COSEE-NE News
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COSEE-NE at Mass Ocean Day COSEE-NE was one of 45 exhibitors at Mass Ocean Day, held at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, November 15th. The exhibitors included non-profits, industry associations, academic institutions and government agencies. The diverse group helped raise awareness in the Legislature about ocean related issues, research and education and the critical need for a comprehensive ocean management plan to protect the Bay State's ocean resources and maritime heritage. If your organization has not done so already, consider signing the letter to Speaker DiMasi in support of the Mass Ocean Bill (Senate Bill 2346). The most recent copy of the letter is available by contacting Noah Chesnin. And continue to check the Mass Ocean Action website for campaign updates. |
Reports, Publications and Announcements
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GEOSS Summit Ministers and officials from over 100 governments and international organizations are assembling in Cape Town, South Africa this week to advance an international plan for building a Global Earth Observation System of Systems, or GEOSS. The Cape Town meeting includes a working plenary attended by representatives from the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Members, which include 72 governments and the European Commission, plus participating organizations, including POGO, the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans. Read more about the summit and GEO.
Read a report from the summit promoting an ocean observing system.
NOAA's New National Ocean Awareness Campaign The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program has announced the launch of a new national ocean literacy, education, and public awareness campaign featuring Sanctuary Sam, a California sea lion who will be the program's "spokes-sea lion." Appearing in a variety of communications and educational vehicles, Sanctuary Sam will help convey important messages to the American public - particularly children - about the marine environment, highlighting the current problems facing the oceans, including pollution, marine debris and habitat destruction. Learn more by visiting his MySpace page.
Panel Formed to Address Science and Math Education The Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) have announced the creation of a joint commission to address America's STEM education concerns. The Carnegie-IAS Commission on Mathematics and Science Education will assess the current state of science and math teaching, identify and analyze successes and failures, and provide recommendations for improving K-12 science, math and technology education. More information available online.
President Honors Mentors of Scientists and Engineers
The value of mentoring was underscored at the latest Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), a program supported and administered by NSF. The winners of the 2006 competition were announced at the White House on Nov. 16. Read the NSF story.
PKAL Volume IV: Creativity and the Undergraduate STEM Learning Environment In this latest installment, read . responses to the question: "If a visitor came into your classroom/lab, what impression would s/he leave with?''. Also included is the announcement for the PKAL Facilities Roundtable on the Future Undergraduate STEM Learning Environment (February 29 - March 2, 2008), which is designed to explore and examine the best work from the field in shaping environments. Campuses as well as design professionals are welcome to submit an abstract for a Roundtable session. Read more online.
'Ultrasound' of Earth's Crust Reveals Inner Workings of a Tsunami Factory Research announced this week by U.S. and Japanese geoscientists may explain why part of the seafloor near the southwest coast of Japan generates devastating tsunamis, such as the 1944 Tonankai event, which killed at least 1,200 people. The findings will help assess the risk of giant tsunamis in other regions of the world. Read the full story.
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Online Ocean Education Resources
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Right Whale Matching Game How do researchers identify individual whales out on the ocean? Try your hand at the New England Aquarium's new right whale matching game! And while you're at it, take a look at the rest of NEAq's North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog.
Live from Antarctica In the third installment of WHOI's Polar Discovery project, photos, audio clips, and daily dispatches from the field are being sent to the Polar Discovery website until December 23. There will also be oportunities for students and museum visitors to talk with the research team live via satellite phone during a series of "Live from the Poles" events. Visit online.
New Satellite Map of Antarctica Representatives of NSF, USGS, NASA and the British Antarctic Survey worked cooperatively to produce a uniquely detailed and scientifically accurate
satellite mosaic map of Antarctica. The map is expected to become a
standard geographic reference that will give both scientists and the
general public an unmatched tool for studying the southernmost
continent. The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA) combines more than 1,100 hand-selected Landsat satellite scenes digitally, compiled to create a single, seamless, cloud-free image. Read the story.
See the map.
Join a Round-the-World Journey Live Erden Eruç is a Turkish-American scientist and environmentalist who is attempting to circle the Earth using only his own power: rowing across the oceans and bicycling across the continents. He is currently on a solo 8-month trek across the Pacific Ocean en route to Australia. WhaleNet and The National Museum of Education (NMOE) are sponsoring Erden's educational outreach, and the NMOE can put your class in touch with Erden via satellite cell phone for a live feed or interview. Additionally, there are free resources available including photos, messages from Erden while at sea, and competitions for students. Students are invited to interact with Erden directly through email. Educational resources can be accessed at WhaleNet, the National Museum of Education and Around-n-Over.
