K-12 Environmental Education Needs Assessment for the Hampton Roads, Virginia Region

McGuire, Sarah

Item

K-12 Environmental Education Needs Assessment for the Hampton Roads, Virginia Region

McGuire, Sarah

Abstract

The Chesapeake Bay Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERRVA or Reserve) is one of 28 protected areas that make up National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). At the state level, CBNERRVA is administered by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), College of William and Mary. The Reserve was established for long-term research, education and stewardship in support of informed management of our Nation’s estuaries and coastal habitats.The Reserve’s Education and Outreach Program strives to increase awareness, understanding, appreciation and wise-use of coastal resources through formal Kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) education programs, teacher training, participation in college intern programs and implementation of family/community oriented programs. In 2011, as part of a coordinated national reserve-wide effort to evaluate program effectiveness and identify gaps and needs in coastal education, CBNERRVA conducted a K-12 Environmental Education Needs Assessment for the Hampton Roads, Virginia region. A complimentary K-12 Environmental Education Market Analysis was also conducted at the same time.