COSEE-NE News
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News From COSEE-Ocean Systems COSEE-Ocean Systems (OS) joins COSEE-New England in enhancing ocean literacy efforts and advancing ocean science education in our region, with a special emphasis on rural and inland audiences. COSEE-OS is a partnership beween the University of New Hampshire, the University of Maine and Bigelow Laboraory. The partnership is working to create and evaluate a series of interconnected tools and techniques which will serve to broaden
our understanding of oceans in the context of the earth and solar systems. Find out what COSEE-OS has been up to in this fall update.
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Reports, Publications and Announcements
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National Action Plan for STEM Education On October 3 at the U.S. Capitol the National Science Board (NSB) unveiled their national action plan for 21st century STEM education. Key recommendations include the formation of an independent, non-Federal National Council for STEM Education; voluntary national STEM content guidelines; alignment of STEM learning across grade levels; and increased STEM teacher compensation. Read the entire report.
PKAL Award from NSF The National Science Foundation has awarded Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) a grant to pilot a National STEM Faculty Development project. This will be an eighteen-month effort to determine what works in collaborating with formal networks committed to adapting, implementing, and assessing contemporary research-based approaches to strengthen student learning in STEM fields. This project is part of PKAL's continuing effort to identify, nurture, and support leaders taking responsibility for shaping robust undergraduate STEM learning environments. Read more online.
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Online Ocean Education Resources
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Discovery of Sound in the Sea The URI Office of Marine Programs has launched a new version of the Discovery of Sound in the Sea website, an online resource about the science and use of sound in the ocean. In addition to new content and updates throughout the site, there is a new main section of Media Resources that is also appropriate for educators and students. There are also new on-line tutorials on the Science of Sound and the Effects of Sound on Marine Animals that lead the visitor through a guided sequence of content. There is also new content in the People and Sound section and new entries in the Audio Gallery.
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| Policy Updates |
Ocean Exploration and Research Bill Approval The House Energy and Environment Subcommittee approved a bill (HR 1834) to authorize the Ocean Exploration Program and the National Undersea Research Program. The measure, approved by voice vote without amendment, would authorize more than $486 million for ocean exploration and $265 million for undersea research programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through 2017. Both programs are well established but have previously operated without formal authorization. The bill has been forwarded to the full Committee on Natural Resources.
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Jobs in New England (and beyond)
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GMRI Strategic Projects Manager The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) seeks a Strategic Projects Manager/ Assistant to the President to work with the President to maximize his/her productivity and plan/execute projects related to implementing GMRI's strategic plan. This position will report to the President and work closely with GMRI's Management Team. The deadline for applicants is October 31, 2007. To see the complete job listing visit online.
WHSTEP Administrator A part-time position is available with the Woods Hole Science and Technology Education Partnership (WHSTEP). Reporting to the WHSTEP Co-Chairs, the Administrator will work in close coordination with the Executive Committee and its subcommittees to help fulfill the WHSTEP mission. WHSTEP, established in 1989, is a partnership of schools, scientific institutions, businesses, and community resources. Its purpose is to support, promote, and expand science, math, and technology education and science literacy in the participating Massachusetts communities of Bourne, Falmouth, and Mashpee. For more information contact whstep-info@whoi.edu. Deadline for applications is October 22, 2007.
NAMA Coordinating Director The Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMA) seeks a Coordinating Director. NAMA is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and enhancing an enduring northwest Atlantic marine system that will support a healthy diversity and abundance of marine life and human uses. The Coordinating Director is the chief executive officer of NAMA, with responsibility for shaping and administering all functions of the organization, including campaign oversight and strategy, financial management, public outreach and personnel matters, subject to direction from the Board. For further information contact Dana Morse or visit the NAMA website.
UMass Boston Afterschool Instructors The UMass Boston Urban Scholars program is seeking instructors to prepare middle and high school students for science fairs. This is an afterschool, six-week long position, running during the winter semester. For more information contact urbanscholars@umb.edu.
