PALMER LONG-TERM ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM OUTREACH: EDUCATION-BY-DESIGN

The Palmer Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, focused on Antarctic marine research since 1990, supports a Schoolyard LTER component engaged in interfacing with education and outreach communities since 1998. An Understanding-by-Design approach includes templates based on performance assessments in order to facilitate deeper understanding of science learning. Our evolving framework, responsive to national and state standards that enable students to learn about the world of science through inquiry and case based approaches, is anchored by the notion of design as a key element of the development process. Some examples of ongoing program activities include gathering outreach trunk materials, coordinating online field journaling efforts, and incorporating research materials and data into local modules. We work within a community of partners that links field participants and research scientists to the student in the classroom in coordination with technology, education, teacher, and communication centers.