COSEE-New England and NEOSEC News
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Telling Your Story Workshop COSEE-New England will be offering the workshop Telling Your Story on January 16, 2009. The day-long workshop will be held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA. A special "Train the Trainers" session will be held at the end of the workshop. Registration is now closed. For more information contact Pam DiBona. |
News from NEOSEC Members
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The Winter issue of Massachusetts Marine Educators newsletter Flotsam and Jetsam is now available online.
Teacher Training at Waquoit Bay Research Reserve Waquoit Bay Reserve's professional development courses for teachers integrate science content, math applications, recent research results, and sample classroom lessons. Graduate credit is available from Framingham State College for $65.00 per credit. Courses are offered without charge, and donations are gratefully accepted. For more information and to register, visit online or contact Pat Harcourt. The next class, Weather, Climate, and the Coast, will be offered Saturday January 17, 8 am-4 pm and Sunday January 18, noon-4 pm. |
Policy Matters
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Senate Introduces Omnibus On January 7, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act (S. 22) was introduced by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM). S. 22 combines more than 150 bills to expand wilderness areas and protect other federal lands. The package includes five bills that will benefit the ocean, Great Lakes and coasts, including: Ocean Exploration/Coastal and Ocean Mapping (S. 39 from 110th Congress); Ocean Observation (S. 950 from the 110th Congress); Ocean Acidification (S. 1581); and the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Act - CELCP (H.R. 1907). To track the bill visit online.
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Reports, Publications, Announcements
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New Report on Learning Science in Informal Environments A new report from the National Research Council (NRC) examines learning in informal science education settings. Read the announcement from the NRC.
Celebrate the Year of Science 2009 Last week the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) kicked off the Year of Science 2009 (YoS2009), a national, yearlong, grassroots celebration of how science works, who scientists are, and why science matters. June 2009 will celebrate the ocean and water; watch here for more details.
Ocean Conveyor Pump Switches Back On One of the "pumps" that helps drive the ocean's global circulation suddenly switched on again last winter for the first time this decade. The finding surprised scientists who had been wondering if global warming was inhibiting the pump and did not foresee any indications that it would turn back on. Read the story in the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's publication Oceanus.
Sea-Surface Temperatures Vital to Predicting U.S. Regional Climate Changes Greenhouse gases play an important role in North American climate, but differences in regional ocean temperatures may hold a key to predicting future U.S. regional climate changes, according to a new NOAA-led scientific assessment. The authors address the likelihood and extent to which human activity or natural variations have driven surface warming, precipitation, droughts, and floods. The assessment is one in a series of synthesis and assessment reports coordinated by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. For more information, read the NOAA news release.
Bush Designates Three Marine National Monuments in the Pacific On January 6, President Bush designated three new marine national monuments in the Pacific, covering 195,280 square miles. President Bush announced the national monuments under the Antiquities Act, which confers declaratory power of national monuments to the President at his or her discretion. The three areas recently designated by Bush include two in the Line Islands in the central Pacific, and one in the western Pacific. For more information and to see the precise areas designated visit online. |
Online Ocean Science Education Resources
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GIS Training for Teachers Coastlines is an NSF-funded project whose goal is to train teachers to use geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS). Participants use these skills to explore ocean research conducted by scientists at four sites of NSF's Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) network. All Coastlines lessons are available for download.
Polar Cruise Blog You are invited to join the Polar Cruise Blog coming to you from the R/V Laurence M. Gould. The cruise is currently en route to Palmer Station, Antarctica. You can ask questions, track the ship, post comments and immerse yourself in life along the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Video clips, photographs, daily journal entries and references will make this blog useful for families, kids, parents, school classrooms and educators. Join the blog.
Impact of Human Activities on Marine Ecosystems The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis at the University of Santa Barbara has launched an interactive mapping website showing the cumulative impact of human activities on marine ecosystems around the world. Using the site, users can produce a summary report of the results for any location that includes explanations for why the location has the impact scores that it does, and download data for any given location. Learn more.
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Seminars, Workshops, Online Courses
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Climate Change Backpack Workshop Educators looking for new approaches to teaching climate change may find just what they're looking for in the Climate Change Backpack. Developed by the Northeast Science Center Collaborative, the Climate Change Backpack is a curriculum kit that includes experiments, historical climate data, props such as a model ice core, and more. The kit is packed into a rugged daypack, which makes it useful for both outdoor field-based learning and teaching in the classroom. Learn how to use the Climate Change Backpack to enhance your own teaching at this New England Aquarium training workshop, led by the team at the Teacher Resource Center. Saturday, February 7, 9 am-3 pm. Advance registration is required; please register here.
Earthwatch Educator Fellowships Fellowships are available for educators to participate in international and U.S. Earthwatch Conservation Expeditions. The deadline for application is February 9, 2009. Details online.
