Regional Workshops

The Conference on Ocean Literacy (CoOL) was extended beyond Washington, D.C. through five Regional Workshops hosted by aquariums across the country. Each site viewed portions of the presentations via satellite and discussed regional challenges and opportunities for promoting ocean literacy principles. See information below to learn more about each workshop.

Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA
The Aquarium of the Pacific has been a leader in promoting Ocean Literacy as the framework for creating education and outreach programs using marine sciences and Ocean Literacy concepts to excite students about STEM educational disciplines. The California Regional CoOL is the fourth workshop the aquarium has hosted on Ocean Literacy.

John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL
Shedd Aquarium was one of the first in the nation to form an education department. The Coastal Literacy Workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the national ocean literacy movement and to discuss opportunities and implications for the work in the Great Lakes region. Contact Rachel Bergren (312) 692-3324.

J.L. Scott Aquarium, Ocean Springs, MS
The J. L. Scott Aquarium has earned a national reputation for hands-on, inquiry-based programs that other institutions and aquariums have adopted as models for marine education enterprises. The Central Gulf of Mexico Regional Workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss the next steps to increasing ocean literacy which are unique to the Gulf Coast area.

National Aquarium in Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
At the Mid-Atlantic Regional Workshop, representatives from around the region will gather to listen to CoOL panelists and become part of the testing and formative evaluation of Watershed Moments, a new staff-led, interactive auditorium program. The program will be a key component of the Aquarium's Ocean Health and Chesapeake Bay Initiatives. Contact Angie Ashley (410) 576-1508.

National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Dubuque, IA
Populations who live within the Mississippi River watershed are mostly unaware of the effect their actions can have on the health of the Gulf of Mexico. The CoOL on the Mississippi Regional Conference will bring together many people focused on the Mississippi watershed and its relationship to the Gulf of Mexico. Contact Christie Trifone (563) 557-9545 ext. 274.