Wide Horizons is a program of art, science, and action for 8th grade students on the Gulf Coast. The program’s activities blend marine science, environmental history, geography, and multimedia self-expression in order to deepen understanding about the environmental and societal importance of the Gulf of Mexico, its landscapes, and its wildlife.

In partnership with the Pascagoula River Audubon Center (PRAC) and The University of Southern Mississippi’s Marine Education Center (MEC), the Museum is offering multi-day experiences that include:

ART & SCIENCE FIELD DAYS (Fall 2023): Full-day standards-based field trips to all three partner sites, with time spent observing the biomes of the Pascagoula River watershed, conducting marine science on the open water, and learning from artist Walter Anderson’s epic connections to his Gulf Coast environments. Students will play the role of citizen scientists, learning about the intersections of environment and society through journaling, art making, data-gathering, and peer-to-peer dialogue.

CLIMATE ACTION PROJECTS (Fall 2023/Spring 2024): Back in their classrooms and in their communities, students work with Museum educators and visiting artists to create a public-facing art project targeting a local environmental issue. These projects may take the form of exhibitions, murals, performances, or citywide installations.

Travel, materials, and fees are supported through the Museum, which means no cost to teachers and students. This opportunity, available to a select few Gulf Coast 8th grade teachers and students.

WE'RE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FIVE 8TH GRADE CLASSES ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE VALUED AT MORE THAN $10,000.

INTERESTED TEACHERS SHOULD COMPLETE THIS FORM TO EXPRESS THEIR INTEREST.

WAMA STAFF WILL FOLLOW UP WITH TEACHERS WITH ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS PRIOR TO CONFIRMING PARTICIPATION. 

If you have questions, please contact Julian Rankin at julian@walterandersonmuseum.org. 

Many thanks! 

IMPORTANT!
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

1. This opportunity is available to 8th grade Mississippi Gulf Coast educators and their students

2. While this program is weighted toward science, teachers/students may come from a variety of subject areas

3. Teachers/Schools must commit to:

- Recruit/secure approximately 50 students for the full-day field trip
- Ensure students complete program Pre-Test (as required by funder)
- Prior to the field trip, devote class time to show students a Wide Horizons digital presentation that introduce key concepts
- Complete program Post-Test following visit
- After the visit, make students available during and outside school hours, as needed, to work with visiting artists on their standards-based Climate Action Project. Climate Action projects will require approximately 5 full days of work with the visiting artist, which can be scheduled in coordination with schools and students.
- Partner with the Museum to schedule and help promote a community unveiling of the students’ Climate Action Project.