Abbot Public Library invited Salem Sound Coastwatch to lead an educational presentation and activity for kids aged 5-8 Tuesday. Carly McIver, school to sea director, brought some ocean critters for the kids to meet, including many kinds of crabs, snails, an oyster and some shells.
“A big part of Salem Sound Coastwatch’s mission is that we are taking care of the sea to the shore, and vice versa,” McIver said. “A lot of people don’t realize that what happens on land is crucial when it comes to the health of our waters and that what happens in the ocean is crucial to our health on land, whether that’s our economic or emotional or physical well-being.
“It’s really important for me to help people of all ages, but especially our youngest students, start thinking about that, getting them to think critically and compassionately about the relationship between people and nature.”
After the handful of kids in attendance got a chance to learn about and meet some ocean animals, they were tasked with creating a habitat for an animal of their choosing. McIver asked the group what they thought each animal would need to survive and helped the kids realize that every animal must have food and shelter at minimum in their habitats.
The kids then, with the plenty of arts and crafts supplies available, created their own habitats for animals like bunnies, otters, flamingos and more, and they were able to take home their creations.
McIver is an enthusiastic environmental educator who loves supporting learners in all the creative ways they connect to the environment. She has taught in science museums, zoos and outdoor schools across the country and is excited to be back home on the North Shore. McIver received a bachelor’s in environmental science and policy from Smith College and a master’s in environmental education from Southern Oregon University. She has also published and presented her research on assessment in non-formal environmental education.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Marblehead Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
