2004 SCMEA Conference
March 19-21
Palm Key, South Carolina

• Palm Key
• 2004 Call for Presenters SCMEA NOAA Ocean Exploration Workshop

CALL FOR PRESENTERS

Would you like to present at the conference?  Choose either option below for a presentation submission form -- just print, fill out, and mail in. 

Adobe acrobat (pdf) file 

Simple web (html) form

Registration Information

Click here for a simple web registration form -- just print, fill out, and mail in

Click here for a simple .pdf registration form -- just print, fill out, and mail in

Registration includes all activities, accommodations and meals listed in the Schedule Overview. Field trips may have an additional charge (see descriptions) and there is a $20 fee for the Friday session by Valerie Chase and Paula Keener-Chavis, entitled Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration, a professional development using a new curriculum developed by NOAA. The registration fee for the SCMEA conference is $260 per person, double occupancy. Only conference registrants will be allowed to attend conference functions. If you have questions regarding registration, please contact Phil Astwood at 803-777-6920 ext. 5 or e-mail him at astwood@psc.sc.edu.

Location and Lodging

Our SCMEA conference activities will take place at Palm Key on the Broad River, convenient to I-95, but seemingly miles from anything. Rooms are in cottages and all are marsh front and include queen sized beds, marsh view porch, kitchen, laundry, and a gorgeous setting with kayaking, birding, hiking, fossil hunting and fishing. Lodging and meals are included in the $260 registration fee. Cottages have 1-3 bedrooms with 1-2 queen beds per room. Visit the conference location web site at www.palmkey.com for additional information. By registering for the 2004 SCMEA Conference, you are agreeing to adhere to the following Palm Key policy: All who partake in alcohol must stay on the premises.

How do I get there?

· Coming in from I-95 or U.S.-17: Take U.S.-17 to I-95 and continue in the same direction (north or south) on I-95 that you were going on U.S.-17. Take I-95 to South Carolina Exit # 28 which is Rt. 462 at Coosawhatchie. Take Rt. 462 east about five miles and look on the left for the large yellow billboard (you can't miss it! it is lit at night too!). Turn left immediately before the billboard and go one and one-half miles to our Palm Key entrance sign on the left. The office is on your left when you enter the “Colony of Cottages”.

· For directions from other locations: Go to http://www.palmkey.com/ and click on Directions/Map.

Conference Schedule
PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE AGENDA (Stay tuned to the SCMEA Conference website to get up-to-date information on presentation topics and times)

CONFERENCE AGENDA
Friday, 19 March
10:00 - 4:00 Ocean Exploration Workshop - Smax
4:00 - 7:00 Registration - Front Office
2:00 - 6:00 Field Trips (Meet at Smax for 2:00 departure)
6:00 - 6:30 “Welcome New Friends” reception for first-timers and new members - Smax Conference Room
6:00 - 7:00 Wine & Cheese Reception, Posters - Smax
7:00 - 8:00 Dinner - Gayle's
8:00 - 9:00 Welcome/Keynote: Chris Marsh of the Low Country Institute - Gayle's
9:30 - until Stargazing, raccoon encounters, marsh viewing, etc.

Saturday, 20 March
7:00 - 8:00 Breakfast - Smax
8:00 - 10:00 Registration - Gayle's
8:00 - 12:00 Exhibits - Gayle's
8:30 - 11:45 Concurrent Sessions see below
12:00 - 2:00 Lunch/Business Meeting - Gayle's
2:30 - 6:00 Field Trips (Meet at Smax for 3:00 departure)
6:30 - 7:30 Oyster Roast
7:30 - 9:00 Marine Meringue & Auction - Gayle's
9:00 - 12:00 DJ and Dance - Gayle's

Sunday, March 21
8:00 - 9:00 Coffee - Smax
9:00 - 10:45 Concurrent Sessions see below
11:00 - 12:30 Brunch/Awards/Auction Card Finalists - Gayle's

CONCURRENT SESSIONS SCHEDULE to download and print this schedule click here
(E=Elementary to Middle, S=Secondary, C=College, G=General, A=All)

