GK12 (GRADUATE-K12) EDUCATION: IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING OF GEOLOGIC CONCEPTS THROUGH OCEAN LITERACY AND COMMUNICATION ACROSS DISCIPLINES

The University of South Florida's College of Marine Science has set sail to engage ocean scientists and K-12 science teachers in inquiry-based professional development via GK-12 OCEANS Teaching Fellowships. The OCEANS program was designed to bring ocean science concepts and research to K-12 learning environments to enhance the experience of learning and doing science through ocean discovery. Components of training include 1) introducing inquiry and teaching via Scientist in the Classroom, 2) ocean workshops for teachers via Experiential Learning in Marine Science, and 3) practice teaching via Oceanography Camp for Girls. Graduate student scientists serve as year-round science mentors who practice, model, and co-teach inquiry ocean lessons. This presentation will highlight program results and aspects of community building.

Also highlighted will be a series of graduate training opportunities to broaden the teaching and communication skills of pre-professional ocean scientists. These programs engage ocean scientists in inquiry-based professional development that parallels the way we conduct our scientific research. Examples include graduate courses, Scientist in the Classroom, Experiential Learning in Marine Science, and Teaching Marine Science I and II; a summer science program for teens, the Oceanography Camp for Girls; and, year-round GK-12: OCEANS Teaching Fellowships, and the Sea Secrets Series of professional development institutes for in-service teachers. This presentation will highlight program results including a) strategies for communication across disciplines, b) broader impact gains for graduate students, c) benefits to scientists, d) contributions towards ocean literacy for teachers and students, and e) aspects of community building between scientists and educators. Pre-professional ocean scientists are beginning their early careers equipped with the ‘Right Stuff' to 1) effectively communicate and engage the public about their science and research, and 2) facilitate future broader impacts based on their prior experiences immersed in broadened learning and training. Community building between scientists and teachers has been a lynchpin towards improving understanding of geologic concepts related to the ocean--- our planet's life support system.