NEOSEC News
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NEOSEC Planning Meeting The New England Ocean Sciences Education Collaborative (NEOSEC) held a planning meeting on May 16 at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire. The meeting was attended by approximately 30 members and moderated by NEOSEC Chair Gail Scowcroft. Minutes will be posted on the NEOSEC website soon; meanwhile, here are some highlights:
The Networking Committee presented the results of a survey of NEOSEC members on how to enhance communication between members of the NEOSEC network. Troy Hartley, member of the University of New Hampshire Department of Resource Economics and Management, discussed his work studying the patterns of communication within and between various local and regional organizations. The Outreach Committee unveiled an exciting project to involve visitors to New England informal science institutions with Ocean Literacy concepts. Peter Alexander of Talking Conservation gave an overview of his work and how it might relate to NEOSEC's mission. There were presentations throughout the day by NEOSEC member institutions on how their institutions utilize the principles of Ocean Literacy.
NEOSEC Elections were held at the Planning Meeting May 16. Congratulations to the new incoming Chair of NEOSEC, Suzy Ryan, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Gulf of Maine Census of Marine Life; and the Chair-Elect, Perrin Chick, Education Director, Seacoast Science Center. And thank you to the outgoing Chair, Gail Scowcroft!
Save the Date for NEOSEC Ocean Literacy Summit NEOSEC will host 200 ocean scientists, science writers, educators and their administrators, and policymakers at Boston University for the Second Ocean Literacy Summit, November 7, 2008.
NEOSEC has identified global climate change as the topic for this year's Summit. Please join us! The day-long program will include:
- a keynote address by Dr. Kerry Emanuel of the Program in Atmospheres, Oceans and Climate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- concurrent workshops: public perceptions of ocean and climate; ocean and climate in the classroom; case studies that bring new scientific research to formal and informal ocean science education
- networking and discussion: opportunities for cross-cutting collaborations to reach audiences across New England about the ocean
- exhibits
Registration details will follow shortly. Contact Pam DiBonaif you would like more information as it becomes available; include "Ocean Literacy Summit" in the subject line of your email.
Curious about the First Ocean Literacy Summit? Read all about it online. |
Reports, Publications and Announcements
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Lessons from the Urban Science Classroom Christopher Emdin has developed and tested strategies to engage urban students that can be used by any teacher to reach students who don't feel a part of science, he says. This month, Emdin, an assistant professor of science education at New York City's Teachers College, Columbia University, was honored with Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International's 2007 International Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award for his three-year ethnographic study of physics and chemistry classrooms in a Bronx high school, where he explored the culture and context of the urban classroom. To read more about Christorpher Emdin's research, read his paper and hear a podcast interview with him, visit here.
U.S. Coastal Waters Less Toxic Than 20 Years Ago U.S. environmental laws enacted in the 1970s are reducing overall contaminant levels in coastal waters of the United States, finds a 20-year study released recently by scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "The Mussel Watch Program 20-year assessment is a concise and informative review of contaminant monitoring in the nation's coastal waters," said Jack Schwartz with Massachusetts Marine Fisheries. "This report should well serve readers who may not necessarily be conversant with scientific literature on contaminant monitoring and fate and effects." Read the story in Environment News Service. |
News From Washington DC
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CSO Call for Action The Coastal States Organization (CSO) has presented a Call for Action to protect US oceans and coasts, which is under consideration by the Northeast Regional Ocean Council and the California Ocean Protection Council. The Call for Action includes the following three primary areas, intended to focus the attention of the presidential campaigns and the new administration: establishment of a National Ocean Trust Fund, support for state adaptation to climate change, and the reauthorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act. |
Online Ocean Education Resources
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Ocean Technology Foundation Lessons Plans The Ocean Technology Foundation is preparing for its June expedition to search for the Bonhomme Richard, flagship of American naval hero John Paul Jones, which was lost in the North Sea during the American Revolution. In conjunction with the search, there are lesson plans available online which focus on ocean technologies (sonars and magnetometer), careers in marine technology, and surveying a shipwreck site. The lessons are appropriate for middle and high school levels and are correlated with the NSES and Ocean Literacy Principles.
Nautical Charts: Message in a Bottle! NOAA's National Ocean Service Education section offers interactive activities,
tutorials, and case studies for use in the classroom. The latest offering is Nautical Charts: Message in a Bottle!, designed for grades 3-5, in cooperation with NOAA's Office of Coast Survey. The activity uses animation to teach chart symbols, safe boating, and the importance of nautical charts. The website includes movies, pictures, and links to other resources. Visit online. |
Seminars, Workshops, Online Courses
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MARE Summer Leadership Institute The Marine Activities Resources & Education (MARE) program of the Lawrence Hall of Science is offering a Summer Leadership Institute at UC Santa Cruz from July 31-August 8, 2008. The MARE Summer Leadership institute provides an opportunity to participate in classroom and field experiences in a variety of marine habitats using an award-winning ocean science program. Daily instruction offers an array of activities from the MARE curriculum and leadership activities, delivered by a team of teachers, scientists, and storytellers. This Institute is appropriate for those interested in becoming a Teacher Leader qualified to guide the implementation of the MARE program within their school district or informal science institution. For more information contact Steve LaDochy.
