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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Bay Model Visitors Center

www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc

Organization Type:
Government Agency, Non-Profit

Mission:
The mission of the Bay Model is to provide environmental education that focuses on current events and allows visitors to learn about how natural and cultural resources are affected by man-made changes to the Bay and Delta. Visitors learn about the water resources of the State of California and the role of how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages these resources.

Contact:
Tammi Skalitzky
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bay Model Visitors Center
2100 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
Phone: (415) 289-3007
Fax: (415) 332-0761
Tammi.M.Skalitzky@usace.army.mil

Geographical Focus:
Local, Regional, State

Counties Served:
Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma

Activities:
Environmental Education, Conservation, Tourism, Recreation and Stewardship of the Natural Resources

Topic:
Wetlands, Cultural History, Beaches, Wildlife, Watershed Hydrology, Habitat Restoration, Endangered Species, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Bay & Estuary Habitats, Human Interaction and Influence on Ecological Processes

Educational Resources:
Environmental Curriculum, Bay Model Teacher's Guide, Posters, Maps, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Publications, Newsletters, Brochures, Guidebooks, Exhibits/Displays, Audio Tour, Self Guided Tour and Website

Education Programs:
The Bay Model has five curriculum based education programs available:

  • K-2nd grade: Humphrey the Whale, provides a vehicle for learning geography of the Bay/Delta, names of marine mammals and characteristics of whales and mammals.
  • 3-6th grade: Beneath the Bay focuses on geography of the Bay, watersheds and water quality, the concept of an estuary and the food chain. Teacher guides are available on request with program descriptions and additional exercises.
  • 7-8th grade: The Dynamic Tidal System of the San Franscico Bay focuses on the hydraulic model in conjuction with environmental scientific experiments on salinity, dredging, diversion of water and oil spills. These are hands-on experiments and require the students' participation.
  • 9-12th grade: The Purpose of the Corps' Tidal Hydraulic Model Program explains how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers evaluates the changes in the flow of water associated with the geometry or shape of the Bay, while explaining the changes between high and low tides, tidal prisms and water flow from river, creeks and the watershed.
  • College level programs include technical applications of the construction on Bay Model comparative to the actual tidal movements of the Bay.

Target Audiences:
K-12, Adult, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator, University Students, General Public

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 35

Other Languages:
Spanish, French, Japanese and English
Self-Guided Audio Tours on MP3 players

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Docents/Volunteers, Students/Interns, General Public:
We arrange and teach in-service educational programs to interested schools (according to available staff and time). Topic often chosen by teacher.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Bay Model Volunteer
  Description:
Avaliable positions include:
•  Serve as tour guide for school groups and tourists from around the world.
•  Work a few hours a week in our bookstore and information desk, greet visitors, engage in sales of books and other educational material relating to the Bay.
•  Serve as receptionist, answering phones, and performing clerical duties.
•  Help organize and catalog data for relevant exhibits, i.e. photographs and environmental education materials.
•  Assist in the maintenance of the facility, including painting, carpentry, and other tasks required in this regard.
•  Assist ranger staff with environmental education programs.
  When Needed:
Year-round, primarily during the school year
  Qualifications:
Ability to communicate with the public providing directions and answering questions, operation of a multi-lined phone system, cash register, creativity and flexibility is a must
  Application/Training:
Please call to request an application to volunteer. After completion of application, an interview will be set up with the Volunteer Coordinator. This will help us get to know you and understand your expectations of the program.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes, based on availability of work
  Contact:
Tammi Skalitzky
(415) 289-3007
Tammi.M.Skalitzky@usace.army.mil


Internship Opportunities

  Description:
Intern will work with the educational department of the Bay Model, where he or she will be developing and conducting interpretation of the natural resource programs for school groups and the public. There are also opportunities to develop hands-on activities for Bay Model tours and classroom activities. During special events, staffing will be required to develop science activity stations, and assisting with exhibits that reflect current environmental issues in the Bay Model Visitor Center and off-site school agency programs.
  When Needed:
Mainly during the school year
  Qualifications:
Education: Minimum high school diploma or GED, maintains a high standard of personal appearance, and maintains a positive attitude.
Interpersonal skills: Good public speaking skills, good writing skills, comfortable communicating with people from various ethnic groups, ages, and group size. Person must be self-motivated and willing to learn.
  Application:
Contact Volunteer Coordinator
  Number of Interns:
1-3
  Housing Provided:
No
  Paid:
No
  Credit:
No
  Contact Name:
Tammi Skalitzky
(415) 289-3007


Videos:
For use on site, free of charge, or purchase
•  Marinship
•  Sierras to the Sea
Please see our educational video library directory on our website listed above for a list of available tapes.

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop, Telephone

Parking Availability:
Yes

Public Transit Access:
Golden Gate Ferry and transit (within walking distance)

Disabled Access:
The Bay Model building is completely accessible for disabled, and there are wheel chairs available on site.


This Resource Directory is a product of the California Coastal Commission's Public Education Program

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