Download Natural Resources

Sea Grant and Natural Resource Objectives
Sea Grant and Natural Resource Objectives
Example of Sea Grant Objective from SMMART Objectives Publication,
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/document_fy824: In a four-week follow-up survey, at least 50 percent
of the 60 participants in the boating safety program will indicate they adopted at least two new
safety practices they were not using prior to the program.
Example of Natural Resource Objective from SMMART Objectives Publication,
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/document_fy824: At least 300 waterfront property owners
participating in the Water Quality Program will adopt at least one management practice to
protect water quality as measured by a three-month follow-up survey.
Examples of Sea Grant Objectives and corresponding Outcomes from successful
Promotion Packets. These may not be perfect, so look for ways to improve them.:
At least 200 students enrolled each year in the St. Lucie County School District will increase
their general knowledge of aquaculture through classroom instruction and distance learning
activities. Increase in knowledge was measured by post-test information as reported by the
students’ instructors.
 Approximately 75% of 9,362 secondary students in St. Lucie County public schools who
received aquaculture instruction could correctly define aquaculture as “the farming of
plants and animals in water” and could name at least two aquatic animals that were
farmed when presented a post-presentation quiz. “At Risk” students presented essays
about what they learned about aquaculture. Many of the students commented that the
lectures and field trips inspired them to improve their performance in the public school
system.
The general public will be more aware of aquaculture as a potential industry in Florida
through seminars, exhibits and mass media presentations. Where possible, a measure of
knowledge gained was determined by survey.
 “Aquaculture Opportunities in Florida” - A survey of adults attending the seminars
indicated that although 90% had a better understanding of aquaculture as an agricultural
industry, less than 10% concluded that they would engage in an aquaculture venture in
the near future.
 “Hard Shell Clam Farming Workshops” - One hundred percent of the participants
completed the regulatory process and obtained leases to begin their clam farming
business. As they continued their enterprises, they participated in other clam farming
workshops presented by IFAS staff throughout the state.
 “Water Gardens in Your Own Backyard” - Over 30% of the participants surveyed during
the seminars increased their knowledge about water gardens and would consider
constructing one as part of their residential landscaping.
1
Sea Grant and Natural Resource Objectives
Five hundred students per year enrolled in elementary and secondary schools in the St. Lucie
County Public School District will improve their knowledge and awareness of the marine
environment and the Indian River lagoon. Output measures will be evaluated utilizing post
program tests. (2000-2004)
 100% of forth grade students attending “Ecosystem Explorers” successfully completed
puzzles related to the habitats of the Indian River Lagoon, made drawings and made
quantitative measurements of feeding dynamics, and utilized instrumentation to record
water quality data. These activities were completed by each student to achieve
benchmarks for student performance standards in "The Florida Sunshine State Standards
and Instructional Practices".
 100% of seventh grade students attending the "Indian River Lagoon Series" successfully
completed a puzzle on adaptations of marine organisms, correctly identified 10 different
mollusks using a dichotomous key, and calculated relative percent cover and diversity of
a simulated coral reef system. Approximately 80% of the students successfully
completed two of the three exercises without teacher supervision.
 90% of fifth grade students attending "Lagoon Days" mastered paddling techniques, safe
handling of the canoe, and proper methods to load and off-load from a dock. Students
were required to demonstrate to the instructor these skills while operating the boat in the
water. In addition, students gained an awareness of the quiet, environmental
compatibility of non-motorized boats by observing shallow-water fish, wading birds, and
other organisms of the mangrove community.
 100% of “at risk” high school students attending the “Keeping Our Coastline Healthy”
program demonstrated their increased awareness and appreciation of the marine
environment by writing essays on stewardship of our coastal environment. Through
these essays the students described how their interest in the marine environment had
increased their initiative to improve their educational performance.
Five hundred students per year enrolled in elementary schools in the St. Lucie County Public
School District will improve their knowledge of the relationship of form and function in
marine organisms through hands-on, interactive educational programming. Output measures
will be evaluated utilizing post program tests. (2000-2004)
 At the conclusion of each program, 60% of fourth grade students attending "Motion in
the Ocean" differentiated between corals, bivalve and gastropod mollusks, and
echinoderms by correctly placing at least two specimens in the appropriately labeled
containers.
2