WAVES: Field Trips and Educational Materials
WAVES is a community engagement and educational outreach program designed to improve access to marine science and conservation for K-12 students. This program has evolved from Ocean Kids, which was originally founded in 2008 by Dr. Jill Richardson for elementary school students. The mission of WAVES is to Provide early access to marine science educational experiences and a college campus for K-12 students, expand participation in marine science and promote inclusion in ocean conservation through a variety of curricula and activities, and engage Rosenstiel volunteers in community engagement and science communication.
The WAVES program consists of immersive field trips, school visits, and events where graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science share their passion for science and ocean conservation with K-12 students. At WAVES field trips, students visit various educational stations with locally relevant themes to improve ocean literacy through hands-on activities.
Additionally, we have developed WAVES lesson plans, educational kits, and teacher professional development. Our marine science and conservation lesson plans align with educational standards and incorporate cutting-edge Rosenstiel research.
