2006

SCMEA 2006 Mini-Conference:
March 25, 2006
Current Research Roundtable

Marine Resources Research Institute Auditorium

Click here for the Conference Agenda

GENERAL INFORMATION
The very first Spring Mini-Conference of the South Carolina Marine Educators Association, will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2006. The Conference will be a one-day affair full of information, collaboration, discussion and a field trip, and will be held at the Marine Resources Research Institute Auditorium (MRRI), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Charleston, South Carolina. The Mini-Conference will begin with refreshments and registration at 8:30 AM and continue until 5 PM. The morning will include a Plenary Session featuring current marine research in South Carolina, similar to the one that was so popular at the Spring Conference in Litchfield Beach in April of 2005. A variety of speakers will present and discuss marine science research and education topics. After lunch in the outdoor classroom, we will participate in a round-table discussion of the Ocean Literacy standards (see http://www.oceanliteracy.org/ for additional information). The afternoon will conclude with a field trip to Charleston Harbor on board the Education Vessel Discovery, led by a biologist from the SCDNR. Certificates will be given out to classroom teachers who need verification of attendance for recertification portfolios.

For those coming from out of town, we are working on reduced rate accommodations at a local hotel and a meeting place for dinner on Friday night.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration includes all conference activities, most field trips, and meals listed in the Schedule Overview. The registration fee for the SCMEA Mini-Conference is $25 per person, and includes the sessions, field trip, snacks and lunch. Please register early, as it helps with planning. Only conference registrants will be allowed to attend conference functions. If you have questions regarding registration, please contact Nelle Stephenson at 843-237-9899 or email her at

LODGING & LOCATION
Our SCMEA Mini-Conference will take place at the South Carolina Marine Resources Center, 217 Fort Johnson Road on James Island (Charleston). Check the SCMEA web site (http://oceanica.cofc.edu/scmea/index.html) for updates and details on available lodging.

ACTIVITIES
• 8:30 Coffee, Welcome
• 9:00 Current Marine Research Roundtable
This plenary session will consist of short presentations by several local marine scientists. Each presentation will be followed by a short question period. A longer discussion will follow at the end of all presentations. This will be an exchange of ideas between teachers and researchers, and is intended to be a two-way communication.
• 12:00 Lunch & Ocean Literacy Discussion
We will enjoy some great food and then participate in a round-table discussion of the Ocean Literacy standards.
• 2:00 Field Trip
We will embark on a short field trip to Charleston Harbor aboard the E/V Discovery, to sample the bottom and obtain specimens for observation, study and education.

SPONSORS
The Spring Mini-Conference is sponsored by SCMEA and made possible by its members' generous donation of time and support. Sincere appreciation also goes to the University of South Carolina’s Center for Science Education and the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium for their contributions to this conference.

HOW DO I GET THERE?
The physical address of the MRRI Auditorium is 217 Ft. Johnson Rd, Charleston SC 29412. Maps can be found at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/boating/offices.html#charles and http://www.mrl.cofc.edu/about.html#h
• From the south coast: Proceed on US 17 North to Charleston and turn right on Wesley Road (if you cross Ashley River, you’ve gone too far). Follow the signs to Folly Beach/James Island (SC-171/Folly Road). After crossing the Wappoo Cut (ICW) bridge turn left at the 3rd stop light, onto Harbor View Rd. At end, turn left on Fort Johnson Rd. After about 1 mile, enter the Fort Johnson complex. MRRI is the first large concrete building on the left.

• From the north coast: Take 17 South through Charleston. When 17 bears off to left up ramp over Ashley River, you bear right toward Lockwood Blvd. Turn left on Lockwood at light. Bear left on SC 30 after next light. Take SC 30 toward Folly Beach/James Island and take Exit 2 onto Harbor View Rd. Bear right at end of ramp and take Harbor View to the end at Ft. Johnson Rd. At end, turn left on Fort Johnson Rd. After about 1 mile, enter the Fort Johnson complex. MRRI is the first large concrete building on the left.

• From west via I-26: Take I-26 East to downtown Charleston. Exit on 17 South, and take 17 South through Charleston. When 17 bears off to left up ramp over Ashley River, bear right toward Lockwood Blvd. Turn left on Lockwood at light. Bear left on SC 30 after next light. Take SC 30 toward Folly Beach/James Island and take Exit 2 onto Harbor View Rd. Bear right at end of ramp and take Harbor View to the end at Ft. Johnson Rd. At end, turn left on Fort Johnson Rd. After about 1 mile, enter the Fort Johnson complex. MRRI is the first large concrete building on the left.

SCMEA SPRING 2006 MINI-CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

To print this form: Click here for PDF or Word version of the form.

SCMEA 2006 SPRING MINI-CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
(please type or print clearly)

Name:
Title/Occupation:
Mailing Address:
Organization:
Street/PO Box:
City, State, Zip:
Phone: ( )
Email:

Check if you:
_____ Prefer vegetarian meal
Is this your first SCMEA Conference? _____Yes_____No

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

Conference Registration
Registration (includes lunch, snacks): $25: $

Field Trip yes no

Total Enclosed (dues, registration): $
Pay by check, Visa or MasterCard only.
Card #:
Expiration Date:
Signature:

Please send completed form and check (payable to SCMEA) for all fees to:
Nelle Stephenson, 9683 Eaddy Lane, Murrells Inlet SC 29