- Steve LaDochy of the American Meteorological Society (left) presents Eric Martin, co-director of the Roundhouse Aquarium, with an educator award presented for the first time by the organization.
Eric Martin is known around the Roundhouse Aquarium and schools throughout the county for engaging students with stories about his ocean adventures, whether surfing, boating or collecting specimens for the aquarium.
For his efforts, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) on Friday evening awarded Martin with the first-ever AMS Distinguished Educator Award for Non-Formal Education during a ceremony at the aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Martin, a co-director at the aquarium, was chosen from among nominees throughout the country.
“Eric has been chosen, in part, for his outstanding outreach both at the aquarium and at local schools,” said Steve LaDochy of the Los Angeles chapter of AMS, who presented Martin with the award. “He has definitely exhibited a love of education.”
AMS is a national organization that provides education and more about weather, oceans, climate, and hydrology. This year, it awarded two distinguished educator awards, one each to educators in formal and non-formal educational settings, such as the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium. The aquarium features sea creatures ranging from sharks to sea stars and educates elementary through high school aged students through various programs.
Martin teaches classes on topics ranging from the effects of waste on the ocean to squid dissections, often driving a van equipped with marine samples to classrooms in the South Bay and beyond for hands-on presentations.
Roundhouse employee Lauren Holman, who nominated Martin for the award, called him an inspiration and said that his innovative teaching styles help create a healthier ocean.
“My teaching style may be a little different, but that’s because I like to have fun,” Martin said.
After Martin received his award, he showed a short film he produced called “One Day,” which explores environmental issues through the eyes of three young people.
For more information, visit www.roundhouseaquarium.org. ER