Saturday, 20 March
SESSION I 8:30 - 9:45

· Windows to the Deep (A) - Smax Main
Margaret M. Olsen, SECOSEE Education Specialist, UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium
Margaret Olsen will share her experiences onboard the R/V Atlantis during the NOAA Ocean Exploration Research Cruise “Windows to the Deep”. You will see a slide show of the DSV Alvin as it explores the ocean floor in search of methane seeps. You will see giant mussels, clams, and mud that Alvin brought back from the sea floor from depths of 2800 to 3600 m. You will also take part in three hands-on activities that explain how scientists explore the ocean floor. You will also be given information on how you can take part in at “At Sea” experience.

· An Introduction to Navigation (A) - Smax Conference
Julie Cliff, Wando High School; Sue Morrison
If you were lost, could you find your location on a coastal chart? Come learn some basic navigation techniques.

· Crabitat (A) - Gayle's Upstairs
Harold E. Oberg, Ph.D., Professor, Armstrong Atlantic State University
"Crabitat" is back in a revised form. The field-to-classroom interactive exhibit returns for Spring 2004 with a refreshed supply of ideas.

· Marsh Habitats of South Carolina, Using SC MAPS and SC LIFE (E,S) - Cottage 31
Tom Darby, Clemson University
Come discover South Carolina's salt marsh habitats, using SC MAPS and SC LIFE.

SESSION II 10:00 - 10:45

· Promoting Diversity in the Ocean Sciences (A) - Smax Main
Jennifer Jolly Clair, College of Charleston, SECOSEE Curriculum Specialist and COASTeam Program Manager; Margaret Olsen; Lundie Spence; Carrie Thomas
Research shows that there is a lack of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans in the ocean sciences and the higher education pipeline. The SouthEast Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (SouthEast COSEE) hosted a design workshop to identify successful strategies for increasing the number of ocean sciences professionals from traditionally underrepresented groups. The results will be reported in this session and participants will be given the opportunity to share their successful strategies.

· NMEA - Not Just Another Acronym (A) - Smax Conference
Carmelina Livingston, South Carolina Aquarium
The National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) offers more than just a summer conference and informative marine education journal. Come and find out from a NMEA Chapter Representative how you can get more for your buck when you join NMEA. Win a NMEA door prize!

· Charleston Explorers' Student Oyster Research Project (A) - Gayle's Upstairs
Keith S. Grybowski, Director, Charleston Explorers
This is an interactive multimedia program that demonstrates the latest in electron microscope technology as used in the student oyster research project at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum (Mt. Pleasant) and as part of Charleston Explorers' mobile classroom program.

· Non-toxic and Natural Cleaners for Home or School (A) - Cottage 31
Mark Madden, Interpretive Programs & Caw Caw Interpretive Center Manager
How many toxic chemicals do you voluntarily bring into your home or school? Take away recipes for alternatives with tremendous environmental benefits, reduced costs, ease of use, and peace of mind.

SESSION III 11:00 - 11:45

· COASTeam: Where Are We Going? (A) – Smax Main
Jennifer Jolly Clair, COASTeam Program Manager & Southeast COSEE Curriculum Specialist, College of Charleston; Rachel McEvers
The COASTeam Program has been funded by the SC Sea Grant Consortium for 10 years and has received funding for two more! If you're interested in integrating more marine concepts into your existing curriculum, then come learn about the recently-completed COASTeam Aquatic Workshops and the plans for a new SouthEast Marine Science Curriculum for middle school students!

· Tangible Trivia With the South Carolina Aquarium (A) - Smax Conference
Carmelina Livingston, South Carolina Aquarium
Come have some fun! Learn how you can take ocean trivia and transform it into a hands-on, minds-on inquiry activity. Participants will be challenged to translate or communicate information into something that is concrete and tangible by using various materials.

· How to Have Fun With Marine Sediment (S) - Gayle's Upstairs
Leslie Sautter, Director, Project Oceanica, College of Charleston; Rachel McEvers
You will be lead through an activity which will teach your students how to separate sediment into size-based components, calculate their percentages, and plot them on a ternary graph. You will also participate in a brand-new activity, using the sediments collected from the Charleston Bump and Savannah Scarp using the Johnson Sea Link submersible!