Global Environmental Change Education Course
offered by the University of Rhode Island Office of Marine Programs
(OMP) covers a comprehensive suite of topics related to Earth's changing environments,
including changes to the ocean and atmosphere and related implications for human
health, society, and governments. The course starts February 25 and will meet
Wednesday evenings, 4-6:30 PM at URI's Narragansett Bay Campus. Registration
must be made through the Narragansett Bay Classroom Registrar. See the OMP webiste.
Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) and Deep Earth Academy IODP and the Consortium for Ocean Leadership are pleased to announce School of Rock 2009 - Cores, CORKS and Hydrology on the Juan de Fuca Ridge - a hands-on, research-based expedition for Earth and ocean science educators. Slated for June 23 - July 5 aboard the JOIDES Resolution, this workshop is open to science teachers at all levels, including undergraduate faculty, preservice, and informal educators. The application and further information are available online. |
Funding Opportunities
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Rhode Island Sea Grant Research Omnibus Request for Proposals The Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program is seeking proposals for its 2010-2012 NOAA Omnibus. The program is seeking research proposals that focus on: Narragansett Bay; Rhode Island's regional seas; regional proposals among multiple Sea Grant institutions and investigators; and proposals to establish collaboratives in targeted priority areas including Coastal Communities and Economies. Learn more.(pdf) |
Jobs in New England (and beyond)
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Education Specialist, Rhode Island Immediate opening for environmental/science educator to join Save the Bay's Explore the Bay (ETB) Education Staff. Instructional assignments held in a variety of settings, including classroom programs, field/coastal field trips and shipboard programs. Student/participants range from K-12 students to adults. This position is centered out of the Exploration Center and Aquarium in Newport, Rhode Island. For more information see the Save the Bay website.
Education Specialist, Alaska The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is currently recruiting an Education Specialist. This position is responsible for working with the Education Department to present ASLC marine science programs. Responsibilities include developing and presenting educational programs with a focus on current marine research in Alaska, to scheduled on-site or off-site school children and other groups. Details online.
Education and Outreach Specialist, California Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary in San Simeon, California has an opening for an Education and Outreach Specialist. This is a National Ocean Service/NOAA position. Apply online.
Educators and Instructors, North Carolina North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has openings in its education department for Seasonal Educators (May-September) and Special Activities Instructors. If you have questions contact Andrea Hitt. Details online.
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Student Opportunities
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National Seashore Fellowship Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Nickerson fellowship at Cape Cod National Seashore. This year the fellowship will provide a $3K stipend as well as free housing. Researchers and students are eligible. The fellowship supports education and research that contributes to our understanding of the environmental processes occurring at the National Seashore. Contact Megan Tyrrell for more information and the application.
Sea Education Association: SEA Semesters Sea Education Association (SEA) educates students about the world's oceans through a fully accredited study abroad program that combines perspectives from the sciences, humanities, social sciences and public policy, followed by the immediate application of that knowledge at sea. Opportunities are available for undergraduates and high school students. Some scholarship funding is available. The SEA campus is located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. SEA programs are open to students from all academic disciplines. Visit online or email admission@sea.edu for more information.
Marine Mammal Internship The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) North America (NA), headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers a volunteer/intern program to qualified applicants throughout the year in a uniquely designed rolling internship program, allowing each participant/student to customize their learning experience based on their interest. WDCS is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The program typically requires minimum commitment of 3 months, with the possibility of extended the term. Visit online for more information.
Aquarium Internships, North Carolina The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has education internships for college students available throughout the year. Visit online for more information.
Aquarium Internships, Tacoma, Washington The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium on Puget Sound has several internship openings for college students or recent graduates. Some applications have a January 15 deadline. Details online.
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship NOAA is accepting applications for the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program. In 2009, this program will provide funding to approximately 100 college undergraduates for academic studies related to science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. The program also offers a multi-disciplinary summer internship providing students the opportunity to work with NOAA scientists. Applications will be accepted through January 30, 2009. More information about the Hollings Scholarship Program is available online.
NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding scholarship and encourages independent graduate level research, particularly by female and minority students, in oceanography, marine biology and maritime archaeology. The deadline for application is March 31, 2009. Details online.
NOAA Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The NOAA Educational Partnership Program Undergraduate Scholarship Program offers scholarship opportunities for rising junior year students attending minority serving institutions who are majoring in disciplines relating to NOAA's mission. Competitive two-year appointments will be awarded to students to facilitate hands-on research experience at approved NOAA offices and facilities. The deadline for application is February 2, 2009. Details online.
Garden Club of America Wetlands Scholarship The Garden Club of America offers an annual award for a one-year scholarship for graduate studies in coastal wetlands and support of field-based research. The goals of the Garden Club are to promote wetlands conservation through the support of young scientists in their fieldwork and research. The deadline for application is February 1, 2009. Details online.
