Traveling on the roads connecting the regions of South Carolina, you may spot a new van donning Aquarium waves and excited educators inside. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston, South Carolina Aquarium Education Outreach has a new eSprinter to bring the wonder of water, wildlife and wild places to communities near and far.
Education Outreach, driven by Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston, brings STEM curriculum-based education programs into classrooms, libraries and more statewide. Program participants have opportunities for hands-on animal interactions — like touching a sea star, feeling the spines of a sea urchin or seeing a hermit crab emerge from a shell — paired with an exciting science lesson.
Last week, the Aquarium took their new eSprinter on its inaugural journey to bring outreach programs to several elementary school classrooms in celebration of World Ocean Month.
“Having the opportunity to bring the Aquarium into classrooms across the state is so fulfilling,” says Meghan Galipeau, education outreach coordinator at the South Carolina Aquarium. “Seeing students of all ages beam with excitement to meet an animal up-close and witnessing firsthand their curiosity about the natural world intensify is the reason we have Education Outreach. We don’t want location to limit someone’s access to water, wildlife and wild places. It’s my hope that these experiences inspire students to become the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Mercedez-Benz Vans Charleston has been a longstanding Aquarium partner, having given generous contributions to support their work in sea turtle conservation and education programming. With their recent gift of this all-electric eSprinter — one of the first of its kind in the nation — the Aquarium has a transportation method for a cornerstone education program that keeps the environment top of mind as well.
“Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is proud to be a partner with the South Carolina Aquarium and their mission to bring the wonders of the ocean directly into classrooms. Together, we aim to inspire a generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will strive to protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystems for generations to come," says Axel Bense, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston.
For more information about the South Carolina Aquarium Education Outreach, visit scaquarium.org/
