Year: 2024
Project(s):
The Gulf of Mexico: A Video Series
Relevance
The use of innovative technology has allowed the development of student-driven virtual explorations of Gulf coastal and ocean ecosystems. These videos allow "visits" to inaccessible ecosystems and "visits" to coastal areas for students unable to experience these areas firsthand. These explorations integrate phenomenon-based learning and allow student choice and reflect current learning standards. They have the yet unproven potential to increase students' environmental literacy.
Response
Videos, 360-degree pictures and still images were obtained from Dauphin Island Sea Lab Discovery Hall Program work, public sources and a contractor. Content information was reviewed by experts for accuracy and relevance. Reading indices were used to ensure language was appropriate for the intended audiences of 5th-12th grade students. Images, imagery and text information were integrated using the Infiniscope software to produce these virtual field trip explorations.
Results
Ten virtual field trip explorations were developed using Infiniscope software. These include videos on Gulf estuaries, wetlands, barrier island beaches, fishes, hurricanes, marine debris, sea level rise, habitat restoration and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Recap
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported Discovery Hall Programs developed a set of 10 virtual field trips to Gulf of America coastal ecosystems exploring their inhabitants, characteristics and relevant environmental issues for students in grades 5-12.