COSEE NE News
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Ocean Science Education Institute The Ocean Science Education Institute (OSEI), funded by COSEE NE and developed by Northeastern University's Marine Science Center in 2007, has been summed up in a final report and evaluation. Paticipating scientists and educators both have positive things to say about the effects of OSEI!
Telling Your Story Workshop On May 29 a Telling Your Story workshop was held in Maine, sponsored by COSEE-NE and the Census of Marine Life Gulf of Maine Area project. |
Reports, Publications, Announcements
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Ocean Topography Project to Launch The Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM)/Jason-2 will measure
the distance between a satellite and the ocean surface to within a few
centimeters. Accurate observations of variations in sea surface
height (also known as ocean topography) provide scientists with
information about the speed and direction of ocean currents and heat
stored in the ocean. This information, in turn, reveals global climate
variations. The project is set to launch June 15.
Red Tide Blooms in Massachusetts Waters Due
to the spread of toxic red tide, the Massachusetts Division of Marine
Fisheries (DMF) has taken action to prohibit the harvesting, sale, or
possession of shellfish from portions of the Commonwealth's coastal
waters. For the latest information about the red tide bloom in Massachusetts, go to the DMF website. For additional information, see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Red Tide Fact Sheet; the NOAA New England Red Tide Information Center; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Red Tide Information Webpage.
Economic Importance of America's Estuaries Restore America's Estuaries, a national alliance of community-based conservation organizations with a mission of preserving the nation's network of estuaries, announces the release of its report, The Economic and Market Value of Coasts and Estuaries: What's At Stake? The report, funded in part by NOAA, examines the high costs of losing coastal and estuarine environments. Restore America's Estuaries held a Congressional Briefing on the findings of the report on May 22. For more information or to read the report visit online.
Seaflloor Microbial Life Abundant Bacteria on ocean-bottom rocks are more abundant and diverse than previously thought, appearing to "feed" on the planet's oceanic crust, according to results of a study reported in the journal Nature. Once considered a barren plain dotted with hydrothermal vents, the seafloor's rocky regions appear to be teeming with microbial life, say scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), University of Southern California (USC), and other institutions. Read the NSF summary.
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Policy Matters
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Governor Patrick Signs Massachusetts Oceans Act On May 28, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the Oceans Act of 2008, legislation that will require Massachusetts to develop a first-in-the-nation comprehensive plan to manage development in state waters (see the Governor's Press Release). The new ocean management plan, which must be completed by December 31, 2009, will be developed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in consultation with a 17-member ocean advisory commission, the state office of Coastal Zone Management, and an ocean science advisory council. The bill was the result of three years of negotiation and collaboration between the lead Senate sponsors (Senate President Therese Murray, Senator Robert O'Leary, and Senator Bruce Tarr), environmental groups, fishing organizations, and other ocean users. For more information on the state's ocean management efforts, see the Massachusetts Ocean Management Initiative website. (See also the related job posting below.)
Rep. Honda and Sen. Obama Introduce eSTEM Bill
A bill has been introduced by Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) and Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), the Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Act of 2008 (eSTEM). The legislation, based on the National Science Board recent Action Plan, calls on Congress to reorganize the President's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), create an Office of STEM at the U.S. Department of Education, institute a voluntary state Consortium on STEM education, and create a National STEM Education Research Repository. Read the press release. |
Online Ocean Education Resources
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NSDL Wiki The National Science Digital Library (NSDL) offers NSDL Wiki, where users can create educational content, organize project documentation, and submit and annotate educational resources in the NSDL Data Repository. The Classic Articles in Context section seeks to integrate landmark works of scientific inquiry into dynamic learning spaces. As an example, see Climate Change and Anthropogenic Greenhouse Warming: A Selection of Key Articles, 1824-1995, which includes interpretive essays.
AUVfest Lesson Plans The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Festival - AUVfest 2008 - took place May 12-23, 2008, hosted by and based at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island, co-sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. Lesson plans have been developed for students in grades 5-12 to complement the science, mathematics, marine archaeology, and maritime heritage focus of AUVfest 2008, and are posted on the website.