· Using Charismatic Antarctic Fauna (Whales, Seals, etc.) to Demonstrate Some Basic Ecological Principles (A) - Cottage 31
Steve Berkowitz, Senior Instructor of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University
How do nutrients and the sun's energy go from microscopic phytoplankton all the way up to seals and whales, and how much is lost along the way? You can use some relatively simple Antarctic food chains to show how this energy transfer works.

Sunday, 21 March

SESSION I 9:00 - 9:45

· Inquiry-Based Learning in the Science Classroom: Discovering Continental Shelf-Edge Reefs Using Web-Based Video Investigations (E,S,C) - Smax Main
Paul Korchari, Project Oceanica, College of Charleston
Inquiry-based learning prepares students for careers in science. Do you use it? See a marine web-based inquiry video investigation, useful for all levels.

· What's Hot and What's Snot: Climate Change in the Rocky Intertidal Zone (A) - Smax Conference
Brian Helmuth, University of South Carolina; Denise Strickland
Infrared thermography is a high-tech means of "seeing" temperatures in nature. Explore infrared imaging with a hands-on demonstration and materials for use in the classroom.

· The Transects Program: Pathways to Ocean Research Using a Collaborative Team Approach (S,C) - Gayle's Main
Leslie Sautter, Director, Project Oceanica, College of Charleston; and Gorka Sancho, College of Charleston; Rachel McEvers; Dewey Golub
The Transects Program is designed to immerse and engage undergraduate and graduate students in oceanographic research by taking them to sea for five days to collect biological and geological samples and later analyze the date in the laboratory. Come hear about the successful first leg and plans for the future of this exciting new program!

· NOAA Community-Based Restoration Programs (G) – Gayle’s Upstairs
Howard Schnabolk, NOAA Restoration Center
This information session will describe potential grant opportunities available from the NOAA Restoration Center, to support marine restoration and education programs. The presentation will describe funding priorities and provide examples of previous and potential projects, and will solicit proposals from conference attendees.

SESSION II 10:00 - 10:45

· Journey of the Loggerhead: An Interactive DVD on Marine Turtles (A) - Smax Main
Katy Garland, Director of Science Education, Environmental Media Corporation
Gain a greater appreciation for the loggerhead sea turtle, an ancient marine reptile, and help build an understanding of the connections between humans and marine turtles.

· Using the Environment to Improve Middle School Students' Achievement and Behavior--An Update (S, G) - Smax Conference
Ed Falco, State Department of Education
Hear exciting results from ten SC middle schools, representing the Lowcountry to the Upstate, that are using environmental education, a service-learning component, and environmental community partnerships, to improve overall student achievement and behavior and teacher instructional strategies and confidence.

· Taxonomy of the Charleston Bump (A) – Gayle’s Upstairs
Connie Leverett, Burke High School
Join me as I share highlights of the Charleston Bump Expedition as seen through the eyes of the Educator at Sea. Take a look at all the organisms that may remind you of Byzantine art. The first ten participants will get a CD of a taxonomy activity.

· Flippers, Fins and Salinity (A) – Cottage 31
Rob Young, Coastal Carolina University; Nelle Stephenson
Changes in salinity make a big difference to the distribution of dolphins and fish in the North Inlet salt marsh. This talk is half research presentation and half Rising Tide Project educational activity that you can use in your high school classroom.

SCMEA 2004 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
(please type or print clearly). Click here for PDF or Word version of form.

Name: _________________________________

Title/Occupation:______________________________________________________________

Mailing Address:

Organization:

Street/PO Box: ______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: __________________________ _____ _______________

Phone: (_____)_______ ____

Email:

Check if you:

___ Prefer vegetarian ___ Will eat oysters at the Oyster Roast ___ Will participate in Marine Meringue

Is this your first SCMEA Conference? If yes click here and check here: Yes.

