South Carolina Fieldtrip Destinations | Environmental Education Curricula and Programs

The South Carolina Aquarium offers students the opportunity to see all of the state's diverse aquatic habitats in a single location. However, nothing can quite compare to exploring the "real thing" out in the natural world. The organizations and institutions listed below provide opportunities across the state for students to further explore, in either a classroom or field setting, the concepts presented in the Aquarium's curriculum. Many of these also provide teachers with resource materials, professional development opportunities and/or curriculum materials that complement the Aquarium's structured programs. 

 South Carolina Fieldtrip Destinations Carolina Fieldtrip Destinations
ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve
This reserve, located between Edisto Beach and Hunting Island, contains 12,000 acres of tidal marshes and estuarine waters. The area is rich in wildlife: fish, crustaceans, birds and even mammals can all be found here. Boat tours are available through this area for high school and college students. For more information call (843) 762-5032.

ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Located south of Charleston on the coast, more than half of this refuge is salt marsh, and it is a good place to see the wading birds that are common to this habitat. At the right time of year, migrating songbirds are also common here. Though the refuge does not offer any structured programs, school groups are welcome to visit the refuge and use it for self-guided exploration. The refuge is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. For information on visiting call (843) 889-3084 or e-mail r4rw_sc.abs@fws.gov.

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
Located near Awendaw, this refuge preserves 64,000 acres of marshes, open water and barrier island. The Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center is an interpretive center for the public and school groups that is open Tuesday through Sunday. A boat tour to undeveloped Bulls Island is also available that allows a close up view of the marsh. For more information on Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge call (843) 928-3368. For information on the boat trip to Bulls Island call (843) 881-4582.

Congaree Swamp National Monument
Congaree Swamp National Monument protects the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. It includes one of the tallest deciduous temperate deciduous forests in the world and features many state and national champion-sized trees. We encourage K-8 teachers using the South Carolina Aquarium's curriculum to visit Congaree to explore this incredible brownwater swamp environment. Congaree Swamp is located southeast of Columbia between Highway I-77, Highway 601 and Highway I-26.

The Congaree Swamp National Monument staff have developed an elementary and middle school curriculum that focuses on careers. The following activities in the Congaree Swamp National Monument curriculum complement the activities and themes in the South Carolina Aquarium's curriculum:

K-2

• "Animal Olympics"; students compare and contrast differences between animals, themselves, and others
• "Why Save the Environment?"; students describe the importance of National Parks and their role in protecting America's resources as well as describing actions they can take to help the environment
• "The Importance of Trees"; students investigate several benefits of trees to the natural environment

3-5

• "Create a Food Chain": Students piece together and assemble a food chain common to the Congaree Swamp National Monument environment
• "Why Save the Environment?": Students describe the importance of National Parks and their role in protecting America's resources as well as describing actions they can take to help the environment
• "The Importance of Trees": Students investigate several benefits of trees to the natural environment
• "What Extinct or Endangered Species Am I?": Students compare and contrast the terms endangered and extinct and name several endangered/extinct animals found/ once found at the Congaree Swamp National Monument

6-8

• "Biodiversity": Students demonstrate how biologists survey an area to determine how diverse the ecological community is, and how the biological diversity depends on abiotic conditions
• "Congaree Township": Students describe the nature of river systems and how the actions of people affect rivers
• "Dig Deep": Students classify soil as wetland or dry soil based on the color and texture of the soil
• "Wandering Water": Students explain why rivers become more meandering and wider as they grow older, identify the stages of river development, and explain how oxbow lakes are formed

Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens is a preserved blackwater swamp habitat located between Goose Creek and Moncks Corner. Trails, boats, a butterfly garden and freshwater aquariums can all be found here. The garden is opened seven days a week and offers environmental education programs for school groups. For more information call (843) 553-0515.

Fort Johnson Marine Resources Center
Located on Charleston Harbor, this division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers interpretive programs that take students  into a salt marsh as well as a touch tank program and for high school students tours of the research lab and trips onto Charleston Harbor in a working research vessel. For information on making arrangements for a program call (843) 762-5437.

