Cape Cod Region

One-Week Institute for Middle & High School Educators

From Land to Sea: Practicing Sustainability, Modeling Solutions

Sustainability. What’s the buzz all about? This summer, we learned about human threats to Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts’ coastal environment and animals. Participants discussed real world practical solutions that make a difference to ocean sustainability such as shellfish aquaculture, which improves water quality, and sustainable farming techniques that preserve soil and water. Teachers got up-close with hands-on, inquiry-based STEM activities to bring back to their classrooms.

We explored the plants and animals in the coastal habitats of Cape Cod, and discovered the role of marine mammals and sea turtles in the Massachusetts marine ecosystem. We visited a local marina and learned about innovative sustainability practices, as well as dug into sustainability farming methods and their environmental impacts. Participants investigated the ecological and economic benefits of oyster farming, and engaged with scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute to discover new resources for their students.

Partners: National Marine Life Center (Lead Institution), Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, YMCA Camp Burgess Farm & Hayward, Massachusetts Maritime Academy

National Marine Life Center logo

National Marine Life Center

Mass Audubon Logo

Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

YMCA Logo

YMCA Camp Burgess Farm & Hayward

Mass Maritime Academy Logo

Massachusetts Maritime Academy