Coral Ecosystems Seminar The NSTA Learning Center offers the archived NOAA Coral Ecosystems Seminar, focusing on impacts to coral reefs. Materials include the downloadable presentation in PowerPoint or pdf, along with an Elluminate Live! application for those with faster connections. This seminar was presented and recorded at NSTA 2008. Take the NOAA Coral Ecosystems Seminar.
Exploratorium: Microscope Imaging Station The Microscope Imaging Station from the Exploratorium offers a door to the wonder of the microscopic world. Visitors can view images from sea urchins, zebrafish, and more. Each feature includes images of the cells, along with complete background material on the work that is being done through the use of these high-powered images. The Gallery offers high-resolution images and movies created with research-grade microscopes. Visit the Microscope Imaging Station. |
Seminars, Workshops, Online Courses
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Introduction to Microbes for Science Teachers The Harvard Microbial Sciences Initiative (MSI) presents Windows to the Invisible Microbial World, a teacher professional development workshop, June 25-27, 2008 at Harvard University Center for the Environment. This workshop is aimed at middle school and high school science teachers, and includes lectures by faculty, hands-on demonstrations, lab experiences, and trial materials kits. One of the sessions focuses on deep-sea microbes. Applications due June 9. Application and more information available online.
MITS Summer Institute The Museum Institute for Teaching Science (MITS) is holding its annual Summer Institute July 7-18. The program offers K-8 teachers professional development opportunities to learn inquiry-based, hands-on methods of teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Institutes will be held in nine regions of Massachusetts. There are still spaces available. For more information and registration contact mits@mits.org or visit the website.
Seminars on Science Graduate Course Space is still available in the second summer session of the online Seminars on Science from the American Museum of Natural History. Summer Session Two runs June 30-August 10. Registration closes June 16. Available courses include The Ocean System, The Diversity of Fishes and Sharks and Rays. For more information and to register, visit online.
BOAT CAMP for Teachers There are still some spaces left for educators at BOAT CAMP, held along the Newburyport, Massachusets waterfront. These professional development workshops for K-12 educators include Water Analysis of the Merrimack River and Field Marine Study of Coastal Ecosystems in the Gulf of Maine. Visit online. |
Conferences
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North American Association for Environmental Education Conference Registration is open for the 37th North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference, being held October 15-18, 2008 in Wichita, Kansas. Visit online to review conference strands and threads.
NMEA Registration The 2008 NMEA conference One World One Water is being held in Savannah, Georgia July 21-24. Full registration has been extended through June 6! |
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Jobs in New England (and beyond)
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Education Director, Maine The Wells National Estuarine Reserve in southern Maine seeks an energetic educator and supervisor to plan, implement, and evaluate interpretive education and public programs about coastal ecology and the natural history of the Gulf of Maine. Details about the position and the application process can be found online. Applications must be received by Friday, June 13.
Ocean Management Analyst, Boston The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is seeking applications for an Ocean Management Analyst to provide staff support to Ocean Management and Planning efforts led by CZM, including work plan and budget development, project scoping and management for data gathering projects, development of public support materials and other briefings on ocean planning, and to assist in the representation of CZM in regional groups. Applications are due by June 9.
Outreach and Policy Analyst, Boston The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program is seeking applications for an Outreach and Policy Analyst to plan and direct the program's general outreach efforts and assist with program management and policy coordination. Applications are due by June 25.
Marine Science Instructor, Florida MarineLab in Key Largo, Florida has an opening for a marine science instructor. Instructors lead elementary through college-age students on an intensive exploration of the seagrass, mangroves, and coral reef communities of Key Largo, Florida. Applications available online.
Education Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator, California The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has an opening for an
Education Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator, to act as support staff for a variety of education projects and work in close contact with the Education Coordinator. This position also oversees all Maritime Museum volunteer programs and is responsible for the development and assessment of the volunteer program as a whole. For more information contact
Abbey Chamberlain.
Sea Center Programs Coordinator, California The Ty Warner Sea Center at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has an opening for a programs coordinator. The coordinator develops, implements, evaluates and promotes a wide range of programs for community members of all ages. For additional information visit online. |
Student Opportunities
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NEAq Camp Openings There are still openings in the New England Aquarium Harbor Discoveries advanced summer programs for students going into 8th and 9th grade. Each program runs for one week and are in session in July and August. Visit online for more details.
