​SeaQuest: Inspiring Students Through Marine Education

The Fall session of SeaQuest is currently in full swing, bringing exciting, hands-on marine education to students at Sister’s Academy in Asbury Park, NJ. Led by the American Littoral Society’s Education Specialist, Samantha Hemming, this program helps build meaningful connections between local students and their coastal environment.

Each week, Samantha delivers dynamic lessons in the classroom, introducing students to critical topics such as:

• Watersheds and Water Runoff
• Pollution and Marine Debris
• Coastal Food Webs and Ecosystems

These interactive sessions are designed to build awareness of local and global environmental challenges while fostering a sense of stewardship and belonging.

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Recently, the students embarked on an adventure to Sandy Hook—an experience many had never had, despite living near the coast.

On this field trip, the students participated in a Mollusk Talk and seashell scavenger hunt, which encouraged teamwork, exploration, and observation skills. They also went on a fall plant walk, where they identified local species and developed a deeper connection to the environment. Many of the plants they encountered are found in their hometown, fostering a sense of familiarity and appreciation for their surroundings.

The Sister’s Academy’s motto, “Inspiring Girls to Achieve Excellence,” beautifully aligns with SeaQuest’s mission to connect students to their local coast and inspire a sense of stewardship. The program is not only helping students understand their environment but also empowering them to find their own role in protecting it.

The excitement isn’t over yet! The second half of the SeaQuest season will culminate in a final field trip to Jenkinson's Aquarium, where students will tour the facility and engage directly with marine wildlife.

SeaQuest continues to demonstrate the power of place-based education in inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. We are thrilled to watch these students grow as champions for their coastal communities!

For more information about SeaQuest and our educational programs, visit the American Littoral Society website: https://www.littoralsociety.org/education.html 

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