Marine Conservation Science & Policy Curriculum

The Deering Estate has worked collaboratively with regional Everglades to coastal waters conservation agencies, local government, universities and teachers to develop a common language and literacy goals woven, peer reviewed, 30-module, standards based marine conservation and science curriculum currently used in parks, museums, and schools. The Marine Conservation Science & Policy curriculum (MCS&P) provides practical, hands-on marine science education and self-initiated research project opportunities for students in the marine science field that can be done throughout parks in South Florida.

The MCS&P curriculum exposes students and teachers from across the globe to the importance of oceans in their daily lives. Students learn about the threats facing our waters and adjacent coasts, and explore the solutions for conservation. Fostering excitement, scientific understanding and stewardship of our native habitats, coastlines and bay resources, the MCS&P curriculum educates our community (particularly youth) about preserving our biodiversity through environmental stewardship, environmental sustainability, and overall resource management.

The Marine Conservation Science and Policy curriculum would not be possible without the contributions of the following partners – Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, Miami Sea Grant, Florida International University – UTEACH and LTER, University of Miami Rosensteil School of Atmospheric Sciences, Florida Public Archeology Network, Miami Dade Community College – Honors College and Earth Ethics Institute, NOAA, DERM, Fish and Wildlife Commission, Miami-Dade Public Schools, and Miami-Dade Parks Department, amongst others – who will continue as partners, users, and members of the working group.

The final curriculum will be available soon. Through a partnership with University of Miami-Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, we are doing the final evaluation for inclusiveness.