AmeriCorp Position, Oregon The US Fish and Wildlife Service Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex has openings for a Coastal Wildlife Education Coordinator and Environmental Education Specialist.
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Grants
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Environmental Education Grants To help provide teachers around the country with support for their innovative work to bring environmental education into the classroom, the National Environmental Education Foundation is launching the Classroom Earth National High School Challenge - an opportunity for up to 25 teachers to secure as much as $5,000 to $10,000 in funding to bring innovative environmental themes into their coursework. Visit online.
Ocean Protection Grants The Ocean Fund, a program of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, is seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations for ocean conservation, research, and education grants. Annual grants average between $25,000 and $50,000, although there is no absolute maximum. Letters of intent are due by June 30.
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Requests
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NOAA Climate Change Document NOAA is seeking public comments on the draft climate change publication U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.4-Abrupt Climate Change. Instructions for commenting are provided on the publication's web page. Comments are due by June 16.
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Calendar
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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!
Metcalf Lectures The 2008 Metcalf Institute Annual Public Lecture Series, Scientists and Journalists: Getting the Point Across, will take place June 9-13. All lectures are free and open to the public, and will be held at the Coastal Institute on Narragansett Bay Auditorium at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Details online.
Premiere, Arctic Documentary The Harvard Museum of Natural History presents the premiere of Abandoned in the Arctic, Thursday, June 19, 7:00 pm. This documentary tells the harrowing story of Adolphus Greely and his team of 24 men who set out in 1881 to build an arctic research station. The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Gino Del Guercio of Boston University's Center for Science and Medical Journalism; executive producer Dr. Geoffrey Clark, Harvard '60; and James Shedd, great-great-grandson of Adolphus Greeley. Free and open to the public at Harvard's Science Center, Hall C, One Oxford Street, Cambridge. Details online.
Screening, Portrait of a Coast The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) in collaboration with the Payomet Performing Arts Center in Truro 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 19, 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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The Ocean Channel
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The Ocean Channel, Inc.
is a new-media, California-based corporation focused on the aggregation, production and distribution of premium ocean content for an array of media, such as broadband Internet, television, and DVD home video. The Ocean Channel
seeks global partnerships with filmmakers, marine institutes, universities and marine conservation organizations.
The Ocean Channel is also where over 300 films on the ocean are available for downloading.
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WeirdFins
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WeirdFins is a NOAA Fisheries Service website and weekly podcast
about strange or bizarre creatures that inhabit the sea. Each podcast is only two minutes long and is packed with interesting information.
NOAA Fisheries Service website and weekly podcast
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Ocean Day Online
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World Ocean Day is June 8. Help celebrate online!
Sponsored by The Ocean Project, visit online to sign a petition to endorse a United Nations resolution, list your Ocean Day event, or get celebration ideas.
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International Year of the Reef (IYOR) Messaging
Campaign
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The International Year of the Reef (IYOR)
presents
a series of TV public service announcements and a messaging campaign to educate the public about coral reef environmental education. Five TV ads and five print-ready ads
are
available for downloading.
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Subscribe to CZ-Mail
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CZ-Mail is the monthly electronic newsletter
from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). It provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. To subscribe send a request.
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Summer Publications from WHOI Sea Grant
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Get ready for summer with the following
publications from WHOI Sea Grant
These Dunes Aren't Made For Walking
This 2-color, 11" x 14" poster describes the importance of dunes as a
first line of defense against ocean waves and cautions beachgoers against
trampling the dune plants when walking to the beach.
FREE!
Beachcomber's CompanionŠ
A fun twist on the traditional field guide, the waterproof and portable
Beachcomber's CompanionŠ features 50 common Atlantic coast marine
invertebrates.
Cards provide common and scientific names for each organism,
along with classification information, details on size, shape, and color,
and where to look for it.
$16.95 per set. To order,
visit online.
Shark Sense
This brochure includes images and descriptions of sharks found in the
Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, provides information on shark attacks
(and how to avoid them) and provides sources for additional information.
Limited supply, FREE!
If you're interested in receiving any of these items contact Sheri DeRosa.
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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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