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Jobs in New England (and beyond)
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Associate Specialist COSEE-California MARE (Marine Activities, Resources & Education) at Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley, is a K-16 and informal ocean sciences education program and leader of COSEE-California. MARE is currently seeking an Associate Specialist, who will play a significant role in multiple grant-funded and ongoing projects, and provide science and science education expertise and senior level input. Application deadline is December 15, 2007. Additional descriptions of programs and position available online.
Marine Science Field Instructor Key Largo Florida MarineLab is seeking a full time marine science field instructor for its marine environmental education center in Key Largo, Florida. Instructors lead discussions and labs on subtropical marine topics such as seagrass, mangroves, and coral reefs, and lead snorkeling field trips via boat to investigate local marine communities in the offshore waters of Key Largo. To apply or for more information visit online.
Campaign Strategist California The California State Coastal Conservancy is inviting responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for California's "Thank You Ocean" Public Awareness Campaign Strategist. For more information on the position contact Rachel Couch.
Marine Science Educator California Marine Science Institute in Redwood City, California is seeking a Marine Educator. For more information contact Dennis Rogers or
visit online.
NSF Science Education Analyst Washington Read the job description.
AmeriCorps Positions Los Angeles The LA Conservation Corps has openings at their Sea Lab. For more information visit online.
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Requests
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World Ocean Day Translators Needed The Ocean Project is a primary coordinator of World Ocean Day, held every June 8th. Organizers are working to have World Ocean Day officially designated as an international celebration by the United Nations. In an effort to reach people around the world, the Ocean Project is translating World Ocean Day pages into as many world languages as possible, starting with French, German, Chinese, Russian and Arabic. If you speak any of these languages and would like to volunteer to translate some of the site content, contact Denise Washko, World Ocean Day coordinator.
Volunteers Needed to Test Ocean Literacy Survey A professor at North Carolina State University, Cynthia Cudabeck, is conducting research on the ways undergraduates learn about the ocean. She has developed a survey instrument to measure four aspects of ocean literacy and is looking for volunteers to take the survey and provide feedback. Her survey includes questions about ocean science and human impacts on the ocean, as well as measures of attitudes about ocean stewardship and the nature of ocean science. She would be grateful to any marine scientist or educator willing to fill out the survey. If interested, contact Cynthia Cudabeck.
Request for Presentations for the 13th Annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference, sponsored by Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Cape Cod Community College's Environmental Technology Program, held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at Cape Cod Community College. Presentation Topics include professional or personal studies or observations concerning the identification, ecology, behavior, status, or distribution of local plants, animals, or natural communities and studies pertaining to local environmental issues. For a proposal form or more information contact Melissa Lowe.
Science Fair Judges Needed Boston Public Schools, Department of Science is looking for judges for their Science Fair. The fair will be held March 8, 2008 at Northeastern University for Grades 6 - 12. Contact Maryann Benda if you or your colleagues are interested in judging.
Seeking Teachers to Pre-Test Estuaries 101 Curriculum Estuaries 101 curriculum materials were developed at TERC, a nonprofit educational research and development organization, under the guidance and direction NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). They seek high school teachers to pre-test this draft curriculum and provide feedback via an online survey. The website includes information about the development of the curriculum, background information, and how to participate in the pre-test. The completed high school Estuaries 101 curriculum will be finalized in the spring of 2008. Visit online. |
Seminars, Workshops, Online Courses
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ARMADA Project - Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers The University of Rhode Island's Office of Marine Programs is now
accepting applications for the ARMADA Project - Research and Mentoring
Experiences for Teachers. The ARMADA Project provides K-12 teachers an opportunity to actively
participate in ocean, polar, and environmental science research and
peer mentoring. Selected Master Teachers (with five or more years
teaching experience) are paired with leading scientists and participate
in shipboard, field, or laboratory research with all expenses paid. For more information about teacher
qualifications, responsibilities, and to download an application, see
the ARMADA Project website or contact Andrea Kecskes.
SEA Expedition to French Polynesia This adult Continuing Education experience, sponsored by Sea Education Association (SEA), aboard the brigantine SSV Robert C. Seamans will sail January 20 - 30, 2008 from Papeete to and around other French Polynesian/Society islands including Bora Bora, Raitea, Huahine and Maupiti. During the 8-day sail participants will actively engage in all aspects of the ship's operations, and, together with scientists, participate in oceanographic sampling in deep waters. For more information visit online or contact Claire Stern if you are interested in participating or have any questions about SEA Expeditions.