SCMEA Membership - Join or Renew now.
___ 1 Yr $15 ___ 3 Yrs $40 ___ 5 Yrs $60

Conference Registration
Entire Conference (Friday - Sunday): $260 (double occupancy):

Non-registered guest ticket for Saturday Oyster Roast, Auction, DJ Party: $30

NOAA Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration Workshop: $20

Total Registration Fee Submitted: $

Saturday SCMEA Field Trips
First Choice:

Second Choice:

Total Enclosed dues, registration, workshop, tickets:$

Pay by check, Visa or MasterCard only.
Card #: Expiration Date:

Signature:

Please send completed form and check (payable to SCMEA) for all fees to:
Phil Astwood, Center for Science Education
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208

Special Activities

Friday

· NOAA Ocean Exploration Professional Development: Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration

Presented by Valerie Chase (formerly with the National Aquarium in Baltimore) and Paula Keener-Chavis (NOAA), this professional developement in the use of a new NOAA curriculum is geared toward teachers of Grades 6-12. The workshop will be held from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and will be limited to 25 participants. The fee is $20. Additional details can be found at the SCMEA web site. If registering for this workshop, please notify Paula Keener-Chavis by March 10th.

· SCMEA Field Trips See below or click here.

· "Welcome New Friends" Reception for first-timers and new members

This meeting will take place adjacent to the Wine and Cheese Social and is designed for first-time conference goers to meet one another, become familiar with the conference layout, and ask questions about the upcoming events. So, if this is your first time attending a SCMEA conference, grab a glass of wine and some cheese and join us for the Welcome New Friends Reception! If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Jolly Clair at jollyclairj@cofc.edu.

· Wine and Cheese Social and Poster Session
Join us after registration for the conference icebreaker. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Enjoy a poster session on fascinating marine science education and outreach.

· Keynote Address

We are excited to have Dr. Chris Marsh will be our Friday night Keynote speaker. Dr. Marsh is the Executive Director of the Low Country Institute. The mission of the Low Country Institute is to protect the environmental quality of the Lowcountry (its biodiversity, pristine waters and ecological landscapes) by helping local policymakers, landowners, and residents make informed decisions. Through partnerships, the Low Country Institute provides responsible leadership in the conservation and use of Lowcountry natural resources. The Low Country Institute works to help the next generation of community leaders be environmentally informed, by leading adult and student groups in field experiences and educational programs.

· Palm Key nature-based resort
Explore nocturnal marsh life along the marsh, in the maritime forest and on your porch.

Saturday

· Concurrent Sessions see above
Stay tuned to the SCMEA Conference website to get up-to-date information on presentation topics and times.

· Exhibits

· Lunch/Business Meeting
We will enjoy some great food and then conduct our annual business meeting. We will also elect our new SCMEA board members.

· SCMEA Field Trips: See below.

· Marine Meringue Swap Session
Swap artwork for activities or bring a fossil and leave with an unusual shell! Join SCMEA’s fun marine-theme swap session to trade with your colleagues. Anyone can participate. Typical items include posters, books, shells, fossils, etc.

· Annual SCMEA Auction
This annual fundraiser for our scholarships and awards promises good buys and great fun. Please bring donated items to the SCMEA registration desk or give them to any SCMEA Board member prior to the conference. Please attach a business card from the donor to the auction item. If you have questions, contact Connie Leverett at connie.leverett@comcast.net.

· Oyster Roast/DJ Party
Enjoy a Lowcountry feast of oysters and other dishes for non-oyster eaters. DJ extraordinaire Woody Windham will be on hand to get us dancing into the night.

Sunday

· Concurrent Sessions see above
Stay tuned to the SCMEA Conference website to get up-to-date information on presentation topics and times.

· Farewell Luncheon and Awards
We will enjoy a luncheon together before departing. Scholarship and travel awards will be given and the Auction Card Finalist will be announced!