Francis Biedler Forest
Located near Harleyville, Francis Biedler Forest is the last remaining stand of virgin bald cypress trees and tupelo gum in the world. It gives students the opportunity to see a pristine blackwater swamp habitat. The forest is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and offers interpretive environmental education programs. For more information call (843) 462-2150 or click on www.pride-net.com/swamp/.

Little Pee Dee River Heritage Preserve
This preserve, located between Conway and Florence, protects 9000 acres of forestland, blackwater river and oxbow lakes. Though the preserve does not offer any education programs, it is open to school groups seven days a week. For more information call (803) 734-3893.

Rock Hill Blackjacks Heritage Preserve
Located outside of Rock Hill, this preserve contains plant species more common to prairie habitats than to South Carolina. The site is home to many rare plant species. For more information call (803) 734-3893.

Roper Mountain Science Center
Roper Mountain Science Center is an educational facility of the School District of Greenville County. The center is dedicated to providing science education opportunities that excite and motivate students and teachers. Programs are offered free-of-charge to Greenville County schools. A twelve dollar fee, per student, applies to students in schools outside of Greenville County. Registration materials must be sent to Roper Mountain Science Center by Tuesday, September 5^th, 2000. For information about fees or scheduling, contact the Education Division at (864)-458-7034. 

The following standards- based programs offered by Roper Mountain complement the South Carolina's curriculum

K-2

• It's Not Easy Being Green (Grade 1)
  This program highlights how plants grow and obtain food. The basic structure and needs of plants are explored.
• Sense Ability (Grade 1)
  Students learn about their five senses using hand-held mirrors and sensory experiments.
• Coastal Critters (Grade 2)
  Students learn about coastal animals through "hands-on" exploration.
• Sensing Nature (Grade 2)
  Students investigate the living and non-living components of a field site using their senses during an inquiry-based nature walk.
• What's the Matter? (Grade 2)
  In a series of experiments, students discover the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.

3-5

• Magnificent Minerals (Grade 3)
  Students discover the "mineral treasures" buried right beneath their feet, and find out what important economic minerals are mined in South Carolina.
• Animal Adaptations (Grade 3)
  Using living animals, students will compare and contrast those features which enable animals to survive in a particular habitat. Emphasis is placed on the animal's role in the food chain.
• Coastal Critters (Grade 3)
  Students learn about coastal animals through "hands-on" exploration.
• Animal Adaptations (Grade 4)
  (see description above)
• Let it Rot! (Grade 5)
  Students learn about decomposition and recycling of nutrients in ecosystems.

6-8

• Life in a Pond (Grade 7)

  Students receive first-hand experiences exploring life within a pond community through the use of dip nets, collecting trays and a videomicroscope.

Sandhills State Forest
Located near Cheraw, this state forest showcases the wildlife communities that have developed on land that once were prehistoric sand dunes. Though the forest does not have structured education programs available, arrangements can be made for foresters to speak with school groups. The forest is open seven days a week. For more information call (843) 498-6478 or click on www.state.sc.us/forest.

Santee National Wildlife Refuge
Located on the shore of Lake Marion near Summerton, this refuge contains a diversity of habitats, and songbirds, wading birds, raptors and migrating waterfowl can all be seen here. Besides preserving natural habitats, the reserve also contains historical landmarks such as the Santee Indian Mound. An interpretive visitor center is open all year round from Tuesday through Sunday. For information on visiting call (803) 478-2217 or e-mail r4rwl_sc.snt@mail.fws.gov.

Savannah District Lakes
Located in the upstate on the Savannah River, these man-made lakes include Hartwell, Russell and Thurmond. Around 130 parks and recreation areas can be found around these lakes. They are a good place to look at the reservoirs that have made major alterations in South Carolina's watersheds. For information on bringing school groups to these lakes call 1-888-893-0678 for Hartwell, 1-800-944-7207 for Russell, and 1-800-533-3478 for Thurmond.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Located on the southernmost point of South Carolina, this refuge is used by organisms not found anywhere else in the state. Almost 300 species of birds can be found here. The refuge is open to the public seven days a week, and if arrangements are made in advance, volunteers can lead school groups on guided tours. For more information call (912) 652-4415.

