Environmental Excellence Awards 2002 - American Oceans Campaign Winner Project Profile

American Oceans Campaign - Project Profile
SEAWORLD/BUSCH GARDENS/FUJIFILM ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Bringing the Ocean to the Desert Estes McDoniel Elementary School - Henderson, NV

"In order to conserve the earth's greatest natural resource, we have a need and duty to educate the children of today," wrote Candace Thompson, a parent at Estes McDoniel Elementary School. The students of the school take educating others very seriously. The "Bringing the Ocean to the Desert" project began in the late 1980's as a small trailer outside the school. The PTA raised $325,000 in cash and donated services to build a 1,200 square-foot addition, which was completed in 1998. The Estes McDoniel Elementary School marine center is used daily by the school's population of 675 students. The students learn scientific principles in physical, life, earth, space and environmental sciences. They have also learned to apply the scientific method to their studies.

The students have hosted more than 100 field trips in the first three years of existence. More than 4,000 students from public and private schools across the school district have visited the center to learn about marine life. Elementary student tour guides facilitate several of the educational programs. Estes McDoniel students are also involved in the daily maintenance of eight large aquarium systems ranging up to 500 gallons. As tour guides and aquarists, the students of Estes McDoniel Elementary School are responsible for the only marine science facility in southern Nevada.