Corrections and Apologies
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Dear Subscribers,
Just to
get the New Year started off with a bang, we have had numerous
technical difficulties here at NEwswave, resulting in us having to send
out this third, and hopefully final, version with corrected links!
Thank you for your patience, and Happy New Year! |
COSEE-NE and NEOSEC News
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Ocean Science Education Institution (OSEI) is a program of COSEE-NE that brings ocean science researchers and educators together to develop standards-based curriculum. Following are the most recent OSEI happenings. (This version REALLY contains the correct links! Sorry for the inconvenience!)
OSEI Update at UMass Boston This year's OSEI participants gathered at UMass Boston in December to report on progress to date. To find out more, visit here. (And don't miss this student-made YouTube presentation!)
OSEI Google Group To view photos, PowerPoint presentations and other resouces produced by the UMass Boston OSEI, visit the OSEI Google Group. Anyone may look at the resources. However, to add content and post comments in the blog section, a Google account is needed. As a subscriber to NEwswave, you are welcome to join! There is a 'Join This Group' link on the main page. Visit the OSEI Google Group.
OSEI at Northeastern This year's OSEI at Northeastern's Marine Science Center also met to report on their progress with lesson plans and dissemination. And instead of a Google Group, they devised their own unique way of maintaining communications. Read about it here.
OSL Banner Available Start the New Year right! COSEE-NE, along with the Census of Marine Life and New England Aquarium, has developed a banner displaying the Seven Essential Principles of Ocean Literacy. View the banner here. If you would like a printable copy, contact Pam DiBona and she'll send you a disc containing a printer-ready Adobe Illustrator file. And pass the link along! |
Reports, Publications and Announcements
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The Science of Marine Reserves The updated Science of Marine Reserves is offered by the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO). These resources provide the latest scientific information about reserves in an understandable and accessible format. They are designed to be used by natural resource managers, government officials, scientists, and the interested public. Read online.
CSO/CSSF/CICEET Release The Coastal States Organization (CSO) in collaboration with the Coastal States Stewardship Foundation (CSSF) and the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) has released the final report Strengthening the Application of Science in Coastal Decision Making. The report is based on multiple surveys, focus groups, and workshops conducted in coastal regions around the United States. A synopsis of findings and recommendations related to coastal land use, hazards, and habitat is presented along with an outreach and implementation strategy to advance the priorities of coastal managers. For more information and to view the report visit online.
NOAA Releases Deep Coral Ecosystem Report NOAA has announced the release of The State of Deep Coral Ecosystems of the United States, a report that provides new insight into the complex and biologically rich habitats found in deeper waters off the U.S. and around the world. Called for in the President's Ocean Action Plan, this peer-reviewed report contains an up-to-date assessment of deep coral ecosystems in U.S. waters. The report illustrates that deep corals, also known as "deep sea" or "cold-water" corals, are likely to be much more extensive and important to ocean ecosystems than previously known. The report discusses the vulnerability of deep corals to human activities and identifies the current threats to these habitats.
New Findings Show Carbon Dioxide Impacts on Corals NOAA Coral Reef Watch and coral scientists from around the globe have reported that corals could begin to disappear in 50 to 75 years due to steadily warming temperatures and increasing ocean acidification caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Science.
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Seeks Advisory Council Members NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for the Diving and Maritime Heritage Member seats. Both primary and alternate seats are available. For additional information, contact Nathalie Ward.
NSF/NGA National Workshop on Science Education and Workforce Issues The National Science Foundation (NSF), in cooperation with the National Governors Association, will be holding a national workshop and exhibition focused on science education and workforce issues. Science Education and Workforce Development: Key Challenges for Innovation in the States will be held at The Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on January 15-16, 2008. The workshop will focus on newly developed tools that can enhance innovation and educational accountability at local, state, and regional levels and partnerships that engage federal and state agencies and K-12 and higher education with business and industry to improve science education and workforce development. For more information (PDFs): Invitation | Agenda
PKAL Volume IV: Creativity & Reflection & Leadership PKAL invites you to read stories from the PKAL community about the power of reflection in enhancing one's creativity and leadership capacity. Implicit in these stories are examples of steps that might be taken within departments or at the campus level. Visit online.
