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Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Education Program
Because the Monitor is located 16 miles off the coast in 240 feet of water, it is not possible to take visitors to the
Monitor. Therefore, the major goal of the education program is
developing programs and products that bring the Monitor to the public. This is being done
through a variety of means, including materials such as brochures, posters, publications,
slide and video programs, and public presentations and professional papers on the value of
the Monitor as a national marine sanctuary and as a significant historic vessel. Now the
Internet is making this information available quickly and easily through the World Wide
Web.
A second goal of the Sanctuary education program is to enhance understanding of the
natural and man-made processes that affect the Monitor. This is accomplished
through development of a variety of products geared to the general public, and to elementary,
middle, and high school students.
Products designed to reach specific interest groups, including fishermen and sport divers,
have been developed as a means of providing current information on research, regulations
and policy decisions and to promote preservation of the Monitor. We also maintain contact
with the professional community to share information on current shipwreck research that
may have application to preservation of the Monitor.
To promote widespread interpretation and display of Monitor-related artifacts and
research materials sanctuary staff, in cooperation with The Mariners' Museum
and other museums, develop traveling exhibits and displays on various aspects of the
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. We also provide material including
documents, photographs, slides and video tapes to museums, educational institutions, and public and private
organizations desiring to develop Monitor-related displays or exhibits.
To promote the use of Monitor-related education products we work with educators in
school systems, museums, and institutions of higher learning to identify Monitor products
that can reach large numbers of students and that have diverse appeal. We also work with
The Mariners' Museum Education Division and other maritime museums utilize
Monitor-related products in ways that stimulate interest in the Monitor, the National
Marine Sanctuary Program, and cultural and natural resources.
To enhance understanding of the diversity of marine life inhabiting the Monitor National
Marine Sanctuary, we have developed displays and exhibits that describe the Monitor as
an artificial reef. We also work with marine biologists to maintain an updated list of marine
life at the site.
Another major goal of the education program is to maintain the Monitor Collection of
research data currently curated by The Mariners' Museum. To this end, cataloging
research data, NOAA papers, and material from other agencies and individuals involved in
Monitor-related activities is an ongoing project. Sanctuary staff solicits donations of
Monitor-related material from all sources.
Because the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary is one of thirteen national marine
sanctuaries in the National Marine Sanctuaries Program of NOAA, the education
program promotes understanding of the National Marine Sanctuary Program. National Marine
Sanctuary Program material is included in mailings of Monitor information and as part of
public programs and presentations on the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.
A list of education products, including publications, video and slide programs, brochures,
posters, and other materials is available upon request. This list is distributed
in information packages, as part of presentations and programs on the Monitor, and to
contacts within school systems for history, science, and related courses of
study. A list of resources for classroom use is also available upon request.
Back to Monitor National Marine Sanctuary homepage
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