South Carolina State Parks
South Carolina State Parks have designed new programs that get students out into the field and teach students about the history (Discover Carolina History) and natural history (Discover Carolina Nature) of the state. For more information see individual program descriptions provided at the following link or visit www.southcarolinaparks.com.

Discover History Programs

• Hampton Plantation State Historic Site - Hampton Plantation was once a prosperous rice plantation bustling with life and activity. Some of South Carolina's most prominent families as well as an extensive labor force of enslaved Africans inhabited the plantation over the years. Discover Carolina at Hampton will allow students to explore such topics as slavery, the complex web of plantation relationships, architecture and rice culture. (Charleston County - 843.546.9361)
• Landsford Canal State Park - By examining the geology of the area, the Catawba River and the physical remains of an early 19th century canal, students discover the role of early transportation systems in the state's social and economic development. (Chester and Lancaster counties - 803.789.5800)
• Old Dorchester State Historic Site - Education at Old Dorchester focuses on the process of discovery through archaeology. By investigating the social, economic and material history of the site, students gain an understanding of a colonial village and the interaction of its citizens as a community. Our goal is to foster a greater commitment to protecting the archeological and historical resources of the state. (Dorchester County - 843.873.1740; or archaeology lab 843.873.7475)
• Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site - The property and mansion of South Carolina Governor William Henry Gist serve as ideal settings for students to explore the impact of the history of wealthy planters, plantation labor and the land. Overall, Rose Hill exemplifies how piedmont South Carolinians used the soil, forests and people to make a living between 1830 and 1930. (Union County - 864.427.5966)

Discover Nature Programs

• Edisto Beach State Park- Bordering on the northern boundary of the ACE Basin, Edisto Beach State Park has long been a remote sea island park. A rich diversity of wildlife embraces its mile and a half long, unspoiled beach and acres of rare maritime forest. The park is now a classic example of a complex and dynamic barrier island trying to balance responsible stewardship with the increased pressures of coastal development and the natural processes that affect them. Through hands-on activities, students will explore the varied causes of these threats and examine some possible solutions, while gaining the knowledge and understanding that is vital to making informed decisions about coastal issues. (Colleton County- 843.869.2756)
• Hunting Island State Park - Hunting Island is an island in transition. Every second of every century, barrier islands are constantly changed by nature's forces. Through hands-on activities, on-site exploration and unique encounters, students can experience and learn about these forces and how they affect the natural world, plus how the plants and animals of a barrier island must adapt to survive. (Beaufort County - 843.838.2011)
• Huntington Beach State Park - With its marshes, maritime forest and beach, the educational focus of Huntington Beach will foster understanding of how natural communities are interdependent on each other and dependent on us. To protect our natural heritage, we must learn that we are part of, not apart from, the natural world. Through observation and hands-on activities, students gain an understanding of the importance of the resources found on this park and enhance their appreciation of environmental issues facing their own communities. (Georgetown County - 843.237.4440)
• Landsford Canal State Park - Offers teachers activities to use to guide their students investigations of the unique natural communities found in and near the rocky shoals of the Catawba River. Students will explore uniquely adapted plants and animals while investigating the geology and natural communities found in this area of the Catawba River. (Chester and Lancaster counties - 803.789.5800)
• Lee State Natural Area - Provides students with a foundation for understanding watershed stewardship. Investigation of the state scenic Lynches River, and its associated hardwood floodplain forest allows students the opportunity to develop data collection and analysis skills, discover aquatic organisms and water quality parameters, and to debate water conservation issues. These programs will focus on the long-term protection of the Lynches River watershed. (Lee County - 803.428.5307)
• Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area (Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Natural Areas) - The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area covers more than 10,000 acres of exceptional mountain habitat including Jones Gap and Caesars Head state parks. Education at this site strives to foster an understanding and appreciation of the Mountain Bridge, the Southern Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Through expert instruction and hands-on field experiences, students can investigate the ecology, hydrology and geology of the area. (Greenville County - Caesars Head 864.836.6115; Jones Gap 864.836.3647)
• Myrtle Beach State Park - Even in the middle of the vast development of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach State Park remains an island oasis of green where visitors can learn to appreciate the importance of our coastal natural resources. Through exploration, hands-on activities and personal experiences, students can learn about these resources, the importance of protecting them, and the need for their continued existence in highly developed areas. (Horry County - 843.238.5325 or 843.238.0874)
• Poinsett State Park - A visit to Poinsett is centered on the importance of maintaining diversity. Through experiments and activities, students explore the importance of protecting green spaces and wetlands to ensure the continued existence of the variety of plants and animals present at Poinsett and throughout our state, nation and world. (Sumter County - 803.494.8177 or 803.494.8179)
• Sesquicentennial State Park - offers students exciting, hands-on programs that develop skills in the Natural Sciences while exploring sandhill forests, wetland communities and pine forest habitats. Students will scientifically investigate local environments, explore organisms and their relationships, and develop a better understanding of their community. Sesqui offers a glimpse into the relationship between humans and the natural environment in this unique, urban green space. (Richland County - 803.788.2706 or 803.788.8332)
• Table Rock State Park - Education at Table Rock State Park encourages the responsible use and stewardship by fostering an awareness and appreciation of Table Rock Mountain, its surrounding watershed and associated natural resources, its long cultural history and the threats it faces. Through exploration and hands-on activities, students can learn how the natural world is interdependent. (Pickens County - 864.878.9813 or 864.878.7269)
• Woods Bay State Natural Area - Students are introduced to special geological formations known as Carolina bays. Carolina bays are wetlands formed by elliptical depressions in the earth. Their origins are unknown, but students can discover the diverse habitats found in these systems, the role wetlands play in the environment, as well as wetlands protection and water conservation issues. (Sumter, Florence and Clarendon counties - 843.659.4445)

Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve
Located just south of McCormick near the Savannah River, this geologically interesting site offers a unique array of plants. A variety of wildflowers can be found in the forest and floodplain habitats of this site. For more information call (803) 734-3893.

St. Stephen Fish Lift/ Jack Bayless Hatchery
This is a good place to see the some of the changes man has made on watersheds. Located near St. Stephens, this fish lift allows anadramous fish (the fish that migrate into freshwater rivers to spawn) to bypass the lake Marion and Moultrie dams that block their way. A fish hatchery is also here where striped bass, white bass and hybrids are produced for stocking the lakes of South Carolina. The fish lift operates from about March 15 to April 15 and school groups are welcome. For more information or to arrange a group tour call (843) 825-3387.

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 Environmental Education Curricula and Programs
Aquatic Project WILD
Aquatic Project WILD is an interdisciplinary curriculum for K-12 teachers on aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. The activities cover a broad range of environmental and conservation topics including watersheds. For information on signing up for workshops, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (803) 734-3814.

For more information click on:
www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/educate/edu1.html#teacher

DHEC
DHEC is responsible for protecting the health of the public and the environment. As part of this they are concerned with water quality issues and have developed a number of outreach programs related to water quality that can be used as resources by teachers. Individual programs related to the watershed curriculum are listed below with contact information.

• Non-point Source Pollution Education
  This program provides information and resources on non-point source water pollution issues. Demonstrations, publications and educational resources are available.
  
  For more information:
  Contact: Anne Marie Johnson
  Telephone: (803) 898-4187
  E-mail: johnsonam@columb32.dhec.state.sc.us
  Internet Address: www.state.sc.us/dhec/eqc/water/
  
  
• Drinking Water Education
  This program provides information on drinking water issues. School presentation and free literature are available.
  
  For more information:
  Contact: Sean Connolly
  Telephone: (803) 898-3952
  E-mail: connolms@columb32.dhec.state.sc.us
  Internet Address: www.state.sc.us/dhec/eqc/water/
  
  
• South Carolina Water Watch
  This program is an effort to involve the public in water quality protection. Individuals and groups of all ages can become stewards of the state's lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries and wetlands by participating in litter cleanups, macroinvertebrate surveys and other activities.
  