Director of Ocean Policy Washington DC The Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is seeking a Director of Ocean Policy to oversee MCBI's marine policy initiatives, manage the policy staff, and assist the VP in the development of programs, budgets and grant proposals. This position is based in the Washington DC office. For more information visit online.
Director of Education Florida Keys The Marine Resources Development Foundation in Key Largo, Florida is seeking a Director of Education to oversee and implement all aspects of its MarineLab program, which is an established marine education program featuring snorkeling in seagrass, mangrove, and coral reef communities as a tool to teach students about regional and global ecology. For more information contact Ginette Hughes.
Instructors North Carolina Carolina Ocean Studies is looking for part-time instructors. Contact Richard Cecelski for more information or visit online.
Science Educators St. Simon's Island Georgia Driftwood Education Center seeks seasonal science educators for winter/spring classes. The Center offers residental science and environmental education programs for school groups from all over the southeastern United States. The position is open from January 16 - May 30 with opportunities for extension. For more information contact Tony DeJarnatt.
Aquarist Santa Barbara California The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's Ty Warner Sea Center is seeking an experienced Aquarist to join their team. This person will be responsible for all activities related to displaying a diverse marine collection of animals, invertebrates and plants. For more information review the position online. |
Requests
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NOAA Climate Change Documents Seek Public Comment
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public comments on two draft climate change publications. The first is The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity. Comments are due by October 26. The second is Uses and Limitations of Observations, Data, Forecasts, and other Projections in Decision Support for Selected Sectors and Regions. Comments are due by November 8. Instructions for commenting are provided on each publication's web page.
Submissions for Oceanography Magazine The editors of Oceanography magazine welcome submission of innovative undergraduate/graduate oceanography activities to the peer-reviewed Hands On Oceanography column. Submissions are needed for the December issue. Submitted activities will be peer-reviewed. Accepted hands-on activities will be published in Oceanography and posted online as downloadable pdf files. For more information contact editor Ellen Kappel.
NOAA Seeking Nominations
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeks nominations for the 2008 Walter B. Jones Memorial Awards
for Coastal and Ocean Resource Management. The award categories are:
Coastal Steward of the Year; Excellence in Local Government; Excellence
in Coastal and Marine Graduate Study; The Susan Snow-Cotter Award for
Excellence in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management; Volunteer of the
Year; Non-governmental Organization (NGO) of the Year; Excellence in
Promoting Diversity in Coastal or Ocean Resource Management; and
Excellence in Business Leadership. The program is open to individuals,
organizations, state and local government agencies and their
employees. Entries must be received by November 15, 2007. For nomination
information about the awards visit online.
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Seminars, Workshops, Online Courses
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Register Now for Oceans à la Carte University of Rhode Island's Office of Marine Programs presents this full menu of presentations and workshop sessions for educators, the public, and interested scientists, on Saturday, October 27, 2007, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, at the Coastal Institute, URI's Narragansett Bay Campus. Choose from a variety of presentations by leading scientists, hands-on activities, and content information sessions. Free materials from NOAA and URI's Office of Marine Programs will be available to participants. The focus of the presentations and workshops will be on Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs). Pre-registration and pre-payment by credit card, check, or cash is required. The regstration deadline is October 24. Visit online for a downloadable registration form and more information.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums Training Scholarships The Association of Zos and Aquariums (AZA) offers eight scholarships to attend the 2008 Professional Training Program courses. The application deadline is October 22, 2007. For more information contact AZA Training.
Tropical Coastal Systems and New England The Center for Tropical Ecology and Conservation at Antioch University New England will present the symposium Coastal Connections: Linking Research and Education in Tropical Coastal Systems on Saturday, November 3rd, 2007, 8:30 A.M - 5:00 P.M. For more information contact Christine Gleason or visit online.
WhaleNet Summer Classes Information on Summer 2008 opportunities for field study in marine science courses for educators, undergraduates, and supervised high school classes is available from WhaleNet online. |
Conferences
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Joint Assembly RFP The
2008 Joint Assembly, a partnership among American Geophysical Union and
many other organizations, will be held May 27-30, 2008 in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida. Members of the Earth and space sciences community
are invited to propose a session for the conference. Session proposals
may be submitted to any of the existing disciplines, including
education and human resources, ocean sciences, and many more. Proposals
must focus on scientific results and/or their applications. The
deadline for submission is October 31, 2007. Learn more online.
