COSEE-NE News
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Ocean Science Literacy Banner Available COSEE New England, the Census of Marine Life Gulf of Maine Area, and the New England Aquarium have collaborated to produce text and design for a large Ocean Literacy banner to hang at the NMEA conference this summer. If you would like a copy of the printer-ready file for your own use, please contact Pam DiBona at COSEE NE, and we'll drop a CD in the mail!
Promoting Ocean Science Literacy at NMEA COSEE-NE Team members will be making a presentation, Scientists and Educators: Promoting Ocean Sciences Education, at the NMEA annual conference Downeast 2007 With the goal of promoting ocean science literacy, COSEE-NE has developed two models that pair ocean scientists and educators working together: the Partners in Ocean Science Education (POSE) Conference [watch here for news about the next POSE conference coming this fall] and the Ocean Science Education Institute (OSEI). NMEA participants will first hear about cutting-edge research from ocean scientists, and then learn about an original hands-on science lesson relative to ocean exploration. To conclude, a facilitator-led discussion will help participants make connections between ocean science, curriculum frameworks, and their work. The presentation is scheduled for Session E, Wednesday July 25 at 10:15. In addition, during Session G, July 25 at 1:30, will be a presentation on the COSEE-NE program Telling Your Story.
NEOSEC Meeting On Sunday July 22, the New England Ocean Sciences Education Collaborative (NEOSEC) will hold a meeting prior to the start of the NMEA conference. The meeting will be held from 12pm to 3pm at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (directions here). Goals for the meeting include: Develop an action plan for NEOSEC based on outcomes of the Ocean Literacy Summit (read the proceedings online), focusing particularly on a collaborative product, branding, and outreach to targeted audiences for Ocean Literacy; and elect NEOSEC Chairperson. Read more about NEOSEC or contact Pam DiBona for more information.
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Reports, Publications and Announcements
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Early Science Studies Generate Student Payoff A recent report urges science educators to encourage their
elementary and high school students to engage in hands-on activities as they
learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Researchers concluded that such students, when they enter two- or four-year
colleges, will likely take part in hands-on research and pursue advanced
degrees in the STEM disciplines. The National Science Foundation underwrote a
series of surveys to determine undergraduates' interest and experience. Students
reported that their experiences in performing actual research projects not only
produced positive learning but also stimulated their desire to pursue graduate
work. For more information, visit online. Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary Seeks Applicants for Advisory Council Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is seeking to fill 15 primary seats and 15 alternate positions on its advisory council, which represents the public's interests in sanctuary matters and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent. Applications are due by August 15, 2007. To receive an application kit,
or for further information contact Elizabeth Stokes or visit the Sanctuary website
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Online Ocean Education Resources
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Right Whale Website A new Canadian biligual website for right whales has been launched, made possible with
funds from the Habitat Stewardship Program of Environment Canada, the New
England Aquarium and Canadian Whale Institute. Visit the site
Keeping a Pulse on the Poles International Polar Year (IPY) is a collaborative effort of scientists from all over the world who are banding together to advance scientific knowledge and geographical exploration in the polar regions. The current IPY promises to advance our understanding of how the Earth's remote polar regions affect global climate systems; to bring about fundamental advances in many areas of science; and to enthuse young men and women regarding careers in
science and engineering. NSF is the lead federal agency for IPY and maintains an interagency web portal. The portal now offers RSS feeds allowing immediate access to timely educational material. Teachers can sign up for e-mail alerts to notify them when news about federally funded educational materials, classroom resources and information about opportunities to assist scientists in the field are added to the portal. Visit online for more information.
Teachers Invited to Review Education Website Classroom Science Teachers (Grades 3-12) and Informal Educators are invited to join the Educational Media team from NOAA's National Ocean Service for 3 days to review, edit, and plan future directions for offerings on the program's website. A stipend of $300 will be paid to all participants for full participation from July 31 - August 2, 2007, plus travel support to Silver Spring , MD. Up to 8 educators will be selected. For more information, contact Peg Steffen.
