Blog author: Julia Estelle Cotton
Content Marketing Associate
CCRSM Leadership Summit Spotlights Wildlife Conservation in STEM Learning
November 19, 2024
Imagine learning how to rescue a stranded sea turtle or performing a simulated surgery on an injured pelican; that was the reality for educators at the 2024 CCRSM Leadership Summit. Attendees engaged in programs Texas students can also access to explore the exciting world of wildlife conservation.
During the CCRSM Leadership Summit, educators joined an immersive tour of the Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center, where they explored the same hands-on learning programs available to students. Led by educators like Nicole Gardner, attendees took part in the “Wildlife Rescue on the Road” program, an interactive initiative that engages students in simulated rescue scenarios. Attendees learned the techniques to rehabilitate injured sea turtles and the rigorous care involved in conserving Texas’s coastal wildlife.
“Our programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of conservation work,” Gardner explained. “It’s not just about learning biology—it’s about building a pathway where students can see themselves contributing to a field that makes a real impact.”
The summit’s tour included a hands-on experience with conservation practices, from testing water quality to treating cold-stunned sea turtles, offering a model of how Texas State Aquarium supports workforce development in STEM fields.
The aquarium also provides multi-level programs like “Aqua Teen Academy,” where high school students progress through internship and certification opportunities. “By the time they graduate, our students have gained practical experience in everything from marine biology to water quality management,” Gardner said, “and they’re prepared to step into career fields that benefit from these specialized skills.”
Educate Texas is proud to support programs like CCRSM, reinforcing its commitment to providing Texas students with career-aligned learning that supports the environment. Through partnerships with organizations like the Texas State Aquarium, Educate Texas is ensuring that Texas students have access to impactful, career-oriented learning experiences that prepare them for college, the workforce, and beyond.
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