MSI Public Lecture Series

Dr. Rick Tinnin

Thursday, March 16th, 2006 at 7:00 PM
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Visitor Center Auditorium

"K thru Gray:
An informal approach to Marine Science"

You’re never too young or too old to learn.  That’s what Dr. Rick Tinnin says about the marine science education programs he runs at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.  “Students of all ages are fascinated by the oceans, and once you have focused their attention, whether it is an aquarium, a shell, or a photo of earth from space, you can teach almost any subject using marine science as the medium.”

 Tinnin pioneered the “floating classroom” concept on the Texas Coast through a visiting class program aboard the Research Vessel Katy.  Today, over 8,000 students per year participate in trips aboard the ship where they experience marine science first hand through onboard activities including, trawls, plankton tows, water chemistry, and mud samples. 

Teacher workshops are also among the programs offered at the Institute. Teachers of all levels attend these weekend workshops to upgrade their proficiency by introducing marine science topics and techniques into the curriculum of all subjects, from science to art and history.  Dr. Tinnin’s group also includes the Elderhostel program, which provides educational/travel adventures centered on coastal ecology, birding, or coastal and south Texas history for adults over 55 years of age. 

Soon, a new Wetlands Education Center will be constructed on 3.5 acres of the Institute’s campus. It will be a marsh/seagrass pond, landscaped and planted with various seagrasses and appropriate coastal vegetation.

Dr. Tinnin is Director of the Marine Education Services.  To learn more about his programs go to:  http://www.utmsi.utexas.edu/outreach