School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology offers science mini-grants

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Marcie N W Grabowski, (808) 956-3151
Outreach Coordinator, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
Lydia Baker, (808) 956-0572
Mini-grant Coordinator, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
Posted: Jan 20, 2012

Students use magnifying glasses to investigate differences in rock grains. Courtesy of SOEST.
Students use magnifying glasses to investigate differences in rock grains. Courtesy of SOEST.

TGIF, a social group at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), will be awarding mini-grants to schools and teachers for supplies or services that can enhance students’ appreciation for ocean and earth science.

TGIF has long been a socially conscious organization – having had various fundraisers in times of natural disasters including after the February 2010 earthquake in Chile and the March 2011 tsunami in Japan. Because of the enthusiasm of weekly hosts and the popularity of this cross discipline gathering, TGIF raised funds beyond their normal budget.

“We figured we could do something locally with this money that could have significant impact,” said TGIF Coordinator and Oceanography graduate student Lydia Baker. With a passion for observing and understanding earth and ocean processes, TGIF members are excited to support science education in kindergarten through high school.   "Providing science materials and sponsoring science events for local schools seemed like a great way to promote earth and ocean science education.  We hope that students will develop a love for science early on," added Baker.

With the support of SOEST administration and guidance from the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE), based at UH Mānoa, TGIF was able to turn this idea into a reality. SOEST Dean Brian Taylor applauds their initiative to help local teachers provide hands-on, interactive projects and scientific equipment, as well as educator workshops. “This is a wonderful gift to improve students’ understanding of ocean and earth processes and enrich our community," said Taylor.

The application deadline is March 1, 2012.  For more information and application instructions, visit http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/soest_web/Documents/ocean-earth_sciences_mini-grant_application.pdf