Florida Keys, Aquarius Habitat - Project SeaCAMEL

2007

Florida Keys, Aquarius Habitat – Project SeaCAMEL

November 15, 2007

The Khaled Bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation conducted six live “underwater classrooms” at NOAA’s Aquarius habitat, an underwater laboratory situated in sixty-two feet of water and located 9 miles off the coast of Key Largo in the Florida Keys.

Project SeaCAMEL was designed to inspire future marine scientists by providing them with an unparalleled opportunity for actual and virtual participation in coral reef science classes conducted underwater. Six “Aquanauts” lived in the Aquarius habitat and brought live coral reef classroom teaching to the world. The Aquanauts included scientists from KSLOF and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and The College of William and Mary. Dr. Mark Patterson from VIMS directed members of the research team (aquanauts) to test hypotheses on the cutting edge of marine science and coral reef ecology.

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment for J.A.M.I.N.

There are certain faces you never forget.

Over the years, hundreds of students have stepped into mangrove forests with us through the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program. I may not always remember every name, but I remember the expressions — the hesitation before stepping into thick mud, the laughter when someone loses a shoe, the look of surprise when they catch that unmistakable sulfur smell rising from the mangrove soil…

2007

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From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment for J.A.M.I.N.