When science, technology and the desire of a child to explore a new frontier come together, anchored by STEM, the results can be simply magical. This was the case of the Guardians of the Gulf Marine Science project in St. Petersburg, FL at the University of South Florida, School of Marine Science (USF, CMS).
THE CHALLENGE
To create a dynamic learning environment in which children in the 3rd to 8th grade can remotely interact with marine life while learning the value and critical need for sustainability of our oceans.
The solution
Spectrum has supplied a point-to-point wireless solution, connecting an underwater camera to a lab in order to provide continuous live monitoring of the marine life as it adapts to a recently deployed artificial reef. Eventually, the feed will be sent to the Royal Theatre Boys and Girls Club in St. Petersburg (part of the Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast family) where the College of Marine Science team is developing a robust, STEM-based curriculum for the students.
For many of these students, this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the richness of their very own backyard from a close distance. For others, it will be an opportunity to broaden their horizons by learning first-hand what a career in the marine biology world can be and can do to potentially preserve the beauty and delicate state of one of the world’s most important resources: the ocean.
While the program will introduce many things to the students, it also opens up the opportunity to showcase careers in the marine science. In the future, the program will aim to allow students to remotely set sail on a research vessel with real life marine biologists and scientists as they embark on sea bound explorations to capture various research data. Using video supported wireless connectivity strategies, the Spectrum team will transmit live and pre-recorded video feed from the research vessels allowing the children to experience life with real scientists and marine biologists in action.
In partnership with Charter Communications, Inc. (Spectrum) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, USF College of Marine Science is continuing to develop and expand the exciting Guardians of the Gulf, a Marine Science STEM initiative. This innovative youth program continues to serve up a unique and interactive learning experience surrounding the topic of our coastal environment and marine life to St. Pete's most underserved youth.
*This project was inhibited due to COVID-19 restrictions and has not resumed. The "art of the possible" still existsfor cities interested in similar projects.
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