LAMONT-DOHERTY EARTH OBSERVATORY CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, PART 1: PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOP SERIES

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University (LDEO) continues to expand its long history of contributions to public understanding of Science through “live” and web-based programs that provide teachers, students, and the general public access to new discoveries and updates on key issues. Highlights of current activities are described in paired posters. Part 1 includes programs and workshops held at the Palisades, NY, campus. Included among these are the “Earth2Class Workshops for Teachers,” “Public Lectures,” “Hudson River Snapshot Day,” “River Summer,” “Secondary School Field Research Program,” opportunities to participate in research, and special visits. “Earth2Class” provides monthly workshops bringing together scientists and classroom educators to learn about “cutting-edge” research. The December 2009 workshop is the 100th in this decade-long program, which has involved over 60 scientists and hundreds of teachers. Selected LDEO scientists provide glimpses of new discoveries to the general public in the annual “Public Lecture Series" offered each spring. During “A Day in the Life of the Hudson River: Snapshot Day,” Lamont scientists coordinate the collection of samples gathered by classes sampling the Hudson estuary that will be analyzed to contribute toward better understanding of the ecosystem. “River Summer” provides selected teachers with opportunities for summer field research aboard a research vessel operating up and down the Hudson River. LDEO’s “Secondary School Field Research Program” also fosters fieldwork experiences for students and teachers, many from urban schools. Teachers and students collect samples of water, soil, air, plants and animals in local wetlands, forests and urban environments. Teachers and students receive training in basic laboratory skills and measure many of their own samples in Lamont laboratories. Students can get earn Field Science course credits toward graduation. Each year, teachers and students from other schools cooperated with LDEO scientists on a variety of projects sponsored through NSF-funded research, academic year internships, and other formats. LDEO’s efforts to inspire and educate new generations continue to expand.