Each year, the Mobile County Public School System's Environmental Studies Center (ESC) organizes a workshop aimed at promoting coastal ecology programs for high school teachers within the school district. The ESC also strives to find content that will provide background knowledge on environmental issues in the area that can be incorporated into the classroom. Twenty teachers attended the September workshop, many of whom were new to the system or had never participated in ESC field trips before.
This year, the training was held at the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS). MAWSS provided a meeting space and a tour of their sewage treatment facility. During the tour, teachers learned about the water treatment process from the moment wastewater enters the facility until the treated water is released into Mobile Bay. After witnessing the process firsthand, teachers were astonished to discover that the entire processing and discharge cycle takes only eight hours.
After the facility tour, the teachers received an overview of the various programs offered by the ESC and were given the chance to schedule field trip dates for the school year. The coastal ecology program consists of two tracks. One track focuses on local habitats, their vulnerability to change, significance and the flora and fauna associated with each habitat.
The other track examines watersheds and the impact of pollution, featuring a lab that highlights plastic pollution in our waters. As the workshop concluded, the teachers expressed their gratitude and excitement about integrating these programs into their curricula. Many shared plans to engage their students with hands-on learning experiences that would not only enhance their understanding of coastal ecology, but also inspire a sense of stewardship for the environment.
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant supports the annual teacher workshop, covering all associated expenses. This support allows teachers and their students to engage in this enriching learning experience and to explore the diverse habitats along the Gulf Coast without having to secure funding. This gives every school in the district an equal opportunity to attend.
The feedback from the workshop was overwhelmingly positive, with teachers appreciating the opportunity to network with colleagues and learn from experts in the field. The ESC plans to continue expanding its outreach and resources, ensuring that more teachers in the region can benefit from these programs. By empowering educators, the ESC hopes to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique and fragile ecosystems that make up the Gulf Coast, ultimately contributing to their preservation for future generations.
Meet the author
Troy Latham
Resource Teacher, Environmental Studies Center
Troy Latham is a Sea Grant-supported K-12 educator at the Mobile County Public School System's Environmental Studies Center. He serves as a marine educator on boat trips for the public school... Read more
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