National Marine Sanctuaries on YouTube Discover the marine life and extraordinary habitats that make up the 13 marine sanctuaries and one marine national monument. Find out more about the continuing efforts to conserve these ocean and coastal treasures. Check out videos about Sanctuary Sam, whale disentanglement, turtles, sharks, and more, all on YouTube
Project SeaCAMEL Project SeaCAMEL (Classroom Aquarius Marine Education Live) is planned as the first in a series of "sea to shore" education missions planned by the Living Oceans Foundation. This underwater classroom project will take place at NOAA's Aquarius Underwater Laboratory off Key Largo, Florida from November 12-14, 2007. During the mission, the project will employ the Fetch 1 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, a robotic mobile sensor, and include intensive coral reef studies. The project is designed to inspire young marine scientists by providing an opportunity for actual and virtual participation in underwater coral reef science classes. An underwater video crew from project partner Media Arts, Inc. will document the action in and around Aquarius, while project partner Immersion Presents will direct-link the SeaCAMEL mission ashore via satellite and the Internet, and will produce a multimedia science education and outreach program. Visit online Sea Floor Mapping NOAA's Ocean Service Communications and Education Division, in cooperation with NOAA's Office of Coast Survey, recently launched this new educational offering, Sea Floor Mapping. Designed for students in grades 3-5, the activity teaches young people about mapping the sea floor and why it is important. Visit the website.
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Seminars, Workshops, Online Courses
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Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) still has openings in six college credit courses that will be taught on Appledore Island, Maine, later this summer. For more information, contact SML by e-mail or call 607-255-3717 as soon as possible. Some available courses are: Forensic Science for Marine Biologists, Field Marine Biology and Ecology and Underwater Research
Massachusetts Coastal Training Program The Massachusetts Coastal Training Program is designed to help meet coastal challenges with local solutions by providing support to coastal decision-makers in the form of science-based training and information that can be readily applied to management issues. The program maintains a calendar of workshops and other training events for coastal decision makers and others interested in managing the coastal zone.
Online EETAP Courses There is still time to register for the upcoming Fall 2007 online EETAP (Environmental Education and Training Partnership) courses. Courses still available are: Fundamentals of Environmental Education, and Leadership Development: Strategic Planning and Implementation. For more information visit online or contact Angela Lemar.
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Conferences
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Symposium at Antioch University New England The Center for Tropical Ecology and Conservation, a non-profit organization at Antioch University New
England that is committed to supporting education and research in
tropical ecology, conservation and the sustainable use of tropical
ecosystems, announces the annual fall symposium: Coastal Connections: Linking Research and Education in Tropical Coastal Systems. The symposium will be held Saturday, November 3rd, 2007, at Antioch University in Keene, New Hampshire. The research portion of the symposium will focus on current applied research in tropical and New England coastal systems. The Center is currently accepting proposals for lecture, poster and panel
presentations. For more information contact Christine Gleason or visit online
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| Policy Updates |
House Committee Passes Bills Related to Oceans The House Natural Resources Committee redcently met to mark-up several public land and water bills. The three bills related to oceans that are under evaluation are:
The Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007, H.R. 1205, introduced by Delegates Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS) and Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) would reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act. The proposal would codify a coral reef task force, expand the coral reef conservation program, and require agencies to report every three years on conservation and protection activities. The bill also includes provisions to authorize the appropriation of funds to administer a marine science facility at the American Samoa Community College and to the University of Guam for coral reef research and protection.
The Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act, HR 2400, also introduced by Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) would authorize $296 million between 2008 and 2015 to map U.S. oceans and coastal waters, including the exclusive economic zone, the outer continental shelf and the Great Lakes. The bill would create an integrated federal mapping plan for U.S. oceans, the Great Lakes and coastal waters, coordinated by an interagency committee headed by NOAA. It would also direct NOAA to create a national registry of federally funded ocean and coastal mapping data and work to integrate onshore and offshore maps.
The National Undersea Research Program Act of 2007, HR 1834, introduced by Representative Jim Saxton (R-NJ), would authorize $486 million for ocean exploration and $265 million for undersea research between 2008 and 2017. The bill would formally establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program at NOAA and a separate undersea research program that would include a network of extramural regional research centers and a national technology institute.