  For more information:
  Contact: Kim Gundler
  Telephone: (803) 898-4211
  E-mail: gundlekm@columb32.dhec.state.sc.us
  Internet Address: www.state.sc.us/dhec/eqc/water/html/wtrwatch.html
  
  
• Action: A South Carolina Environmental Curriculum Supplement
  Action is an activity-based, interdisciplinary K-12 curriculum for teaching basic environmental education. Activities focus on air, energy, solid waste and water, including watersheds. Free workshops are available.
  
  For more information:
  Contact: Richard Chesley
  Telephone: 1 (800) 768-7348 or
  (803) 896-4209
  E-mail: cheslerl@columb34.dhec.state.sc.us
  Internet Address: www.state.sc.us/dhec/eqc/lwm/recycle1.html

The GLOBE Program
Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) is a hands-on international environmental science and education program. GLOBE links students, teachers, and the scientific research community in an effort to learn more about the environment through student data collection and observation. To learn more about the GLOBE program visit their website at www.globe.gov.

Either before, after, or in place of a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium, we encourage teachers using the South Carolina Aquarium's sixth through eighth grade curriculum to visit a local stream, pond or river to conduct water analysis experiments. You can find detailed water analysis procedures on the GLOBE website. From the home page, visit the measurements section and then proceed to hydrology.

The JASON XII Project
This project was initiated by world-famous explorer and oceanographer, Dr. Robert Ballard. The JASON Project is a year-round scientific expedition designed to involve, excite and engage students in science and technology and to motivate and provide professional development for teachers. This year, the JASON Project will visit the islands of Hawaii. The JASON Project components include a curriculum, an expedition prologue video, online systems, and live broadcasts of the two-week expedition. Visit the JASON Project website http://www.jasonproject.org for more information.

The JASON XII curriculum is designed for flexibility so that teachers throughout the world may use it creatively in different ways. The majority of activities target sixth through eighth grade students. The state and national standards targeted by the JASON XII curriculum can be found at the following website: http://www.jasonproject.org/whatis/curriculum.html.

The JASON XII curriculum contains two particular sections that complement the South Carolina Aquarium's sixth through eighth grade curriculum, Investigation 2.1, Watersheds-Units of Biodiversity and Investigation 2.2-Conducting a Local Aquatic Field Study.

Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree is an award winning environmental education curriculum for teachers grades K-12. The curriculum uses our natural forests to teach students a variety of conservation topics. In South Carolina, Project Learning Tree is sponsored by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the South Carolina Forestry Foundation and the South Carolina Department of Education. For information on arranging a free workshop, contact:

Jerry Shrum - SC PLT Coordinator
PO Box 21707
Columbia, SC 29221
Phone (803) 896-8892
FAX (803) 896-8896
E-mail: jshrum.scfc@juno.com

For more information on the Project Learning Tree curriculum, visit the website: http://www.state.sc.us/forest/refplt.htm

Project WET
Project WILD is an interdisciplinary curriculum for K-12 teachers on a broad range of environmental and conservation topics. For information on signing up for workshops, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (803) 737-0800.

For more information click on:
www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/educate/edu1.html#teacher

Project WILD
Project WILD is an interdisciplinary curriculum for K-12 teachers on a broad range of environmental and conservation topics. For information on signing up for workshops, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (803) 734-3814.

For more information click on:
www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/educate/edu1.html#teacher

SCETV
Last year, SCETV mailed over 10,000 CDs to schools across the state. These CDs contained Internet browsers; Quick Time 4.1.2, Real Player, and Java Applet (media players); and WinZip (allows you to open and compress files). We encourage you to use these resources to integrate technology into your classrooms. The SCETV website www.scetv.org contains a wealth of information about educational resources and programs. SCETV also hosts a special "Know It All" site designed just for teachers and students. Some of the things you can access at the "Know it All" site include:

• Search ETV; helps you to find video and photos to use in your classrooms
• Nature Scene; allows you to travel and learn about America's natural history
• Let's Go; takes you on virtual field trips to South Carolina's past and present
• The South Carolina Aquarium; provides a direct link to the aquarium's website
• MarcoPolo; provides no-cost, standards-based Internet content for the K-12 teacher and classroom

SCETV will be working with the State Department of Education to align new and existing resources with the state standards.