NOAA Graduate Sciences Program The Graduate Sciences Program is aimed primarily at increasing opportunities for students in NOAA-related fields to pursue research and educational training in atmospheric, environmental, remote sensing, and oceanic sciences at minority serving institutions when possible. The deadline for application is January 30, 2009. Details online.
Marine Technology Society Student Memberships Teledyne RD Instruments is sponsoring 100 free student memberships to the Marine Technology Society(MTS). MTS student memberships are open to students enrolled in undergraduate, 2-year/community college and graduate programs anywhere in the world. Contact Michael Hall for more information. |
Conferences
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NMEA 2009 The National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) invites you to its annual conference. The theme for NMEA 2009 is One World Conserving One Ocean. The conference will be held in Pacific Grove, California, at the Asilomar Conference Grounds, June 29-July 3, 2009. Visit online for more information. |
Requests
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Reviewers for the NCATE/NAAEE EE Standards
The North American Association of Environmental Educators (NAAEE) has developed environmental education standards for college education programs. Colleges will need to explain how they meet them during their National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) review. NAAEE needs volunteers well-trained in the standards to help with these reviews, which help determine whether a college's education program is accredited. More information available online.
Ocean Leadership Award Nominations The QuikSCience COSEE-West Ocean Leadership Awards recognize educators who make outstanding contributions to K-12 ocean science education. Nominating information on the QuikSCience website.
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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!
Right Whale Lecture Karen Stamieszkin, Sea Monster to Sea Gold and Back Again, Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, January 15, 2009, 7:00 PM, at the Hiebert Marine Lab, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown.
Glass Sea Creatures Lecture Joanna Aizenberg, Sea Creatures in Glass and Glass in Sea Creatures, January 22, 2009, 6:00 PM, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Geological Lecture Hall.
Roundtable on Natural History Writing Discussion with four New England natural history authors. Thursday January 29, 6:30 PM at the Harvard Center for the Humanities, 12 Quincy Street. Cambridge. Co-sponsored with PEN New England and the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
Climate Change Symposium On February 5, 2009, the New England Aquarium in coordination with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will hold a free climate change symposium to bring business leaders, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations together to examine the impacts of climate change and acidification on the marine environment. The symposium is free and open to the public, but space is limited so invitations are required. Contact Vickie Cataldo if you or your organization is interested in attending.
Marine Life Vacation Activities The National Marine Life Center offers February school vacation activities for children at the Hyannis Public Library in Hyannis, MA, February 17, 18, 19.
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NEwswave Schedule
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The next issue of NEwswave will be sent January 29, 2009. Please send announcements and news to the editor, Catherine Cramer.
© Copyright COSEE-New England
This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0215456. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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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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Ocean Current Researcher Audio Slideshow
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MIT/WHOI Joint Program graduate student Stephanie Waterman investigates the underlying physics that drive ocean currents. She has produced an audio slideshow explaining how she got interested in ocean currents, and what her research entails.
Watch the slideshow
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Ocean Circulation Model
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Researchers in the Consortium for Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean
are merging sparse observations of the Southern Ocean with a state-of-the-art ocean circulation model to produce estimates of ocean conditions of greatly increased accuracy. The map shows the speed of the clockwise Antarctic Circumpolar current on May 12, 2006, increasing from slow-moving blue water to dark red indicating speeds above one mile per hour.
Read more from NSF.
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Marine Biology Educators Network
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The Synapse is a new social networking site for educators
that includes a group for marine biology teachers. Visit the marine biology group.
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Earth Album
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Earth Album is a photo mash-up
that allows you to explore the world through photographs, courtesy of Google Maps and Flickr.
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To begin your journey, just click somewhere on the map.
Explore Earth Album
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Wetland Plant Field Guide
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Field Guide to Tidal Wetland Plants The University of Massachusetts Press has just published Field Guide to Tidal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern US and Neighboring Canada. The book emphasizes plant identification and provides simple, easy-to-use keys and descriptions for identifying over 700 species found in the region's salt and brackish marshes, tidal freshwater marshes and swamps, tidal flats, rocky shores (including dominant algae), beaches, and coastal ponds. Details online |
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Student Video Contest
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The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is hosting its first
video competition in conjunction with the 2009 NOSB Finals Competition. The goal is to showcase a student-developed
original video that will educate the general public about biodiversity within
our ocean and will address the Essential Ocean Literacy Principles. Any student enrolled in a high school that has a NOSB team competing may submit a video. The deadline for entry is March 2, 2009. Details online
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Photo Contest
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Marine Wildlife Photo Contest
The Ocean Conservancy invites entries in the 2009 Marine Wildlife & Seascape Photo Contest. Share your visions of our ocean and send your best ocean seascape and marine wildlife images. The deadline for entry is January 31, 2009. Details online.
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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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