Environmental Education Supported by the Anglo American Chairman's Fund

Welcome to the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme educational site!

Environmental Education and Public Awareness (EE/PA) is a sub-programme of ACEP, which aims to bridge the gap between science and the youth, educators and communities.

Through various initiatives and exciting outreaches EE/PA strives to capture the imagination of the youth, encourages them to value and conserve marine and coastal resources, and inspires them to seek careers in science, engineering and technology. The sub- programme specifically provides and supports educators with new educational resources that link to the school curriculum and the marine environment. Considerable materials have already been developed by ACEP for educators and learner workshops, in line with the national curriculum. Videos on careers in marine science and the marine environment have been developed. ACEP also provides experiential learning on board the research ship bringing the sea into the classroom for thousands of young learners and educators. EE/PA plays a pivotal in networking, through either contributing too actively or initiating new networks, providing a platform for communication, sharing experiences and training for environmental educators. These networks also create a synergy between different organisations and government.

The broad objectives are to:

· promote an awareness of marine and coastal science, engineering and technology (SET)

· contribute towards an enhanced understanding of marine and coastal environments through science literacy projects

· contribute education resources supporting learners and educators

· encourage entrance of the youth into SET careers

These objectives are achieved in the following focus areas:

Educational Resource Material : The sub-programme uses the scientific methodology and research findings from ocean exploration activities and translates these into fun interactive curriculum based lessons for all ages. General information and awareness resources are also produced examples are fact sheets and puzzles.

Professional Development : Training and capacity building of environmental educators is essential, particularly if resources produced are to be used effectively, therefore all resources are produced with detailed educator guides that model good teaching practises and enhance learning. All resources are also work-shopped with educators, providing applicable training opportunities. Educators are also invited on board the research vessel, to obtain first hand experience about life at sea, information they are required to share with the learners and communities. Educators are also required to develop learning material linked to the curriculum bases on what they have learnt, contributing towards capacity building.

School awareness : The sub-programme maintains a presence at various expositions and careers fairs across South Africa aimed at learners. Topics covered at these are related to careers in the marine environment, technology and conservation of the environment. Learners and their teachers are invited to the research vessel to experience life on a ship and meet with scientists and crew promoting an awareness regarding the programme, careers and conservation.

Public Awareness : ACEP communicates with communities through media (print, visual and audio), website, and public presentations and at community meetings, where possible public are invited to visit the vessel.

Training material : ACEP develops material for higher education students, pertaining to science methodology.

Scientific capacity building : Students join the programme contributing significantly towards research findings, students attained through career opportunity exposure (school awareness).

Other disciplines : ACEP is not restricted to scientists and educators, young students are invited from media and film making disciplines giving them exposure to science communication and eco filming/writing.

Supporting and contributing towards the UN Decade for Sustainable Education http://www.sadc-reep.org.za/UNprocessupdate.htm

Environmental Education and Awareness proudly supported by the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund

Berny Snow This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .