Local businesses provide over $5,000 in scholarships for free classes at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center on Plastics in the Marine Environment
For Immediate Release – January 18, 2008
Contact:
Christina Pivarnik, Marketing
Port Townsend Marine Science Center
(360) 379-3378 or christina@pivarnik.com or info@ptmsc.org
Three locally-based businesses have provided over $5,000 sponsoring tuition for hundreds of local and regional students to attend the Port Townsend Marine Science Center’s (PTMSC) free winter exhibit on Plastics in the Marine Environment. From February 4th through March 27th, 30 classes of fourth through sixth grade students from public and private schools will come to the PTMSC to learn about plastics in the marine environment and how to create active solutions to address the plastic dilemma.
While the majority of students are from Jefferson County, others from Bremerton, Sequim and Port Angeles will be partaking in two hour-long lessons at the Marine Science Center. US Bancorps Foundation, American Marine Bank and Puget Sound Energy have paid tuition for approximately 500 students so far, but more space is available for additional students.
“The response has been gratifying, both in the numbers of students and teachers who want to come and in the generosity of the business community,” said JoAnne Heron, PTMSC development director. “We know it’s been a hard time economically for businesses, so we are especially pleased that our work is seen as an essential part of education in this region.”
The exhibit will assist in creating awareness of pollution from plastics in our Puget Sound waters, explore how plastics get in the food chain and are distributed by currents, and provide solutions about how people of all ages can do things every day to help address the problem.
In essence, plastic is everywhere in the marine environment. But what happens to all that plastic when it’s no longer in use? This question will be answered through interactive games, discussions, inquiry and more. In small groups, students will dissect albatross boluses to discover, analyze and discuss the types of plastic that are being consumed by marine life.
Bussing scholarships are also available on a first come, first served basis for public schools. For more information or to register, contact Carolyn Woito, PTMSC, at 360.385.5582, ext. 113, or via e-mail at cwoito@ptmsc.org.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is devoted to understanding, preserving and teaching about our marine and shoreline environment as guardians for a sustainable future. Located on the beach at Fort Worden State Park, the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit (ME) features large touch pools and aquaria, and the Natural History Exhibit (NHE) highlights the rich zone where land meets sea. Both exhibits are closed during January, however, beginning February 1st, the NHE is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and the ME is open by appointment only. Admission to the NHE is $3 for adults, $2 for youth and free to PTMSC members. The PTMSC also offers a wide variety of educational programs and special events. For more information, call 360.385.5582, e-mail info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.