NSTA 2008-2009 Conferences Proposals are invited for next year's NSTA conferences. Area conferences in 2008 include Charlotte, North Carolina (Oct. 30-Nov. 1); Portland, Oregon (Nov. 20-22); and Cincinnati, Ohio (Dec. 4-6). In 2009 NSTA will hold its national conference in New Orleans, LA (March 19-22). Deadlines for submissions are January 15, 2008, for the 2008 area conferences, and April 15, 2008, for the New Orleans National Conference. For more information, visit the conferences area of the NSTA website.
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Student Opportunities
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Art Contest for Grades 2-4 The Institute for Global
Environmental Strategies (IGES) announces its art contest for grades 2-4. The contest challenges students to explore the ocean by reading stories and books, searching websites and watching movies, and then draw a picture showing what they learned. The winning artist will receive a $250 savings bond, and his or her artwork will be printed as the 2007 IGES holiday card. Everyone who sends in an entry will receive a certificate of participation. Entries are due Oct. 26, 2007. For more information visit online.
Internship Winter 2008 The Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is looking for a policy intern in its Government Affairs office located in Washington DC, commencing in January 2008 and ending in May or June 2008. The DC office of MCBI works on policy research and advocacy on a variety of marine issues, including preserving Hawaii's marine ecosystems, deep sea corals and seamounts conservation, marine protected areas such as marine sanctuaries, and combating destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling. Prospective interns should have an interest and background in U.S. law, environmental policy, or oceans management and should be college graduates or graduate students. For more information visit online. |
Events
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We are happy to include events from around the New England region. If you would like your organization's event published here, please send the information to the editor, Catherine Cramer. Thanks!
WHOI Public Forum The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution presents Ocean Fertilization - Ironing Out Uncertainties in Climate Engineering on October 19, 2:30 p.m., at Redfield Auditorium, Water Street in Woods Hole. WHOI scientists will discuss the pros and cons of "iron fertilization" (spreading dissolved iron into the oceans to promote the growth of carbon dioxide-consuming plants and
offset the rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere) and of attempts to geo-engineer the oceans. The free event will include a short, formal presentation, followed by a panel discussion and public question-and-answer session. More information is available online.
Friends of Casco Bay Celebration On Sunday, October 21st, 2007, Friends of Casco Bay will host a gala 35th anniversary celebration of the Clean Water Act with special guest speaker Terry Tamminen. Terry will apply lessons learned from the Clean Water Act to confronting Global Climate Change. The event will take place at the University of Southern Maine's Portland campus. For more information visit online.
Cape Cod Bay Water Quality Presentation The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) will present a lecture on the Cape Cod Bay water quality monitoring project, on October 23 at 7 PM, at the Snow Library in Orleans, MA. PCCS began a long-term study of the water quality in
Cape Cod Bay in 2006 as a follow-up to the Center's four year study of
the effects of the Boston Effluent Outfall. Now in its second season,
the program studies downstream sources of pollution and analyzes
effects on the ecosystem of the bay. Amy Costa, Ph.D., is the Director
of the Cape Cod Bay Monitoring Program. Costa will discuss how
pollution, eutrophication and habitat degradation affect our coastal
waters. The present health of Cape Cod Bay will also be discussed and
specific areas of interest to scientists will be identified. For more information, visit online.
Northeastern Lecture Series The Northeastern University Marine Science Center presents Dr. John D. Crawford, Senior Scientist at the Initiative on Marine Ecosystem Conservation, who will talk about the waters off New England and ongoing
efforts to restore the ecological health of the region. He will discuss the
important role that ocean conservation areas can play in the recovery
of ocean wildlife populations and the resilience of ecosystems. The lecture is on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007, 7:00 p.m., at the Marine Science Center, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA. For more information visit online.
