[SEMCO] Boston Harbor Educators Conference

[Sheri DeRosa]

*Boston Harbor Educators Conference*

*"Riches and Resources of the Harbor and its Islands"*

*Saturday, October 4, 2008*

*Site: Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center*

Park at the UMass Boston parking lot and follow signs to Fox Point 
Pavilion, UMass/Boston dock to begin boarding vessel at 8:40.

Boat trip to Thompson Island and lunch are included in conference fee of 
$40.

This year’s conference offers a new venue and a hands-on approach to 
marine education, by bringing participants out onto the waters of Boston 
Harbor. We’ll be diving into marine subjects (figuratively, for the most 
part, although some workshops may allow you to get your hands wet). 
 >From our base at Thompson Island, we will experience Boston Harbor 
from a different viewpoint.

Our workshops this year are focused on the relatively unknown gems just 
offshore from the Massachusetts capital -- the scattered and diverse 
islands of Boston Harbor. We will study a variety of topics that range 
from marine jellyfish to island history, migrating butterflies to water 
quality.

This conference will provide you with valuable new insights into these 
Commonwealth treasures and inspire you to bring these local resources 
into your teaching, and to perhaps consider using the Boston Harbor 
Islands as potential field trip destinations. These islands, once 
ignored and abused, are now protected as part of the Boston Harbor 
Islands National Recreation Area. The educational, research and 
recreational values of these islands have now been recognized at local, 
state and federal levels. Opportunites for exploration and discovery now 
exist for all levels of learners -- from students to scientists. Enjoy 
your day and leave with a greater appreciation of the Boston Harbor 
Islands just off our shore.

*Conference Schedule*

8:00-8:45 Registration with Coffee & Pastries -- meet at Fox Point 
Pavilion, UMass/Boston dock (begin boarding vessel at 8:40)

9:00-10:30 Tour the Boston Harbor Islands on UMass’s R/V Columbia Point, 
Activities with Boston Harbor Islands NPA Rangers

10:30-11:00 Disembark and proceed to Gardner Auditorium

11:00-11:45 General Session - Keynote Presentation -- Dr. Allen Gontz, 
Assistant Professor, UMass/Boston

12:00-1:00 Lunch in Dining Hall

1:00-2:15 Workshop 1 (see descriptions on following pages)

2:30-3:45 Workshop 2 (see descriptions on following pages)

4:00 Return to UMass on R/V Columbia Point

WORKSHOP SESSION 1

*Attack of the Moon Jellies* Science Building In Nature’s system of 
predators and prey, brine shrimp meet their deaths from floating moon 
jellies. Come explore the relationship between these two animals of the 
sea while connecting to the Massachusetts State Science Frameworks. We 
will use our four senses to explore the world of brine shrimp and moon 
jellies -- sorry no eating at this workshop. We have lots of hands-on 
activities and experiments for participants to bring back to the 
classroom. Presented by: David Winchester, Lynn Public Schools

*Field-Based Water Quality Testing Program* Dock (session will meet in 
the auditorium in case of inclement weather) Important concepts related 
to water quality can be addressed in the classroom with MWRA’s water 
quality testing program, including Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen 
(DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Nitrates, Total Dissolved Solids 
(TDS) and Salinity, Turbidity, and Total Coliform Bacteria. During this 
"hands-on" workshop, you will have the opportunity to perform these 
tests. You will also receive a manual that contains background 
information, lesson ideas, procedures, data collection and reporting 
forms, suggestions for interpreting the results, and extension 
activities. Workshop participants will be eligible to borrow the MWRA 
Water Quality Test Kits at no cost to use with their classes. Presented 
by Meg Tabacsko, MWRA

*Pristine Salt Marsh Exploration* In the field The "pristine" salt marsh 
is a rich ecological and educational resource on Thompson Island that 
provides opportunities for exploration of a relatively untouched and 
intact ecosystem. Travel a forested path to the "monkey bridge," a rope 
bridge that poses challenge and adventure. In contrast to the "restored" 
salt marsh, this area represents a healthy New England salt marsh, and 
is the perfect "outdoor classroom" for addressing the natural and 
symbolic importance of wetlands in the region. This workshop provides an 
introduction to the salt marsh ecosystem and its vital functions 
Presented by National Park Area Rangers

*Island Biodiversity* Science Building

Explore the diversity of life that inhabits a complex array of 
ecosystems in and around the Boston Harbor Islands. Learn how students 
are working as citizen scientists to help Harvard University conduct an 
inventory of all invertebrates on the islands and how their work is 
giving us a better understanding of this "microwilderness." Presented by 
Jessica Rykken, Entomologist, Harvard University

WORKSHOP SESSION 2

*Attack of the Moon Jellies* (Part 2) Science Building See description 
under Workshop 1 session. This workshop continues the study of moon 
jellies. New participants may join in without having taken part in 
Workshop 1.

*Migrating Monarchs* Science Building Travel with Carl Johnson and David 
Weinstein as they journey with the migrating Monarch Butterflies from 
the Boston Harbor Islands to the El Rosario National Refuge in the 
mountains of Mexico and return to Boston Harbor in this epic true life 
adventure. See the journey, learn the biology and experience this 
facsinating migration. Classroom materials will accompany this presentation.

*Native American Relationship to the Land* Auditorium Thompson Island is 
recognized as a gathering place for northeastern Native American 
communities, both historically and today. Through multimedia, 
storytelling, and guided sensory and experiential activities, students 
will gain an appreciation of how people have interacted with nature over 
time. During a sensory walk through a variety of island habitats, 
students will practice observations skills and environmental awareness. 
Students will increase their listening and tracking skills, taking note 
of changes in the landscape and clues from animals. The lessons and 
concepts students will take from the Native American stories and 
experiential activities will help guide students into becoming 
responsible and respectful environmental stewards.

Presented by Kristen Wyman, Boston Harbor Island Alliance

*Salt Marsh Restoration & Citizen Science* In the field Salt marshes are 
an indispensible resource that provides flood control and critical 
habitat for fish, migratory birds, and other wildlife.

Since 1996, students in grades 5-12 have been working with Massachusetts 
Audubon Society scientists to learn important information about salt 
marshes and Phragmites australis (common reed), an invasive plant that 
grows in salt marshes. The information students collect in this project 
helps scientists advise local, state, and federal agencies about how to 
protect and restore salt marshes and Phragmites . Some of the 
interesting activities students explore include: monitoring the growth 
of Phragmites in salt marshes, studying the affect of salinity (salt 
content) levels on the growth of salt marsh vegetation; assessing tidal 
restrictions (where the natural flow of the tide has been obstructed by 
human actions); and sampling fish above and below tidal restrictions to 
determine the impact of these restrictions on fish. Presented by 
National Park Area Rangers.