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News from Washington
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STEM Education Funding Levels Congress has passed, and President Bush is expected to sign, the giant omnibus budget bill that reconciles the House and Senate appropriations packages to provide funding for FY2008 federal programs. For details on the levels of funding key STEM education programs at the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education can expect next year, visit online.
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Online Ocean Education Resources
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Rising Tides is a new oceanographic education journal for high school science teachers and students, developed as part of the CoastalObs Project, and is a collaboration between NOAA and NASA, along with other partners. The journal focuses on the biological aspects of coastal oceanography with an emphasis on research technology. It offers a collection of cutting-edge research articles as well as classroom and laboratory activities, scientist interviews, further reading, and links to oceanography topics. An advanced section is designed to challenge gifted students. The journal may be downloaded by section or in its entirety. Visit online.
International Year of the Reef The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) designated 2008 as the International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2008). The initiative hopes to strengthen awareness about the ecological, economic, social, and cultural value of coral reefs and associated ecosystems; improve understanding of the critical threats to coral reefs and generate both practical and innovative solutions to reduce these threats; and generate urgent action at all levels to develop and implement effective management strategies for conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems. The IYOR website includes background information about coral reefs, a calendar, news, links to educational materials, and more.
Additional online coral materials:
Coral Discovery Kits
Magic Porthole Coral Reef Playing Cards
Peppy's Coral Kingdom
Reefs on the Web
Don't Even Sink About It The NMEA site The Bridge features a series of over 65 Data Analysis Teaching Activities (DATAs) that can be used to supplement curriculum material in almost every discipline of science. The Bridge's newest DATA, Don't Even Sink About It, utilizes two components of ocean observing systems, AUVs and buoys, to explore density and how it affects the buoyancy of different objects. Visit online.
Data Explorer Online access to NOAA's National Ocean Service spatial data
collections, such as nautical charts, coastal maps, environmental monitoring
records, and more, is available online.
Estuaries SciGuide The Estuaries SciGuide was developed collaboratively by NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) and NSTA. It provides resources that have been pre-evaluated and aligned to the National Science Education Standards. The Estuaries SciGuide is free; registration is required. Visit online. |
Jobs in New England (and beyond)
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Sustainable Fisheries Opportunities Boston The New England Aquarium is expanding its program which advises seafood corporations on issues of seafood sustainability as part of the Sustainable Fisheries Initiative. NEAq has openings for three new positions in this area: an Associate Director of Seafood Markets to direct corporate relations and strategically grow the program's client base; a Project Manager to manage work with corporate clients; and a Senior Scientist to lead the wild fisheries programs. For more information contact Lydia Bergen.
Natural Resource/Stewardship Coordinator Waquoit Waquoit Bay Research Reserve is seeking an individual to coordinate natural resource management and protection activities in Falmouth/Mashpee, Massachusetts. The job description and application are available online.
Marine Policy Specialist South Carolina Perot Systems Government Services (PSGS), a contractor to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center, has an opening for a Coastal and Marine Policy Specialist in Charleston, SC, to support the Center's GIS Integration and Development Program. To apply for the position, visit online.
Marine Policy Advisor New York The Nature Conservancy in Cold Spring Harbor, NY has an opening for a policy advisor for their Coastal and Marine Strategy Teams. For a full job description visit online.
The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies has many openings. Visit online for more information.
Alaska SeaLife Center is currently recruiting for a Chief Interpreter. This position is responsible for training and supervising staff, interns, and volunteers who interact with visitors on the exhibit floor at the Alaska SeaLife Center. For more information visit online.