Senate Committee Passes Ocean Observing Bill The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously approved S. 950, the Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007. The bill would authorize up to $150 million per year to NOAA and "additional sums as may be necessary" for Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) activities in fiscal 2008 through 2012. The legislation would establish an integrated system to provide information and to monitor changes within the oceans and coastal environments. This system would operation along the nation's coasts and Great Lakes to observe and monitor human impacts, climate and environmental changes, and key variables such as temperature, salinity, sea level, currents, and nutrients. The bill would authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the lead agency for implementing and administering the system and require it to establish an Integrated Ocean Observing Program Office. The bill also authorizes a system of regional associations to work with the states and other stakeholders in developing and carrying out the observation system. |
Grants
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Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) is now welcoming proposals for the Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund. This fund was established in 2005 as a legacy to the longstanding commitment of U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings to promote public involvement and understanding of the benefits of the oceans to current and future generations. NMSF seeks proposals to increase ocean awareness, particularly focused on how humans and the oceans are interconnected. The Foundation is interested in innovative proposals to engage the public in compelling ocean stewardship issues and highlight areas where both humans and the marine environment can benefit from effective and focused actions. Approximately $200,000 is available through this grant program. The award range will be from $10,000 to $25,000. For the full RFP and list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit online or contact Allison Alexander.
NOAA Announces New Funding For Environmental Literacy Projects The NOAA Office of Education has issued a request for applications from institutions with interest in developing exhibits featuring spherical display systems showing Earth system science, or developing science modules for these display systems. Spherical display systems are sphere-shaped "screens" onto which global data and other imagery can be shown. Awards will be offered in two priorities, with priority 1 supporting installation of spherical displays systems into public exhibits and priority 2 supporting development and evaluation of Earth system science modules for the spherical display systems. The purpose of these awards is to support the incorporation of spherical display systems and compatible, educationally effective environmental data products into public exhibits. The goal of this program is to build environmental literacy among the general public through increased use of NOAA and NOAA-related data and data products in informal education institutions. See NOAA's Education Plan for more details on this goal and strategy. Visit online for the full announcement and additional information.
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Jobs in New England (and beyond)
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Herring Gut Learning Center is currently recruiting a Maine certified teacher for the 2007-08 school year for its aquaculture and marine science school, located in the fishing village of Port Clyde in mid-coast Maine. The Center is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic teacher to join in the instruction of students at a non-profit alternative school that uses aquaculture as the foundation to learning. Founded in 1999 by Phyllis Wyeth, the school provides educational training for "at-risk" youth with the goal of keeping them in school while teaching them how to make a living from the sea. The Center also meets its mission to educate students, teachers, and the public about the ocean and the preservation of its resources through environmental science enhancement classes, traveling outreach programs, camps, and interactive tours. The Aquaculture and Marine Science Teacher develops and instructs creative programming for K-12 students. For more information contact Maryanne Vanasse, (207) 372-8677
Whale Watch Naturalists Immediate openings are available for naturalists aboard whale watching tours offered by The New England Aquarium. The primary function of the Naturalist is to interact with passengers in order to educate them on aquatic life in and around Boston Harbor and Stellwagon Bank. Naturalists are responsible for presenting information on whales, marine mammals, birds, general ecology, natural history and other flora and fauna found in the area. The Naturalist is also the first mate on the vessel and must assist the Captain with duties of the Senior Deckhand. Contact Monique Ostrom for more information.
Coastal States Stewardship Foundation Project Manager The Coastal States Stewardship Foundation (CSSF) is seeking applications for a part-time (15-20 hours/week) Project Manager. This is a leadership position with organizational responsibilities to advance the interests of the Foundation in collaboration with the Coastal States Organization (CSO) and the nation's 35 coastal states and territories. The Project Manager works in collaboration with CSO and reports to the CSSF Board of Directors. See the full job announcement .
Assistant Professor/Associate Professor, Marine Science/Aquarium Science Savannah State University, a unit of the University System of Georgia, located in Savannah, Georgia, seeks a faculty member to serve as lead instructor for a new aquarium science certificate program. The position involves developing and teaching new courses (e.g. Aquaculture/aquarium systems design and life support, Nutrition, disease and health management, Water and environmental quality, Aquarium science internship), possible other relevant teaching assignments, developing advertising and recruitment materials and recruiting, coordinating student internships at partner national, regional, and/or local public aquaria, and contributing to implementation of a Savannah State University/The Georgia Aquarium Cooperative Agreement. Marine Science degree programs, faculty, and other information are all available online.
