Assignment 11A- Idea Napkin

You:

I am a marine biologist with over 15 years of experience working with sharks around the world. I have worked as a scientist, diving guide and professional photographer. My co-founders of Sharks4Kids are also marine biologists and professional videographers. with a broad range of experience. Together we offer a unique expertise which we have translated into online content. As a team we have run in person programs in 11 countries and 15 US States and have spoken to nearly 80,000 students. I personally have spoken to students in 8 of those 11 countries. My goal is to create a shark education center where students and educators can learn about these remarkable creatures by gaining hands on experience with experts. They can live their own Shark Week. This business, in the online format, is already my life and the reason I am taking this class. It has grown tremendously in nearly 5 years and this will be the next step.

What:


The center will provide students, parents and educators the opportunity to learn about sharks and the oceans from experts through a highly interactive format. There are other aquariums and centers, but our focus on sharks will be unique. It will also offer a more personal experience, working with groups one on one. The programs will be specialized and adapted to meet the needs of each group, both age specific and curriculum specific. Educators and parents will also have additional activities and materials to take with them, allowing the learning to continue.
The demand for STEM and STEAM programing is on the rise and our programs fit this need. They align with curriculum standards in the state of Florida ( Sunshine State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards).

Who:

The primary region will be South Florida, specifically for school groups visitng. Homeschool groups will possibly travel further, so this might extend to the entire state of Florida. We will get guests visiting on vacation as well, but our primary demographic will be in South Florida, most likely within 50 miles of the center.
Within this region our primary customer will be school groups ( led by teachers and educators). They will be elementary, middle and high school teachers.
Homeschool parents/ educators and homeschool groups will also be a major demographic as this style of schooling is growing in popularity. Due to the rise in popularity, the demand for hands on learning and fields trips is increasing.
After school programs will be done with clubs and groups ( Girl Scout, Boy Scout..etc).
Evening lectures will be open the general public and depending on the topic, will have a broader demographic in both age and career ( not specific to teachers.) This will be away to expand on our primary target demographic and reach a more diverse audience.
Specialized certificate programs will cater most likely to students with a particular interest in a subject area, those who love sharks or want to learn more and home school groups looking for longer term projects in which to participate.

Additionally parents and families will visit the center on weekends when it is open to the public.
Common characteristics:

• Desire for hands on and experiential learning opportunities for students
• Interest in sharks and ocean conservation
• Interest in animal related activities for students

Why:
Shark populations in South Florida are being impacted by recreation and commercial fishing. This issue has gained more and more attention over the years as we are realizing how vital sharks are for healthy reefs and ecosystems. This extends beyond just sharks, but also impacts the livelihood of people in the region. Healthy oceans support people, the economy, tourism..etc. Sharks are part of life in South Florida, thus education and facts are necessary to increase awareness and protection.
Another reason is simply the fact that people love sharks or are terrified by them. Either way, they are intrigued. They are a fascinating creatures and there are endless opportunities to learn. Educators also teach about animals at some point in their curriculum and sharks can be connected to a lot of broader topics. This makes them an ideal focus species to show students real life examples.

Our team is unique in our combined experience. Collectively we’ve been working with sharks for over 45 years around the world. We have led research expeditions, tagged thousands of sharks, filmed documentaries, documented incredible behaviors and have spent over 10,000 hours in the water with sharks. We have worked with a diverse range of educators around the globe to develop an already successful online program. We are well connected to the shark science, shark conservation and shark media world, allowing us to combine all three elements to create a unique learning opportunity.


In looking at these elements, I believe they fit together with a common goal. I believe the hardest part will be broadening our audience, but as we evolve and create new programing, we will be able to attract more and more people. I believe the audience is large enough, they have unmet needs and we can fill them. We can provide a unique learning environment, which will add value to their lives, their programs and help them meet their goals. We have a strong knowledge base and skill set which is the product of a diverse range of skills and knowledge regarding sharks. We are not simply 1 person trying to open a center because we love sharks. We have data to support this need and we already have proof of concept that people want these programs. We are running 3 more in November and all have booked out very quickly.