Science Education Conversation Dr. Bruce Fuchs, Director of the Office of Science Education at the National Institutes of Health, will lead a conversation, Charting a Course for Science and Math Education on Wednesday November 7, 4-6 PM, at ATMC, 151 Martine Street, Fall River. For more information contact Michele Hathaway or Lee Blake. Sponsored by the South Coast Education Compact.
Massachusetts Ocean Day Thursday, November 15, from 10 am to 2 p.m., at the State House, Boston. Refreshments and lunch provided; all welcome. Leon Panetta will be keynote speaker. Mr. Panetta, former White House Chief of Staff to President Clinton and Congressman from California, served as chair of the Pew Oceans Commission. Massachusetts environmental groups will be exhibiting in the Hall of Flags and speaking with their state senators and representatives. Contact Rob Moir for more information.
Ocean Motion Program for Families Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam and the Science of Ocean Motion will be presented at the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Sunday, November 18 at 2:00 pm. Join author Loree Griffin Burn as she tells the story of scientists who track trash spilled into the ocean, such as sneakers and rubber ducks that have drifted thousands of miles, from the Pacific into the Atlantic. Find out what they've discovered and how they're using this science. For more information visit the museum website.
Ecosystem-Based Management Toolkit Training This training workshop, Sunday November 4, 1-5 PM in Providence, Rhode Island, is offered in conjunction with the Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. It will provide an overview,
including live demonstrations of technology tools that can be used to
help implement ecosystem-based management (EBM) in coastal-marine
environments and their watersheds. Registration for this training is free for Estuarine Research Federation Meeting registrants. Click here to learn more about the conference or contact Sarah Carr, the EBM Tools Network Coordinator. |
NEwswave Schedule
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The next issue of NEwswave will be sent November 1, 2007. Please send announcements and news to the editor, Catherine Cramer.
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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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Website of Note
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Geospatial One Stop
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Brought to you by the US Government, the Oceans and Coasts community page is organized around coastal and ocean framework data that is needed for research, planning and management of coastal and ocean resources. This community provides access to these data, as well as information about the activities that support the ocean and coastal community. One stop shopping at its finest!
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| NSTA Comes to Boston |
The NSTA National Conference on Science Education will be in Boston, March 28-30, 2008.
Registration is now open.
For more information visit the NSTA website.
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SeaStories Online
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The Autumnal 2007 issue of Sea Stories is now available online.
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New from Oceanus
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Microbes That 'Eat' Natural Gas
In the quest to explore the remarkable diversity of microbial life on Earth, an international team of scientists has identified marine bacteria that can "eat" butane and propane in natural gas, metabolizing them in a way never observed before - in the absence of oxygen.
Read more in Oceanus.
Innovative Collaboration with WHOI Scientist
A visually impaired researcher, Amy Bowers, talks about teaming up with the Perkins School for the Blind to share her research with students. Read the interview in Oceanus.
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Questions Needed
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The Science Teacher is Looking for a Few Good Questions
The Science Teacher, NSTA's peer-reviewed journal for secondary science teachers, invites teachers to submit questions for the journal's Ask the Experts department. In addition, the journal is always looking for experts from industry, research, and government to volunteer their time to answer questions. To submit questions or to volunteer as an expert, contact department editor Marc Rosner.
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SeaWeb Ocean Update
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SeaWeb Ocean Update has just published a new issue. To view, visit online.
SeaWeb's Marine Science Review on climate and climate change has just been published and is available here.
To view all of SeaWeb's reports, visit here.
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Gulf of Maine Monitor
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| For access to ocean observing research and issues in the Gulf of Maine, |
read the Gulf of Maine Monitor, published quarterly by the UNH Coastal Ocean Observing Center and free of charge. Subscribe online.
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Mass Bays Newsletter
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Massachusetts Bays Window,
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the quarterly eNewsletter from the Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP), is now online. This issue features a piece on the rapid assessment survey for invasive species conducted along the Commonwealth's coast in July. To receive future issues, send a blank email.
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Include Your News in NEwswave
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| Send your news and announcements of interest to the New England ocean science education community to the editor, Catherine Cramer. |
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