Education Director position is open at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida. Responsibilities include: development and implementation of educational programs on and off-site, development of on-site exhibits, staff supervision and grant writing. Requirements: Bachelor degree in environmental education preferred, excellent writing skills, public speaking, and knowledge of South Florida's marine habitats preferred. Visit the Center website
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Student Opportunities
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COASTSWEEP Twenty years ago, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts embarked on a mission to reduce marine debris in Massachusetts by encouraging volunteers to pick up trash from their local beaches. Over the years, this marine debris removal program, known as COASTSWEEP, has expanded to include marshes, river banks, ponds, and even the ocean floor. As the program celebrates its 20th anniversary, students in grades K-12 are encouraged to learn about marine debris and participate in a poster contest to help design this year's promotional materials. Prizes include aquarium tickets, T-shirts, and the grand prize of an REI Outdoor School Voucher good for two to any class or outing they offer, including kayaking, hiking, biking, and photography. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 18th. Contest rules and educational resources can be found on the COASTSWEEP website. If you have any questions about the poster contest, or you are interested in participating in a clean-up event, contact Pauline Westhaver.
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Events
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Lecture Series on Marine Wildlife Nantucket Soundkeeper and the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society present A Sea Of Change: Survival of Marine Wildlife in Today's Oceans - Impacts, Implications and Improvements. This lecture series takes place Wednesdays, July 18th & 25th, August 1st, 8th & 15th at 7:00p.m. at the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street, Harwich. Admission is free. More information is available online.
Waquoit Bay NERR Annual Watershed Block Party The Waquoit Bay Research Reserve will be holding its annual Watershed Block Party on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Route 28, Falmouth. This is an opportunity for any organization located in or that works within the Waquoit Bay Watershed to let people know about your organization, volunteer group or community involvement. The goal is to raise awareness about estuaries and watersheds by providing information to people about how they can become involved in protecting them. Respond by July 19 to be included in the press release. Contact Laurie Tompkins for more information or to register.
Scientist Who Discovered Accelerated Melting of Greenland Glaciers to Speak at Mass Audubon Dr. Gordon Hamilton of University of Maine's Climate Change Institute will be speaking at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Hamilton, along with Ph.D. student Leigh Sterns, discovered the accelerated melting of glaciers in Greenland. The Greenland Ice Sheet is particularly vulnerable to collapse, as are coastal portions of West Antarctica. In this presentation on July 18, Dr. Hamilton will review the science that is changing the way we think about polar ice sheets and highlight the work his team is doing in Greenland and Antarctica.
This presentation the first in a series of public lectures hosted on Wednesday evenings in July and August by the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. All talks start at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Sanctuary. Cost per talk is $5 for Mass Audubon members and $7 for non-members. Registration is not required. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. For more information call 508-349-2615.
Science Made Public at WHOI During July and August, the Ocean Science Exhibit Center and Information Office at WHOI sponsors a series of public talks by WHOI scientists and engineers. The complete July schedule is available online
All Day Excursion The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is sponsoring the fall edition of Seabirds & Whale Tales 2007, scheduled for Sunday, September 9th from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m, leaving from and returning to Plymouth Harbor. Join wildlife experts Wayne Petersen, David Clapp (both Mass Audubon) and Dr. John Jahoda (Bridgewater State College) as they provide commentary on the seabirds, whales, seals, ocean sunfish and basking sharks that can be sighted off Cape Cod. Proceeds benefit Marine Wildlife Research, an internship program with Bridgewater State College, and NEBShark (New England Basking Shark Project), a community-based sighting network for basking sharks and ocean sunfish in New England waters. Visit online for more detailed information.
National Marine Life Center Lectures The public is invited to attend the free lecture series at the National Marine Life Center. All lectures begin at 6 pm and are held in the NMLC's Marine Animal Discovery Center at 120 Main Street in Buzzards Bay. Free popcorn provided, donated by the Buzzards Bay Theater. A suggested donation of $2 per person per lecture is welcome but not required. Donations help fund NMLC's rehabilitation and education programs. Visit online for the schedule. |
NEwswave Schedule
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The NEwswave staff will be attending NMEA Downeast 2007 July 23-27. The next issue of NEwswave will be published August 2. Please send announcements and news to the editor, Catherine Cramer.