Fieldtrips

Stay tuned to the SCMEA Conference website to get up-to-date information on field trips. The following have been scheduled:

FRIDAY, MARCH 19TH Field Trips

Kayak Excursion of Local Waters – Explore nearby tidal creeks and rivers of the Upper Port Royal Estuary. We’ll interpret the ecology and geology of one the most pristine salt marsh systems in South Carolina while paddling to Cotton Island in the Broad and Whale Branch Rivers.(maybe even see some dolphin) Directions: Meet and depart from Palm Key. Time:2-6:00pm. Cost: None, included in conference fee. Limit: 30 participants.

Hickory Hill Landfill and Wetland - “Aw go to the Dump!” This high-tech landfill and adjacent created wetland offer a great diversity of flora and fauna. Bald Eagles can often be sighted from the 120’ high mound that allows sweeping vistas of Jasper County. Walk a nature trail and sample a freshwater wetland monitored by the Low Country Institute. Directions: Meet and depart from Palm Key. Time: 2-5:30 PM. Cost: Free, compliments of Low Country Institute and Waste Management Inc. Limit: 20 participants.

Blue Heron Learning Center and Nature Trail - Visit this new facility in nearby Ridgeland and view it’s many fine exhibits and well-constructed nature trails. From ancient dugout canoes and historical displays to local “critters” and a forested wetland boardwalk, this site is definitely worth a visit. Directions: Meet and depart from Palm Key. Time: 2:30-5:30 PM. Cost: None, compliments of Jasper Soil and Water Conservation District, Town of Ridgeland, SCDNR and others. Limit: 30 participants.

See www.angelfire.com/sc/blueheron

SATURDAY, MARCH 20TH Field Trips

Spring Island Tour - Take this rare opportunity to visit this 3,000 acre sea island, considered by many to be one of the finest “ecodevelopments” in the nation. Tour the Mobley Nature Center, the extensive Edwards Tabby Ruins, and the largest contiguous live oak forest remaining in the Southeast. Directions: Meet and depart from Palm Key. Time: 3-6:00pm. Cost: Free, compliments of Low Country Institute and Spring Island Trust. Limit: 20 participants.

Tillman Sand Ridge - Come walk this Heritage Preserve Site along the Savannah River, one of the few places in our state with an active colony of the endangered Gopher Tortoise. Prepare to bird, butterfly watch, and botanize as you tour this unique sanctuary and learn more about sand ridge ecology. Directions: Meet and depart from Palm Key. Time: 3-6:00pm. Cost: None, compliments SCDNR and Master Naturalist Program. Limit: 25 participants.

Blackwater Kayak Experience - Explore cypress swamps, tupelo bottoms, and dark waters not commonly viewed by Lowcountry visitors. This paddling trip will give you a true appreciation of South Carolina’s blackwater river heritage. Directions: Meet and leave from Palm Key. Time: 3-6:00pm. Cost: Free, included in conference fee. Limit: 20 participants.

Historic Tidal Creek Kayaking - Paddle through time as you explore tidal creeks that were heavily trafficked during the colonial, antebellum and Civil War periods. Learn about local families such as the Heyward Family, and the phenomenal impact they had on our state’s early history. Directions: Meet and leave from Palm Key. Time: 3-6:00pm. Cost: None, included in conference fee. Limit: 20 participants.

Lowcountry Estuarium and Town of Port Royal - Travel to the quaint hamlet of Port Royal and walk Paris Avenue to peruse its many eclectic and enjoyable shops and museums. From the always entertaining and educational Bob Bender at the Low Country Estuarium and the Prehistoric Shark & Fossil Museum and Gift Shop, to the funky gifts at 7 Palms or Lolligags, you can’t go wrong. Directions: Meet and receive directions at Palm Key. Time: 3-6:00pm. Cost: Estuarium $5/person, Shark Museum $3/person (pay the fees upon entering these facilities).

SPONSORS

“Marsh Madness”' is sponsored by SCMEA and made possible by its member’s generous donation of time and support. Sincere appreciation also goes to the Low Country Institute, the University of South Carolina's Center for Science Education and the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium for their contributions to this conference. Complimentary field trips are provided with support from Palm Key, Low Country Institute, Waste Management Inc., Jasper Soil and Water Conservation District, the Town of Ridgeland SC, South Carolina DNR, Spring Island Trust, and the Master Naturalist Program.