Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick.
Hi Nick, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a maritime educator and program coordinator with a deep commitment to promoting scientific literacy and inspiring curiosity about both the natural and built environments. I am currently working in Living Classrooms’ Maritime Education Department, and overseeing grants, trip logistics, and the development of E-STEM and history programs for diverse learners.
I began my career with a B.S. in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island, where a semester with the Sea Education Association aboard the Corwith Cramer inspired my passion for student-led science at sea. My hands-on experience includes serving as captain of the skipjack Sigsbee and mate on the schooner Lady Maryland. I also hold a captain’s license and brings years of experience in youth sailing instruction.
My journey from sailing instructor to Director of Maritime Programming at Living Classrooms reflects my dedication to fostering curiosity about both natural and human-made environments.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have found it hard to balance my passion for my work with my family life.
We’ve been impressed with Living Classrooms Foundation, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Living Classrooms Foundation Maritime Education programs are unique educational experiences that focus on environmental stewardship, sail training, and science onboard our three historic ships. Our motto at Living Classrooms is “Learning by Doing,” so our maritime voyages offer students and participants a way to apply their learning in STEM and other academic classes to real world experiences on the boats.
Each program offers participants the opportunity to think like ship captains, marine biologists, and environmental scientists. Teamwork and leadership are key objectives as students and participants work together to raise and lower sails, perform scientific tests, and explore the commerce, history, natural resources, and ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay.
Participants are broken into groups for stations where they focus on testing water quality, studying plankton under a microscope, learning to navigate the boat, and dissecting an oyster. As a group, the students get to trawl for marine life and identify and study the wildlife they catch. Participants also get to compete in a buoyancy challenge where they build their own boats and test their ability to stay afloat.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Start by asking folks what they already know about a topic and then let their curiosity guide your teaching.
Pricing:
- We charge $300/hour for an educational sail on our historic vessels.
- And we charge $1,000 for a “fullday” which is 5-hours.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livingclassrooms.org/programs/maritime-education/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladymaryland_lcf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LadyMaryland.Sigsbee.MildredBelle/
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/living-classrooms-foundation-maritime-education-67688061773
