Bringing the Gulf Coast to Your Classroom
🌊 Welcome, Educators!
At the Harte Research Institute (HRI), we believe education is key to ocean conservation. Our goal is to support teachers, homeschoolers, and informal science educators by providing free, engaging, and scientifically accurate content that connects students to the Gulf Coast and empowers them to protect it.
Whether you're looking for a guest speaker, hands-on materials, or ready-to-use curriculum, you're in the right place!
🎓 Classroom Presentations
Our Education Coordinator is available to visit your school and deliver fun, interactive presentations focused on Gulf Coast science and stewardship.
Each session is tailored to your grade level and includes:
- Real beachcombing items for students to touch and examine
- A lively slideshow connecting marine science to their everyday world
📚Free materials for your classroom
Beachcombing posters
Teacher “Nurdle Kits” for teaching about plastic pollution
Stickers for students
📩 To request a presentation, email Adriana.Reza@tamucc.edu
📁 Downloadable Curriculum (Coming Soon!)
We’re developing a curriculum aligned with science and STEM standards that includes:
- Hands-on activities and experiments with Nurdle Patrol
- Connections to real HRI research and scientists
- Optional extensions using components from the Guy Harvey Foundation
🌐 This downloadable curriculum will be perfect for classroom teachers, homeschool groups, and science centers — check back soon!
💡 Other Opportunities for Educators
We’re working on expanding our offerings for educators, including:
- Summer teacher workshops
- Opportunities to join grant-funded programs
- Free educational materials mailed directly to schools
👥 A future HRI Volunteer Program to help bring marine science to more communities
🌴 Why Partner with HRI?
Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Harte Research Institute is home to world-class scientists working on real solutions for the Gulf. Our education team works directly with researchers to turn cutting-edge science into resources that are accessible, engaging, and meaningful for students.
Together, we can spark a love for science, nature, and stewardship that will last a lifetime.
📬 Stay Connected
Want to be the first to know when new materials are available?
🔗 Sign up for our HRI newsletter
📧 Email us directly at HRI@tamucc.edu