Coral Program Specialist Maryland I.M. Systems Group, a contractor to NOAA in Silver Spring, MD, has an opening for a Coral Program Specialist to coordinate coral reef program activities. This individual will work with NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program in the areas of program coordination, program development, strategic planning, partnership building, and information management. For more information contact Jessica Morgan.
Marine Science Instructors Virginia The Marine Science Consortium on Wallops Island, Virginia is looking for marine science instructors for its spring workshops. For more information visit online.
Ecologist California Ocean Science Trust The new California Marine Protected Areas Monitoring Enterprise is seeking a Natural Scientist or Ecologist to play a leadership role in developing and refining marine protected area (MPA) network monitoring. To see the posting visit online. |
Requests
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Volunteers Needed for Seabird Study Dr. Julie Ellis is Program Director for SEANET, the Seabird Ecological Assessment Network at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. (She is also a participant in COSEE-NE's OSEI Marine Biota Team.) As part of her research, Dr. Ellis collects dead gulls, loons, ducks and other seabirds in an attempt to pinpoint some of the most detrimental threats to marine bird populations. Volunteers are needed to walk beaches and look for and identify dead seabirds. For those interested in becoming a volunteer, Dr. Ellis will be conducting a training at Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on January 17, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This program is free and open to the public. For more information about SEANET visit online. To register for the volunteer training, contact Cynthia Franklin, Volunteer Coordinator at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Ocean Footage Needed Deep Surface is a 45-minute live concert/interactive multimedia performance including music, video, and dance in homage to the sea. Deep Surface creators are now in the pre-production phase for a full-length version. They are seeking organizations that have ocean footage or could put them in contact with film directors or production houses that have this material. They are also seeking sponsors for the production. Deep Surface is based in Miami, Florida. Short video demos are available at their website. For further information please contact Gabriel Pulido at info@deep-surface.org. |
Seminars, Workshops, Online Courses
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Webinar Demonstration of Habitat Priority Planner (HPP) HPP is a new spatial decision support tool designed as an ArcGIS toolbar to assist resource managers, researchers, and land-use planners in prioritizing important areas in the landscape or seascape for conservation or restoration action. The tool also generates pertinent reports, maps, and data tables. The tool and additional information are available online. A webinar demonstration will be held February 5, 2008, 2 pm EST.
Space Expo Presenters Needed The New England Air Museum in collaboration with the IGNITE Foundation will be hosting its second Space Expo on Sunday, March 30, 2008, from 10:00 to 5:00. You are invited to present engaging exhibits to interact with young people and expose them to the numerous career opportunities in the fields of science, engineering and space exploration. Oceanography and marine science presentations are welcome! There is no cost for exhibit space. The Museum will provide lunch the day of the event. For more information contact Becky Cross.
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.
Workshop on Microbes The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), with support from the Howard Hughes Medical
Institute (HHMI), is offering a professional development workshop in science education for high school teachers, Grades 9-12 - Discover the Microbes Within! The Wolbachia Project, held April 11-13, 2008. The workshop integrates inquiry, discovery, and biology into classroom labs and lesson plans. For more information contact Sarah Bordenstein.
Register Today for IPY/NSTA Web Seminars on Arctic and Antarctic Living Systems Join NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation and the National Science Teachers Association for three, free Web seminars on the topic of the International Polar Year. Designed for educators of grades 5-8, the seminars will focus on land and marine adaptations to extreme conditions, species migration, and the role of humans in polar ecosystems. 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 seminars in this series are scheduled for Jan. 17 and Jan. 24, 2008. Each seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Online registration for each is now open.
Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation
The Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) and the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point offer this online course, February 18-May 9, 2008, for students and professionals in the field of environmental education. Learn to evaluate environmental education and outreach programs by designing evaluation tools such as questionnaires, observation forms, and interview and focus group guides. This course is designed for environmental educators, natural resource professionals, and graduate students who can apply the tools they develop to a specific education program or research study. More information online.