NASA/NSTA Web Seminar Join NASA and NSTA for a free Web seminar Inquiry in Science and Mathematics Education: Parents as Partners featuring scientists and education specialists from NASA. Designed for educators of grades K-6, the seminar will focus on how educators can better engage parents and enlist their support for inquiry-based science and mathematics education. The presenters will share their expertise, answer questions from the participants and provide information regarding Web sites that students can use in the classroom. The seminar is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2007 and will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Online registration is now open.
IPY/NSTA Web Seminar Join NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation and the National Science Teachers Association for a free Web seminar The Role of Polar Regions in Earth's Changing Climate System. The seminar is designed for educators of grades 5-8. The session will focus on the interaction of polar regions with Earth's climate system, atmospheric gas changes over Earth's history, what ice cores tell about past climate, and the implications of climate change in the polar regions. The presenters will share their expertise, answer questions from the participants and provide information regarding Web sites that students can use in the classroom. The Web seminar is scheduled for Dec. 13, 2007. and will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Online registration is now open.
NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program Gain first-hand research experience on a government ocean research vessel. NOAA's Teacher at Sea program gives teachers a clearer insight into our ocean planet and a greater understanding of maritime work and studies, and fosters an interdisciplinary educational experience that provides a unique environment for learning and teaching. The program is for currently employed K-16 teachers. The deadline for application is December 31, 2007. More information is available online.
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Student Opportunities
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Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship NOAA is accepting applications for a scholarship program in honor of retired South Carolina Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, who promoted oceanic and atmospheric research throughout his career. This is the fourth year this scholarship is being made available to students interested in pursuing degrees in ocean and atmospheric sciences and education. More information available online.
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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!
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NEwswave Schedule
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The next issue of NEwswave will be sent December 13, 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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Explore data on marine animals and plants on the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS)
OBIS contains 13.7
million records of 80000 species from 238 databases! OBIS was established by the Census of Marine Life program. It is an evolving strategic alliance of people and organizations sharing a vision to make marine biogeographic data, from all over the world, freely available over the internet. Any organization, consortium, project or individual may contribute to OBIS.
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Visit OBIS!
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Exhibit of Note
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MIT and the Sea: Pioneers in Ocean Exploration
Now showing at MIT's Epstein Gallery
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, MIT's engineers and oceanographers have worked together to create technologies that have explored the deep ocean environment. This unique multimedia exhibition showcases MIT engineers and the roles they have played developing tethered, undersea robots, which have been used for ocean exploration, national security and offshore energy production. More information available online.
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New from Oceanus
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Plumbing the Plume That Created Samoa
Instead of shovels, Matt Jackson uses seismometers to see what is happening deep inside our planet, teasing out clues about the long plumes of magma rising from the mantle of the Earth beneath ocean island chains.
Fertilizing the Ocean With Iron
Scientists, policymakers, economists, and environmental
advocates gathered at a symposium at Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution to iron out the uncertainties of fertilizing the oceans
with iron as a means to mediate global warming.
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Featured Audio from Marine Biological Laboratory
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MBL Bay Paul Center Assistant Scientist Julie Huber interviewed on Science Friday (NPR)
Huber discusses deep sea biodiversity on the weekly science talk show Science Friday
Friday Evening MBL Lecture Series Podcasts Now Available
Video podcasts of Friday Evening Lectures are now available online.
Additional lectures from the 2007 season are being added, so check the
site frequently. The podcasts are best viewed in the latest version of
Internet Explorer.
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CSE in Focus
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The November 2007 issue of CSE in Focus is now available, including A Mentoring Guide for Middle Grades, Current and Upcoming Field Tests, Cake Chemistry and Baking Soda Balloons and more. View the newsletter online.
CSE, the Center for Science Education, is a division of Education Development
Center, Inc., and is focused on improving and supporting science education,
from preschool through grade 12. For more information,
visit online.
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Yale Climate Change Forum
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| Yale Forum on Climate Change and the Media |
is an
online publication and forum designed to foster dialogue on climate change among scientists, journalists, policymakers, and the public.
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SeaWeb Ocean Update
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SeaWeb Ocean Update has just published a new issue. To view, visit online.
To view all of SeaWeb's reports, incuding new reports on introduced species, marine mammals, fisheries and coral reefs, visit here.
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Marine Sanctuaries News
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National Marine Sanctuaries Online News
The National Marine Sanctuary Program offers a monthly e-newsletter to keep subscribers informed about the many program activities and accomplishments that take place within the national marine sanctuaries and marine national monument. The website allows visitors to download several past issues of the printed newsletter and instructions on how to subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter.
Visit the website. |
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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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