Online Oceanography Course The American Meteorological Society is offering Datastreme Ocean, a free online oceanography course for K-12 teachers. The 12-week course, including AMS classroom educational materials, is a 3-unit graduate course from SUNY-Brockport. The course starts at the end of August 2008 and is now accepting applications.
Remote Sensing Workshop This one-day workshop on July 6, being held as part of the International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS), July 6-11 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, is focused on Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) engineering, implementation of the GEOSS information infrastructure, and GEOSS emerging applications and pilot projects. The workshop will also provide a forum for discussing the development and operational issues of Air Quality and Coastal Ecosystems. Specific emphasis will be on the overarching engineering challenges for this system of systems. For more information, visit online.
Shoals Marine Laboratory Summer Courses The Shoals Marine Laboratory still has openings in several summer courses, held on Appledor Island, Maine. Visit online for a complete list of courses. All courses carry Cornell University credit (2 credits per week of instruction) and offer the chance to study marine science in the field on and around an island 7 miles from the Maine/New Hampshire shore. For more information contact Willy Bemis.
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Conferences
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| NMEA 2008 in Savannah NMEA 2008: One World, One Water is being held in Savannah, Georgia, July 21-25. Full conference registration, which includes all meals and special events, closes June 1. Full registration online. |
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Jobs in New England (and beyond)
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Sustainable Fisheries Positions, Boston The New England Aquarium is expanding its program that advises seafood corporations on issues of seafood sustainability, as part of the Sustainable Fisheries Initiative. There are openings for conservation scientist, conservation associates, and fisheries administrative assistant. More details online or contact Heather Tausig for more information.
Environmental Educator, Connecticut SoundWaters has an immediate opening for an Environmental Educator to teach environmental education programs to children and adults at the Coastal Center in Stamford, Connecticut. SoundWaters mission is to protect Long Island Sound through education. More details available online
Director, National Ocean Sciences Bowl, Washington DC
The Consortium for Ocean Leadership announces the search for a new Director for its National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB®) program, a national academic competition for high schools on topics related to the study of the oceans. The Director sets priorities for and oversees coordination of the NOSB and is responsible for managing all aspects of the program, including regional coordination, the national finals, budget management, supervision of staff and promotion of the NOSB on a national scale. Job description details available online. (Scroll down to Ocean Leadership Opportunities.)
Executive Director, NERRA, Washington DC The National Estuarine Research Reserve Association (NERRA) is seeking a new Executive Director to manage the national office and carry out a broad array of duties, including policy development and advocacy, communications and outreach, partnership building, strategic planning, financial management fundraising and grants management. NERRA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, understanding, and science-based management of the estuaries and coasts of the US. Visit online for more information on NERRA and a full job description.
Marine Mammal Program Host, Florida The Education Department of Dolphin Research Center (DRC) currently has an immediate full-time opening for a Program Host. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility in the Florida keys. Visit online or contact Kirsten Donald for more information.
Education Program Specialist, Los Angeles The Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies has an opening for an Education Program Specialist on the Edison Challenge Team, a program for teams of teachers and students in grades 6-12 to explore environmental science. The Edison Challenge Education Program Specialist will coordinate and implement all components of the Edison Challenge program, including a competition for middle and high school teams and professional development workshops for teachers. The program emphasis is on physical science. For more information contact Lynn Whitley.
Campaign Director, Washington DC The Blue Frontier Campaign, an organization committed to building unity, providing tools and increasing awareness of the solution-oriented ocean and coastal protection movement, is seeking a Campaign Director for its Washington DC program.
For more information visit online.
International Campaign Director, Amsterdam Greenpeace is seeking an Ocean Campaign Unit Head to lead the strategic development of its global oceans campaign and oversee its implementation through the global Greenpeace network. The job will be based out of its Amsterdam office. Applications are due by June 2. For more information visit online.
AmeriCorps Positions, Alaska The Alaska SeaLife Center is currently recruiting for three AmeriCorps members to work as Assistant Aviculturist, Assistant Mammalogist, and Laboratory Assistant. For more information visit online or contact Jenelle Gilding.
