The 3rd Grade Get Into Your Sanctuary (3GIYS) program recently won the Sea to Shining Sea Award for Excellence in Interpretation and Education. This award is given annually by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and recognizes success in advancing ocean and climate literacy and conservation through our countries marine protected areas. It also recognizes innovation and creative solutions to raising public awareness and appreciation of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The award was presented to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) Stewardship & Education Specialist Daniel Moffatt.
{ View a video of Daniel’s reaction }
Introduced in the fall of 2022, 3GIYS began with all 11 of the APS third grade classes, equaling 257 participants. Throughout the program, students are immersed in the human history of the Great Lakes, underwater archeology, and marine technology in the first three visits. In the spring they return for an educational tour on the glass bottom boat to see shipwrecks in Thunder Bay. Sustained funding from the Walters Family Foundation played a critical role in ensuring that these experiences were offered to each school at no cost.
Now in it’s third year, 3GIYS has doubled in size, reaching eight different school districts and 24 third grade classes.
In year two, student pre- and post-assessments were completed and show the impact this program is creating. Of the 174 students surveyed, 28% had never been to the NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and 61% had never been boating on Lake Huron. Now 100% of 3GIYS participants have had an immersive education experience in sanctuary waters. Students were also asked, “Is learning about history exciting?” In the pre-assessment 49% said yes, but in the post-assessment that rose to 89% saying yes.

Award winner Daniel Moffatt with 3rd graders celebrating