SCMAPS
SCMAPS is an integrated curriculum for grades 6-8 that uses maps and aerial photography to focus on the natural and cultural history as well as the geology and geography of South Carolina. It is filled with useful classroom activities, many of which deal specifically with watersheds. For information on signing up for a SCMAPS workshop call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (803) 734-3814.

For more information click on:
www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/educate/edu1.html#teacher

Below is a list of SCMAPS activities that can be used as extensions for the 6-8 Watersheds unit in the South Carolina Aquarium curriculum. Activities are grouped together by concept.

What is a Watershed?

• "Write a story about a salamander's river journey."
  Activity 1-2. Performance Task #4.
• "Determine the percentage area of the state in each drainage basin." 
  Activity1-2.. Performance Task #6.
• "Compare drainage basins on opposite sides of a reservoir." 
  Activity 2A-1. Performance Task #8.
• "Analyze Stream Drainage Patterns." 
  Activity 2B-1. Performance Task # 15.
• "Trace watersheds of stream systems." 
  Activity 3-1. Performance Task #6.
• "Trace the drainage divide from Augusta to Columbia." 
  Activity 4-1. Performance Task #12.
• "Compare drainage patterns of Upper and Lower Coastal Plains." 
  Activity 5-1. Performance Task #3.
• "Trace drainage patterns within the Savannah River Site." 
  Activity 5A-1. Performance Task #5.
• "Determine percentage of state draining into swamp." 
  Activity 6-1. Performance Task #3.
• "Describe river systems draining through the ACE Basin." 
  Activity 9C-1. Performance Task #2

The Effect of Topography on Watersheds

• "Investigate the five landform regions." 
  Activity 1-1. Performance Task #1.
• "Calculate slope from the mountains to the sea." 
  Activity 1-1. Performance Task #7.
• "Compare South Carolina landform regions with the rest of the United States." 
  Activity 1-1. Enrichment #1.
• "Compare stream course and cliff trends." 
  Activity 2A-1. Performance Task #4.
• "Locate drainage divide between North and South Carolina." 
  Activity 2A-1. Performance Task #9.

Groundwater and Watersheds

• "Determine the elevation of the groundwater table." Activity 7A-1. Performance Task #4.

Watersheds and the Erosion and Transport of Sediment

• "Compare Upcountry and Lowcountry rivers." 
  Activity 1-2. Enrichment #2.
• "Locate reservoirs and list uses." 
  Activity 1-4. Performance Task #4.
• "Locate areas of active sedimentation." 
  Activity 2B-1. Performance Task #14.
• "Relate life history of trout to sedimentation problems in streams." 
  Activity 2B-1. Enrichment #2.
• "Compare Coastal Plain Soils." 
  Activity 5-1. Performance Task #5.
• "Locate catfish beds by analyzing sediment load." 
  Activity 8A-2. Performance Task #2.
• "Contrast sediment load in different bodies of water." 
  Activity 9B-1. Performance Task #8.

Pollutants and Watersheds

• "Trace pathway of an industrial pollutant." Activity 1-2. Performance Task #8.
• "Monitor stream pollution near your school." Activity 1-4. Enrichment #2.
• "Identify features upstream which might cause pollution." Activity 6-1. Performance Task #4.
• "Trace the path of a pollutant." Activity 7-1. Performance Task #7.
• "Assess potential for non-point source pollution of a lake." Activity 7-1. Performance Task #8.
• "Identify potential non-point source pollution by examining land-use." Activity 8-1. Performance Task #7.
• "Determine nature and extent of non-point pollution." Activity 9B-1. Performance Task #8.

Watersheds and their Biological Communities

• "Assess threats to habitat in different drainage basins." Activity 1-2. Performance Task #3.

If you are aware of other environmental education fieldtrip destinations, curricula, or programs that would make excellent resources for South Carolina teachers, please e-mail them to us for inclusion in this list at: Education@scaquarium.org