Ocean Explorer Professional Development The Ocean Explorer professional development webpage has been updated for 2008. Workshops introduce educators to ocean scientists/explorers and their research and explorations, and at the same time, provide tools and resources to engage students in ocean exploration by bringing the classroom closer to the ocean than it has ever been before. Workshops are offered in many locations, including Georgia, California, Alabama, Illinois, Oregon, and elsewhere. More information online.
Professional Development from the National Marine Sanctuary Program The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program aims to provide teachers with resources and training to support ocean literacy in America's classrooms. Check out the workshop and professional development opportunities for educators, from short courses in California to Georgia's Rivers to Reefs, from shipwreck archaeology to marine technology, and much more. More information online.
ACES Signals of Spring ACES online training will begin in January. ACES is a grades 7-12 (scaffolded) marine science curriculum program where students track live marine animals in real time. The program is standards-based and gives teachers a way to teach their regular topics in the context of the ocean. It is completely grant funded including teacher training, all materials, and support. For more information, contact Meghan Marrero or visit online.
Courses at AMNH The American Museum of Natural History is offering online courses including The Ocean System and The Diversity of Fishes. Free sample resources for each course, including essays, videos, and interactive simulations, and registration information is available online.
Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists The Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting offers fellowships for early- to mid-career journalists to attend a week-long science immersion workshop at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography on June 8-13, 2008. Each fellowship provides tuition, room and board, and limited travel reimbursement. The deadline for application is January 28, 2008. More information available online.
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Conferences
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North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE) Proposals Consider submitting a proposal to present at the next NAAEE conference. Although there is no marine education strand next year, the theme is "EE on the Prairie" and provides a context to share the work of freshwater members as well as to highlight the connections between inland environments and our coasts. If you've been thinking about submitting a session, don't delay; the deadline is January 15. More information available online.
National Marine Educators Association Conference
NMEA 2008: One World, One Water, being held July 21-24, 2008 in Savannah, Georgia, will team cutting-edge research with innovative education. Plunge into The International Year of the Reef, ocean literacy, fisheries, and southeastern estuarine ecosystems. The program committee seeks a diverse group of presenters that includes researchers, educators, resource managers, and others to share ideas, programs, and current trends in marine and aquatic education and research. The deadline for submission is February 1, 2008. More information available online.
NSTA Regional Conferences Session proposals are still being accepted for 2008-2009 NSTA conferences. The deadline for submitting proposals is January 15, 2008. Share your experience! For more information visit online.
National Oceanfest 2008 National Oceanfest 2008 is being planned for October 9-13, 2008 in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The
conference will reflect on the decade since the National Ocean
Conference, focusing on the knowledge gained and progress made.
National Oceanfest also presents a unique venue to identify priorities
and opportunities for ocean protection into the 21st Century. The
conference will include presentations on the state of the ocean and
exhibits from federal agencies and companies in ocean science and
technology. Oceanfest will also include maritime venue and open house
tours from Woods Hole to Provincetown. For more information contact Brian Braginton-Smith.
The International Aquarium Congress (IAC) The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is organizing the 7th IAC to be held October 20th - 24th 2008 at the Shanghai International Convention Center. Registrants get a 14% discount before January 31, 2008. Presentation requests are due by the same date. To register, submit a presentation proposal, and learn more visit the IAC 2008 website.
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Student Opportunities
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Environmental Research Stipends The Marjot Foundation of Falmouth, MA is a non-profit foundation dedicated to improving environmental education at the secondary school level through student-driven research, and has selected Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine as target states in 2008 for student stipends. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2008. In addition to writing a proposal, students identify a mentor who writes an accompanying letter of support. The mentor may be a teacher at the high school or a scientist working in the academic, government or industrial sectors. Each successful student team will be awarded $4500 for the student, mentor and supplies directly related to the project. More information available online or contact creinisc@mbl.edu.
