Barbara C. Bruno

Ocean FEST: Families Exploring Science Together

Abstract This project engages elementary school students, parents, teachers, and administrators in ocean-themed family science nights based on a proven model. Our key goals are to: (1) educate participants about ocean and earth science issues that are relevant to their communities; and (2) inspire more underrepresented students, including Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, Pacific Islanders, and girls, to pursue careers in the ocean and earth sciences. Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and Pacific Rim nations will be disproportionately affected by the impacts of global climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, coral reef degradation, and ocean acidification. Therefore, it is essential to train local geoscientists in these communities. Although designed for Hawaiis students in grades 3–6 and their families, this ocean-themed program can be effective with a range of audiences.