Collaborative Education: Marine Science

Great news out from the Franklin College department of marine sciences yesterday. A book written by UGA Sapelo Island Marine Institute director and professor of marine science Merryl Alber has been distributed to every Georgia public library in the state thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation. The book focuses on teaching children of all ages about the importance of salt marshes.

The book is just one product of the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research project, funded by the National Science Foundation.

"Salt marshes are important for lots of reasons. They provide food and habitat for fish, crabs and many other organisms," Alber said. "They help clean the water; they store carbon; they provide protection from flooding. They're also beautiful parts of the landscape."

Helping children learn more about the natural world around them is an integral part of the Long Term Ecological Research Schoolyard Series and Alber's book is just one of many books in this educational children's book series. The collaboration between the Georgia public library system and the University of Georgia is a valuable partnership and this project is but one of many examples of how these two enities work together.

"Georgia's public libraries are so grateful to Dr. Merryl Alber for her donation of a copy of her outstanding children's book to every library in the state," said State Librarian Julie Walker. "Merryl's book is a wonderful example of the treasures to be found in the over 400 public libraries throughout Georgia. It's a particularly valuable addition to the libraries' collections with its focus on coastal Georgia and its relevance to students of many ages."

Visit a Georgia public library today,  check out this new book and see what other treasures your local library has to offer.  While you're at it, be sure to check out the UGA Marine Institute at Sapelo Island and the UGA marine sciences department websites to learn more about what these two great entities do for marine science research and education in the state of Georgia.