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| Tell Us Your Opinion! |
As always, we want to know
what you think! Please take a minute to fill out this short survey about this newsletter.
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NMEA Survey
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NMEA also wants to know what you think!
NMEA wants to hear your thoughts on where the organization should be headed in the next five years and how to get there.
A 15-question survey has been posted online for this purpose. A strategic planning meeting will take place July 28-29, 2007 in Portland, ME and your input will be critical to the discussions held at that meeting.
The survey will remain open through July 19th. Click here to start the survey now.
If you run into problems trying to access the survey, contact Sarah Schoedinger.
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NMEA Updates
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Visit the Bridge at NMEA
As the NMEA annual conference draws near, the Bridge educators are preparing new resources and activities to present. The presentation
"Lobster: The Price of Deliciousness," will walk educators through the new Bridge DATA (Data Analysis Teaching Activity) that explores Maine lobster catch data and evaluates fluctuations in price and landings. For those looking for a more physical oceanography-based session, look for "Ocean Observing Systems: What are they and how can I use 'em?" This session will give participants an overview of ocean observing and several strategies for integration into existing curricula. Meanwhile, visit the Bridge online |
Downeast 2007 Special Addition
Whale biologist Roger Payne and his
wife, actress Lisa Harrow, will present a special program for NMEA
participants only, on the afternoon of July 24th.
SeaChange:
Reversing the Tide juxtaposes scientific facts with emotional poetry
and prose. The combination of science and theater is, as one reviewer
described it, "intelligent, enlightening, thought-provoking, and
entertaining."
Marine biologist, scientist,
environmentalist, and founder of The Ocean Alliance, Roger Payne, is
best known for his discovery (with Scott McVay) that humpback whales
sing, and for his theory that the sounds of fin and blue whales can be
heard across oceans. Lisa Harrow, actress and author, has a vast
repertoire of work on stage and screen, but she may be best remembered as Helen Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small.
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COSEE-NE Curriculum Published in Science Scope
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COSEE-NE's program Ocean Science Education Institute (OSEI), now in its fifth year, helps ocean scientists and educators collaborate on developing classroom resources that use current ocean science research. Recently, curriculum on waves and tsunamis was published in the NSTA journal Science Scope. And it's available online for free!
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Website of Note
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EARTH Lesson Plans
One of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
(MBARI)/Monterey Bay Aquarium joint projects, Education and
Research: Testing Hypotheses (EARTH), provides teachers with means for
integrating real-time data with existing educational standards and tested
curriculum in an interactive and engaging way. EARTH uses near-real-time
data from ocean observatories to design and test outreach with the Internet as
an interface to scientists, teachers, students, and the public. For lesson plans, links to data, standards rubrics, and more, visit the
website
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Sea Grant Documents
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The Sea Grant acquisitions list for June2007 is now available
Copies of these documents are usually available from the originating Sea Grant program or may be borrowed from the
National Sea Grant Library Some of these titles are also currently available online and several others will be available electronically in the near future.
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Monitor Online
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The Gulf of Maine Monitor is now available online.
Produced by the Coastal Ocean Observing Center at the University of New
Hampshire, the Gulf of Maine Monitor is a quarterly review of
observation and analysis in the Western Gulf of Maine. This issue
reports on data from this past winter with a focus on the warming Gulf
of Maine waters, the Great Bay sampling project, and nutrient sampling.
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Gulf of Maine Times
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The new issue of the Gulf of Maine Times is now available online.
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NOAA Online Seminars
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''One NOAA" science discussion seminars are a joint effort to help share science across NOAA.
NOAA partners (so far): NODC, NOS, OHC, ARL, OHD, NMFS, NWS, NOAA Library, NCBO and the Office of Ocean Exploration
To join the seminar email list contact Hernan Garcia.
For on-line public access (no login/password required) go to GoogleCalendar
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Boston Harbor Educators' Conference
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The 2007 Boston Harbor Educators' Conference will be held on Saturday October 13 at UMass Boston. This will be a full day of hands-on workshops, exhibits and field trips. For registration information visit the Massachusetts Marine Educators website or contact Peg Collins.
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Include Your News in NEwswave!
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Send news and announcements of interest to the New England Ocean Science Education community to the editor, Catherine Cramer.
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