As rising seas in South Florida continue to dominate conversations of local scientists and government officials, 10 students from MAST@FIU Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) began a month-long daily summer camp focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) that will create solutions and stories related to South Florida’s changing environment.
The camp, the Student Environmental Advocacy (SEA) Corps, is designed to introduce urban high school students to water activities and address local environmental issues. SEA Corps, which began June 8 and continues until June 30, will have students learning to snorkel and SCUBA dive, as well as conduct experiments related to local flora and fauna at the Biscayne Bay Campus. They will examine the possible problems and solutions related to climate change and rising seas.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for educators, journalists, scientists, and visual and performing artists to join forces to inform, engage and inspire the next generation of student environmental advocates,” said Dr. Matthew Welker, principal of MAST@FIU BBC. “As a youth corps, these students will foster change and formulate solutions for some of our most compelling environmental issues today.We cannot do this without their interest and involvement.”
The SEA Corps campers will document their experiences using multimedia storytelling that will be produced in broadcast quality stories, animations, and musical scores.
“As eco-journalists, these students are on the front line of global environmental changes,” said Dr. Robert E. Gutsche Jr., an FIU journalism professor who is guiding students on artistic and journalistic portions of the program.
