Using Podcasts to Bring National Estuarine Research Reserves into the Classroom

Abstract

In secondary and undergraduate classroom settings, there are significant challenges to exposing students to concepts related to Earth sciences and the environment. These challenges are exacerbated when conveying lessons about geographic areas with limited access, such as the ocean and coastlines. It is now more important than ever for environmental education to improve and adapt to our changing world. Educators may have the opportunity to bring these subjects to life by using media content such as podcasts to introduce students to new places and the scientists, managers, and educators who work in those spaces. Although education and public information sharing are part of the mission of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), there are few pathways for bringing reserves and the research, monitoring, and conservation associated with them into schools that are distant from NERRS sites. To address this educational gap, an instructor survey was conducted, and 43 responses were analyzed to identify best practices for secondary school and higher education lesson formats and assessment strategies. Based on this feedback, an introductory podcast series called “NERR or Far: The Reserves Are Where You Are” was created. This educational series is designed to increase access to regional conservation information and foster stewardship of our coastal resources.