EDUCATIONAL LOAN KITS FUNDED FOR OREGON COAST AQUARIUM

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the James F. & Marion L. Miller Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation to fund development of educational loan kits to be used in its statewide marine education outreach programs. Each kit will include biofacts - such as bone, fur and teeth - audiovisual aids, interactive props, games, and resource materials for teachers.

NEWPORT, Ore USA -- The Oregon Coast Aquarium is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the James F. & Marion L. Miller Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation to fund development of educational loan kits to be used in statewide marine education outreach programs.

Each year, Aquarium education specialists travel to schools throughout Oregon to conduct auditorium programs focusing on whales, sharks, seals and sea lions, and intertidal invertebrates. Each of these themed programs is offered for two specific age groups - preschool to grade two and grades three through 5. Although biofacts - such as bone, fur and teeth - other hands-on materials, and audiovisual aids are used in these in-school programs, students have a limited time to appreciate the full benefit of these materials given program scheduling and the large number of students involved in these programs.

To maximize the educational value of these outreach programs, the Aquarium will develop forty loan kits for the themed programs. "These kits will be designed to reinforce the subject matter presented in the auditorium programs," explained Chris Schmitz, Director of Public Programs. "Each kit will include biofacts, audiovisual aids, interactive props, games, and resource materials for teachers. A teaching curriculum with suggested lesson plans will also be provided to help teachers effectively utilize the full range of resources provided in the kits to engage their students in hands-on learning activities."

She added that kits would be left at schools scheduling outreach programs for several weeks after the education specialist's visit. The kits will then be returned to the Aquarium for use in other outreach areas. "When not being used in conjunction with the education specialists' in-school visits, the kits will also be available for loan to schools unable to participate in the outreach program as well as to other organizations, such as libraries, scout troops, and church groups," Schmitz noted.

Oregon Coast Aquarium education outreach programs cover a wide range of topics for younger students. Preschool to second-grade students can take "Tales of Whales," "Flippers, Fur and Fun," "No Bones About 'Em" and "Shark Shenanigans." Third through fifth graders can learn about sharks ("Sense-ational Sharks"), rocky intertidal invertebrates ("From Tube Feet to Tentacles"), whales ("What About Whales?") and marine mammals ("Dressed for Success"). Each region of Oregon is offered different program topics, and the Aquarium alternates topics annually.

The James F. & Marion L. Miller Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation is the latest grantor for this educational project. Earlier grants have been received from the Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, The Collins Foundation, The Autzen Foundation, and the Leotta Gordon Foundation to help finance Aquarium development of the loan kits.

The Oregon Community Foundation, established in 1973, manages charitable funds donated by individuals, families and businesses to enhance and support the quality of life in their communities. The Foundation's endowment consists of more than 800 funds with combined assets of $400-million. The Foundation makes grants through an application process that involves local citizens in the review and evaluation of requests for funds. Application materials are available through the foundation's Portland office. Individuals or businesses interested in establishing a fund may contact the Portland office at 1221 SW Yamhill, Suite 100, Portland OR 97205, or by calling 503-227-6846.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a private, nonprofit, educational facility that aims to educate a broad spectrum of the public in an enjoyable way about Oregon's abundant natural resources, so they will treasure and cherish them now and in future generations. The Aquarium annually serves nearly 50,000 schoolchildren, opening doors to new interests and introducing science in a meaningful way

In addition to its outreach programs, the Aquarium's marine education specialists have developed a curriculum of 32 on-site lab and theater programs on various marine topics for students from preschool through 12th grade. Additional educational activities and downloadable lessons may be found on the Aquarium's Web site at www.aquarium.org/education.

Located just south of Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is named one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation by Parade magazine. As a private, nonprofit organization - the Aquarium has provided more than $75-million in economic impact for Oregonians. In the past ten years, the Aquarium has welcomed more than seven million visitors, with over 370,000 schoolchildren participating in marine education programs.

Oregon Coast Aquarium admission is $10.75 for adults, $9.50 for seniors (65+), and $6.50 for children (4-13), children three and under are free. Advance tickets can be purchased on-line at www.aquarium.org. Group rates are available when arranged in advance. The Aquarium is open every day except December 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. up to Memorial Day weekend, expanding to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

For additional information about the Oregon Coast Aquarium, surf www.aquarium.org or call 541-867-FISH.

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Downloadable image link of sample biofacts contained in Oregon Coast Aquarium educational loan kits:

http://www.aquarium.org/press/pictures/EducationProgramPictures/HomeSchoolStudentLearnsAboutSeaBirdFlightAtTheOregonCoastAquarium.jpg

You may need to cut-&-paste the link in your web browser to open the image file.

Editors' & producers' note: The Oregon Coast Aquarium has an extensive library of digital images and color slides of the 15,000 marine animals in its care; special events and activities; and working shots of the staff and visitors. Merely let us know your image needs and we'll provide them to you. Thank you!

Contact:
Guy DiTorrice, Public Relations Officer
Telephone: 541-867-3474, ext. 5224
E-mail: guyd@aquarium.org
Web site: http://www.aquarium.org/