NOAA Coastal Management Fellowships NOAA's Coastal Services Center has announced its 2008 Coastal Management Fellowship (CMF) program. The CMF was established in 1996 to provide on-the-job education and training opportunities in coastal resource management and policy for postgraduate students and to provide project assistance to state coastal zone management programs. The program matches postgraduate students with state coastal zone programs to work on projects proposed by the state and selected by the fellowship sponsor, the NOAA Coastal Services Center. For more information visit online.
Interns in Alaska The Alaska SeaLife Center is currently recruiting for summer interns. The application deadline date for the summer session is February 1. All internships include complimentary housing and a small food stipend. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the intern. For more information visit online.
Interns in New Jersey Internships are available with the Bayshore Discovery Project, a sail-based camp located on the New Jersey shore.
Art Contest The Wyland Clean Water Challenge is once again sponsoring a nationwide art contest for K-12 students. Enter individual works of art or a giant group mural of any aquatic habitat with above and below the water views and plants and animals that live in the habitat. Download contest rules and regulations. Contest entries must be received by March 21, 2008. Winners announced on March 31, 2008 and formally honored on April 20, 2008.
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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!
Northeastern Lecture Northeastern University Marine Science Center Evening Lecture Series presents "Shell Disease: A Sad Lobster Tale?", a lecture given by Dr. Michael Tlusty, Senior Scientist at New England Aquarium, Tuesday, January 29th, 7:00pm., 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908. For more information contact Tracy Hajduk. |
NEwswave Schedule
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The next issue of NEwswave will be sent January 24, 2008. 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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The Island Institute
Since 1983, the Island Institute has employed a wide range of individuals, including photographers, artists, policy experts, and others, all in the name of maintaining the viability of the fifteen year-round island communities in the Gulf of Maine. Website resources include information about fellowship opportunities, working waterfront initiatives, links to initiatives of interest, educational resources, and much more. Visit
online
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Phone Number of Note
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The FishPhone is the nation's first sustainable seafood text messaging service - just text 30644 with the message FISH and the name of the fish species in question. You will get texted back with an assessment of the species and better alternatives if your selection has significant environmental concerns. The FishPhone is an initiative of the Blue Ocean Institute.
Another alternative is the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Guide, now available for cell phones and other mobile devices with an Internet connection. You can also order regional seafood guides.
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Blog of Note
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What's Bubble & Squeak?
It's a brand-new blog about the ocean. It's written for kids by award-winning children's author Karen Romano Young. Visit online, and encourage your students to post questions.
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New NOAA Seminars Web Page
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The "One NOAA" Science discussion seminars
has a new online public access web page.
For a complete schedule and to subscribe to a weekly update on upcoming NOAA science discussion seminars, visit online.
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SeaWeb Publications
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The latest issue of SeaWeb's Ocean Update is available here.
Other recent SeaWeb Marine Science Reviews include information on Marine Protected Areas and Reserves. Visit online to register for SeaWeb publications.
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Breaking Waves
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Breaking Waves is a daily digest of ocean news from more than 200 media sources around the world compiled by the World Ocean Observatory. To subscribe or read the current issue, visit online.
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NSTA Boston
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NSTA is coming to Boston in March. This year's NSTA National Conference is being held in Boston, March 27-30. Among other things, a trip to Northeastern's Marine Science Center is on the agenda! To register, visit here. For general information about the conference, visit here.
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A presentation on NEOSEC - A Partnership to Promote Ocean Science Literacy will be held on Saturday March 29th. Stay tuned for more details.
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AAAS in Boston
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The annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is also coming to Boston, February 14-18. Included are free family science days, exhibit halls open to the public, and reduced student rates. Visit the online site for more information.
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Mass Bays Window
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The latest edition of Massachusetts Bays Window, the newsletter of the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program, is now available online.
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State of Cape Cod Bay Report
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Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies' State of the Bay 2007 report for Cape Cod Bay is available online. The report highlights comprehensive water quality research and addresses issues that concern local, state, and federal resource managers.
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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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