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Student Opportunities
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Biotech Summer Program, Massachusetts The CityLab Program at Bridgewater State College is again offering its biotechnology summer program for middle school students. Entitled Whale of a Mystery, the program is open to students entering grades 6-9 in the fall of 2008. Students in the program will conduct scientific research to solve a forensic mystery based on current scientific and legal proceedings regarding endangered whale and dolphin species. Session one will run July 7-11; session two is July 14-18. Visit online or contact Kayla Pelchat.
Internships at Roundhouse Aquarium, California The internship program at the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and
Aquarium at the Manhattan Beach Pier in California provides students with an opportunity to gain practical
work experience in the field of marine biology. The application is available online.
Art Contest, Regional Coastal America is holding an art contest with age groups running from
elementary through college level. Submissions are to be related to one
of the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles. New England entries should be sent to Mystic Aquarium. The deadline is May 30. Visit online for details.
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Events
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We are happy to include events from around New England. If you would like your organization's event published here, please send the information to the editor, Catherine Cramer. Thanks!
Maritime Days at Cape Museum The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster, MA, offers a free Maritime Days presentation, May 24, beginning at 10am. Included is Mudflat Mania plus presentations by the Cape Cod Stranding Network and National Marine Life Center.
CZMA Briefing and Reception The Coastal States Organization (CSO) will host a briefing, The Future of the Coastal Zone Management Act in the Era of Climate Change, Monday, June 2, 2:00 pm, in the U.S. Capitol, Room HC-6. The briefing will feature speakers from around the nation raising the awareness of the Coastal Zone Management Act and the important need to evolve and reauthorize this critical law. Following the briefing, a reception will be held at Senate House Office Building Dirksen G-11 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The reception will be co-hosted by partner organizations that support the reauthorization efforts.
Seabird and Whale Tale Cruise New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) and OceanQuest Hands-on Marine Education offer an all-day marine wildlife cruise on Sunday, June 8, departing at 7:30 am from the Plymouth (MA) Town Pier. Wayne Petersen of Massachusetts Audubon Society, David Clapp of Natural History Services and Dr. John C. Jahoda of Bridgewater State College will lead the excursion to view coastal marine wildlife. For more information or to download the registration form, visit OceanQuest or NECWA online.
Screening, Portrait of a Coast The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) in collaboration with the Payomet Performing Arts Center in Truro (MA) presents a story of Cape Cod's dramatically changing coastline in an updated version of "Portrait of a Coast, 21st Century," directed by James Gabriel. The screening will take place on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Payomet Performing Arts Center of Truro and proceeds will benefit PCCS and Payomet. James Gabriel and scientist Graham Giese, PhD., will participate in a panel discussion immediately following the film. Tickets are $35. For more information, tickets, or to learn about upcoming events at Payomet, visit online. |
NEwswave Schedule
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The next issue of NEwswave will be sent June 5, 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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New SeaGrant Documents
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The listing of new Sea Grant documents received by the National Sea Grant Library during April 2008 is now available.
Copies of these documents are also usually available from the originating Sea Grant program.
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Sea Turtle Journey on Video
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Adelita the loggerhead sea turtle was the first animal tracked across an entire ocean basin using telemetry.
Watch videos of her amazing 12,000 km journey, and preview the PBS/Nature website for Voyage of the Lonely Turtle.
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Blue Planet
Availability
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The Ocean Conservancy has back issues of the quarterly Blue Planet magazine available to educators and others who are interested. These publications have marine conservation content as well as photographs for art projects. You can also sign up to receive the quarterly publication on an ongoing basis. Contact Susan Olcott at for further details.
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Thank You Ocean Podcasts
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The California-based
Thank You Ocean Campaign has begun a series of short (3-5 minutes) podcasts. You can listen to the podcasts, explore each topic further through the links on that page, and subscribe to receive an e-mailed notice each time a new podcast is posted.
Thank You Ocean Report podcasts
Stories feature interviews with ocean experts, explorers, scientists, conservationists, government and business leaders.
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Marine Photobank Needs You
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Take your camera with you this summer
The Marine Photobank is in search of high quality images that tell a compelling story about the ocean. To get an idea of the imagery they are seeking, visit the Marine Photobank Galleries.
To contribute images, sign up online.
The Marine Photobank collection is available to educators to use in your curricula and other applications. Images are free to use for non-commercial purposes.
Contact Marine Photobank Director Reuven Walder with any special requests.
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SeaWeb Publications
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SeaWeb's Ocean Update
is published monthly. Subscribe online.
Recent SeaWeb Marine Science Reviews include information on introduced species;
pathogens, disease and die-offs; human health, habitats and ecosystems; fish and fisheries. Visit online
to register for SeaWeb publications. |
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Massachusetts Marine Educators Newsletter
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The Spring issue of MME's newsletter Flotsam and Jetsam is now available on the MME 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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