Marine Neurotoxins: Examining the impacts of a pedagogically focused RET model that explores the interplay of marine biotoxins, commercial shellfish aquaculture, and public health safety

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Commercial-scale seafood production in coastal and offshore marine environments is now possible due to rapidly emerging technical innovations in the field of aquaculture. Marine areas suitable for the development of offshore aquaculture are currently under evaluation by NOAA's Center for Coastal Ocean Science and include four study regions in the Southern California Bight. This nationally focused project overlaps with more regional efforts carried-out by private and public entities to advance bi-valve shellfish aquaculture and thereby complement southern California's wild-capture fisheries. Apart from its economic benefits to working waterfront communities and a promising role in bolstering national food security, the expansion of shellfish aquaculture presents potential risks to public health safety that are linked to naturally occurring biotoxins. These compounds are produced by certain microalgae and consumed by shellfish destined for commercial seafood markets, where they present a risk of neurotoxic poisoning for human consumers. This research education project creates novel opportunities for teachers and students in our coastal communities to explore the interplay of marine biotoxins, commercial shellfish aquaculture, and public health safety. The project will unfold in three overlapping phases. During the initial phase of the project, high school science teachers will participate in a research experience that emulates a traditional university research internship. This introductory experience is aimed at enhancing teachers' scientific knowledge and subject mastery, and engaging them in the use of field and laboratory methodologies used in connection with a baseline biotoxin impact study that is currently underway in our lab. During the second (translational) phase of the project, teachers will collaborate with our scientists on the creation of a classroom-ready instructional unit aimed at guiding high school students through a research-oriented exploration of marine biotoxins and their impacts on human health. In addition to enhancing their scientific knowledge and understanding of science inquiry, this pedagogically focused strand of the research experience is intended to engage teachers in instructional practices that are widely regarded as essential for preparing students to participate in the 21st century scientific workforce. Teacher implementation of the classroom experience during the third project phase will engage high school students in investigational practices that form the cornerstone of science inquiry and a primary focus of national science education reform initiatives. During this project phase, students will create a conceptual model to explain the clinical features presented by patients affected by marine biotoxins. After constructing their models, students will propose a solution to mitigate the health risks imposed by commercial shellfish aquaculture and conduct hands-on activities that are routinely used to monitor these risks. An overarching goal of this effort is to develop a practical blueprint for research-based lesson development that teachers can follow beyond the grant award period to guide a transformative and enduring shift in their current teaching practices.