Student Summit in DC

The student summit in Washington, DC was one of the most amazing experiences I have had yet. It was so inspiring to see a large group of teenagers come together about an issue they are passionate about, and try to make a difference in the world. I couldn't pick what my favorite part about the trip was because it was all so great, but I did enjoy watching every ones presentations. I really liked learning about other environmental issues that I didn't know about before, and then learning about how I and others can help mitigate the effects of these issues. Another part about this experience that I really loved was having the opportunity to talk with Jean Michel Cousteau about our project, and then him giving us feedback and challenging us on how to reach our local government representatives. Also, of course, I loved meeting new people from around the country and even Mexico! It was great to become friends with people who share the same passion as you do. Oh! And I definitely cannot forgot about my friend Charlotte the Kangaroo. Jack Hanna also came to speak with us, which I absolutely loved, because who doesn't love kangaroos, penguins, foxes, and cheetahs? This whole experience has inspired me to really make a difference in the world that will benefit the environment....and it truly was an amazing trip!

~Jessica Lama

Washington DC

Here are some of the photos from our trip to DC.

The view from our Hotel

Bryan and Megan enjoying the seafood buffet at lunch

The group after lunch

Bryan on the waterfront

The waterfront fish market

Very Fresh

The evening's speaker: Jim Toomey, Creator of Sherman's Lagoon Comic Strip

Who knew sharks could chew gum

Jim giving a great talk

  

The students following their presentation, they were wonderful

  

The students showing off their poster during the poster session

Giant Squid! He was originally 14 m long

  

Keela and Jessica in the Megalodon Jaw

Keela and Jessica getting the third degree from Jean Michel Cousteau. They did very well answering his questions.

Sunset at the Washington Monument. This was the view from our rooms

Our Team with Jean Michel Cousteau

Our team with Jim Toomey

For more pictures check out our flickr

DC Reflection

When I first began this expansive project on climate change, I did not think it would have that much impact on my life. I just assumed it would be great to have an all-expense paid trip to DC, and neat to make a video. After it was all said and done, however, I got so much more out of the experience. I learned more, I think, in my week in DC than a normal week in school. Firstly, I discovered that people around the nation and globe are combating climate change on all fronts. Students in Alaska are educating the public about Ocean Acidification while students in California are building a zero-emission car to make a statement to car companies. Similar projects are going on around the nation, because youth care about this issue. That brings me to the second thing I learned—that the youth of today see the issues around them, and they want to be the ones who change it. We as teenagers are just looking for outlets to make a positive action on the world. I think if there were more positive outlets worldwide than negative, teen delinquency would improve greatly. That is why projects such as Coastal America make such an impact, because they reach out to people in all communities, cities, and towns around the nation. Thirdly, I met some great new friends. Meeting people from Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington, Georgia, Florida, and many other states is a really neat experience. We all had one common goal, and I think we achieved that goal to the best of our abilities. I liked how one fellow delegate put it: “We do not need the help of Congress, but we want the help of Congress. We are already active citizens in our communities, and we will continue our proactive actions with or without your help.” Finally, I saw first-hand many of the mechanisms and functions of Congress. The old saying “It’ll take an act of Congress…” has new meaning to me now, as I met Representatives who are trying to look out for their constituent’s interests while meeting party requirements. Overall, at the end of my trip I was sad to leave my new friends, but I know that everything I took away from this experience will stay with me for a lifetime.

Evan Lucas

Back From DC

The students are going to post about the trip. Then I'll add pictures. If you missed our presentation on Tuesday you can find it archived: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12710861. Look for our students at 2:11:15.  If you missed our Jason Project Interview you can watch it again here: http://www.jason.org/public/careplay1.aspx. We were at 37 minutes 45 seconds.
Thanks
Megan

While we're in DC

Have you seen it?! Our photos are live on the Ocean Portal! Check out the Student Summit page and the delegations photos at http://ocean.si.edu.  Make sure you tune into the ocean portal for all of the webcasts. The Ocean Portal will host the entire group of student presentations, streaming live, from 9-12pm and 1-4pm Eastern on February 15.  Then it will air Jean Michel Cousteau’s lecture from 5:30-6:30pm Eastern later that evening.  

Then on February 16^th, the Ocean Portal will host the JASON project’s live web events at 12 and 3pm Eastern.  And, not only will you be able to tune into these events, you can tweet their questions and interact on Facebook; the Smithsonian will be tweeting live from the event.  Find the Ocean Portal on twitter @OceanPortal and on facebook at: The Ocean Portal. 

The links for the Jason Project and the Webcast again are:

Webcast information:

Event webcast from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm EST, February 15, 2011 

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/smithsonian-national-museum-of-natural-history

The JASON Project Interactive Broadcast with students, 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. EST, February 16, 2011 http://www.jason.org/science/live/coastal_america/jason/event.aspx

We head  out Monday morning. Today we're meeting one last time to cover any last minute details! I want to send a special Shout-Out to Maggy Hunter from Coastal America for organizing all of this and all of the hard work she's put into this. The summit is going to be amazing!

Smithsonian Ocean Portal

The Student Summit is being featured on the Ocean Portal. You can learn more here. We leave for DC in less than a week. The time has flown, I can't believe it's time to go already!

CAP!

It is getting really close to the DC trip for the CAP project and I am really excited! We have worked really hard on this project and have learned so much along  the way. I think our video looks great and can  really make an impact on the viewers, and I hope all of the other delegations  enjoy it as much as we do. I am also really excited to meet everyone in DC and see there presentations and learn about what they did to make an impact and help the environment!

Jessica Lama