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BUILDING BONDS AND BREAKING BARRIERS: TEACHING WITH MODEL ECOSYSTEMS

Cris Ryan
Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
Bio

With a focus on displaying ecosystems as complex communities of organisms interacting in their environments, the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit (SMEE) in Fort Pierce, Florida offers visitors an opportunity to explore six Florida estuarine and marine habitats and learn about the diversity and importance of marine ecosystems. Since opening its doors in August 2001, SMEE has provided a unique backdrop for marine education. In recent years, however, on-site educational opportunities have expanded from self-guided visits and staff-assisted school programs, to weekly guided tours, summer camps, holiday programs, overnights, field excursions and much more! This poster presentation will highlight the variety of programs currently being offered, as well as cite the advantages of using model ecosystems to teach marine concepts.