Parent-Child Education Program

The Parent Child Education Program is a unique opportunity for students and their parents to learn together. Parent/guardian-child teams meet weekly at a school or community center to learn about marine and environmental science issues, connecting the urban environment and the ocean. Sea Grant's goal is to excite students about learning science and to enhance and empower both the students and their parents through open communication, team building and learning activities. The Parent-Child Education Program makes basic science concepts approachable for parents and students working together, and helps to develop a sense of environmental stewardship, independent thinking, a lifelong interest in science and awareness of career opportunities.

Each application of the Parent-Child program is adapted to the community it serves. The curriculum focuses on environmental issues, social responsibility, communication skills, and self-esteem building. As a culmination activity parents and students participate in a one-day field trip to experience ocean science first hand. They share what they have learned in a poster session that takes place at an awards night celebration.

Curriculum

• The Level 1 curriculum focuses on environmental issues, social responsibility, communication skills, and self-esteem building.
• The Level 2 curriculum engages students in science investigations about the properties of water such as buoyancy, water quality testing, water conservation, aquatic invasive species, biodiversity and climate change. Participants engage their partners in problem solving and finding solutions in class and at home.
• The Port and You Curriculum is specifically adapted to the communities surrounding the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Please contact Linda Chilton, Director of Education, 213.740.1965, if you are interested in initiating the program at your location.