Donate
Give
search-icon

2012

Coral Reef Educator on the Water (C.R.E.W.) 
Marine Science Teachers

The Coral Reef Educator on the Water (C.R.E.W.) program offered high school science teachers the opportunity to join the Global Reef Expedition on one of its missions aboard our research ships. The program was designed to give first-hand experience of life on board a working scientific research vessel, a greater understanding of the importance of coral reefs, and inspiration to convey what they have learned to their students and members of their community. 

As part of the Global Reef Expedition, each C.R.E.W. participant worked with the science team to develop educational content and lesson plans, hosted a live Q&A session for students on board the ship, and developed a conservation action challenge for their classroom. They also participated in educational outreach efforts to share our knowledge of coral reefs with local students, teachers, and community members, where we conducted research.

C.R.E.W. Participants:

  • Candice Jwaszko, Ecole Paul Kane High School in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
  • Mike Trimble, Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona, USA
  • Megan Berkle, Linda Esperanza Marquez High School in Huntington Park, California, USA
  • Jim Evans, Schools Without Walls in Washington, DC, USA
C.R.E.W. Manual
Aurora Alifano (left), Island Conservation, Jean Wiener (middle), Foundation for the Protection of Marine Biodiversity, and Mike Trimble (right), CREW

Related Posts

2025-2026 B.A.M. Student Voices

Throughout the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) and Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) programs, we evaluate each phase of the mangrove education and restoration process to better understand how students are learning, growing, and connecting with their coastal environments.

Before the programs begin, students share what they already know about mangroves and how they feel about them. As the program progresses, we continue to gather feedback to see how their knowledge evolves from identifying mangrove species and understanding food webs to recognizing the role mangroves play in coastal protection and climate change mitigation.

But the surveys go beyond science content.

We also ask students…

Read More

Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose

Ten years ago, the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program began with a simple but meaningful commitment: to connect Bahamian students with the mangrove ecosystems that shape and protect their island home.

Since 2015, B.A.M. has been implemented in partnership with Friends of the Environment, whose dedication to environmental stewardship in Abaco has made this program possible year after year. Together, we have worked alongside Patrick J. Bethel High School and Forest Heights Academy to bring hands-on mangrove science into classrooms and out into the field.

What makes ten years remarkable is not just longevity — it is consistency…

Read More