KSU Division of Aquaculture Annual Report 2008-09

KSU Division of AQUACULTUREVIEWOverviewK-12 OUTREACHThe Aquaculture Education Program serves the educational needs of three distinct groups:(1) K-12 students, (2) their educators, and (3) the general public. The largest service group is theK-12 students which are required to learn specific (core) scientific and mathematical concepts.Because of the nature of aquaculture, its principles clearly demonstrate both the integration andpractical applications of biological, chemical, and mathematical core concepts. In addition, manyK-12 students have an interest in vocational agriculture, and aquaculture increases the choicesamong agricultural careers.K-12 educators are the next service group and the teachers are divided into two categories:traditional science and vocational agriculture. Traditional science educators use aquaculture toreinforce scientific core concepts, illustrate the interactions occurring in “real-world” science, andimprove their students’ laboratory skills. Vocational agriculture educators also teach similar coreconcepts but usually from an animal husbandry perspective. In 2008-09, 61 vocationalagriculture educators in Kentucky were teaching aquaculture courses. To assist both sets ofeducators, the Aquaculture Education Program is constantly updating its selection of aquaculturecurriculum and laboratory activities. In addition, 17 educators benefited from professionaldevelopment programs offered through KSU.Major Accomplishments of 2008-09• Aquaculture course now being taught at Northern Kentucky Youth Development Center11