For Immediate Release: November 5, 2007
Dauphin Island, Alabama

Thanks to a grant from the J.L. Bedsole Foundation, the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab has opened The Schooling Room.  This light-filled addition, at almost 1,000 square feet, will provide teachers with ample space for extra instruction on-site for their classes.

 "We're delighted to have this much-needed addition to the Estuarium," said Dr. John Dindo, Chair of K-12 Education and Public Outreach at the Sea Lab.  "Teachers will now have the space they need to address their classes, provide further curriculum instruction, or offer whatever they'd like to enhance their visit to the Estuarium.  This space allows them to do that out of the glare of the sun or the mercies of adverse weather."

 One extra benefit of having this private space is that, when not needed for educational activity, the Schooling Room will make it possible to have private birthday parties at the Estuarium.

 "We're already getting requests from folks, asking to rent the facility for their children's birthday parties," said Dr. Dindo.  "I think it's a great idea.  The Estuarium is at a great location, right on Mobile Bay, and the children and their guests will not only have a fun and memorable time, they'll actually be learning about our coast at the same time."  All proceeds from rentals will support the educational efforts at the Estuarium.

For more information about the Estuarium, call 251-861-7500 or visit www.sealabestuarium.org