Learning Resources

Lesson Plans & Best-Practice Guidance Documents

Free | Scalable Lessons for K-12 Educators | Based on Recent Marine Research Results

No Research Results in a Vacuum.

Current marine research results generally follow the same pipeline: discoveries are written into scientific publications which undergo peer-review and often sit behind paywalls or exist as confusing jargon-filled reports unaccessible to the general public. Sometimes these results are shared in public lectures or through laboratory outreach, but these efforts only connect with a small non-scientist audience.

The Byssal Marine Science Institute was founded under the guiding principal, “No research results in a peer-review vacuum,” in other words, we believe scientific discoveries should be shared promptly with the communities they impact in language they understand.

Therefore, our organization’s pillar of, “Education,” starts and ends with bringing current research results in the form of free, ready-to-go lesson plans to the hands of K-12 Educators.

Process for Learning Material Development

  • Assess Educator Needs

    Work with community educators to understand curriculum needs relative to state science standards

  • Identify Researchers in Network

    Researchers with relevant recent research results, expertise, and experience are contacted

  • Develop Learning Materials

    A collaborative team develops learning materials alongside the researcher(s) identified

  • Share and Solicit Feedback

    Researchers meet with educators to discuss lessons before teachers bring materials to their classrooms

Upcoming Educator Events

  • Educator Feedback Session

    07.10 7:00-7:45PM Eastern

    Educator Needs Assessment Meeting for K-12 teachers in STEM. Bring your questions and ideas for marine science areas your students want to learn about.

    RSVP

  • Marine Mammalogy: Lessons for Junior Marine Biologists

    07.21 7:00-7:45PM Eastern

    An interactive session for educators interested in bringing marine mammal science into their classrooms.

    RSVP

  • Marine Science Fields Beyond Biology

    07.30 7:00-7:45PM Eastern

    Join us for a session on careers available in the marine science field beyond the traditional 5th-grade dream of becoming a marine biologist.

    RSVP