s young people.”
“If we can get
them excited,
the learning will
come naturally
after that."
— Kristen
Kusek, science
communication
strategist for the USF
College of Marine
Science
Youth in the Boys
& Girls Clubs of
the Suncoast.
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