ADJUSTING OUR COURSE with a new “system”
During spring break, we took a day to introduce our Sailing + Youth + STEM (“SYSTEM”) initiative. Partnering with the Miami Waterkeeper organization, we had student-sailors, coaches, and three graduates from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science participating in the class. We began the day with a presentation on water quality monitoring. Sailors then went out on the bay to do some sailing and take samples of the water. Once ashore, the water samples were analyzed and recorded. You can see from the pictures it was an amazing day of sailing and learning!
This fall we will be combining learning to sail with STEM education. Utilizing US Sailing’s REACH STEM Education Series, we will be teaching modules connecting youth to STEM education and innovation through the sport of sailing. Designed for ages 10 to 15, these STEM modules incorporate climate change, watershed education and green technology, all with a focus on hands-on learning both on and off the water. Providing STEM education to kids will help introduce them to future career paths, give them opportunities for peer-to-peer mentoring, and improve their environmental awareness. The “SYSTEM” is a win-win for sure!