WE MUST HAVE ROCKS IN OUR HEADS: DEEP EARTH ACADEMY'S JOURNEY TOWARD A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR K-12 EARTH AND OCEAN SCIENCE EDUCATION (Invited Presentation)

The Consortium for Ocean Leadership and U.S. Integrated Ocean Drilling Program’s Deep Earth Academy (DEA) places classroom audiences onboard the world class 471-foot research vessel JOIDES Resolution (JR) through real-time and asynchronous education programs via ship-to-shore video broadcasts and Web 2.0 communication tools linked to the ship’s public website (www.joidesresolution.org). DEA coordinates expedition-based education programs originating from every part of the JR, from the drill floor to the core labs; including scientists from more than 20 nations, professional technicians, and ship’s personnel from every sector of the operation. Creating the ideal ship-to-shore video broadcast or virtual tour has been a challenge that DEA has met through openness to new technology and constant experimentation. Over time, we have tested various software packages, laptops, wireless headsets, handheld cameras and iPads. We have worked with partners who have bridged our video feed to multiple schools, conducted broadcasts through webinar systems, and prepared programs for structured events and drop-in, on-the-museum-floor venues. Qualitative and survey data indicate the real-time events are relevant to students’ lives and/or increase learning about science processes and science careers, and the majority of participating teachers can utilize the broadcasts to meet a local, state, or national science education standard.

Onboard Education Officers, experienced classroom teachers and informal educators selected through an open competition, plan, coordinate, and deliver all ship-based learning activities, and contribute new materials based on expedition data to DEA’s online curriculum collection. Teachers may also apply to sail aboard the JR during the School of Rock Expeditions for Earth and Ocean Science Educators (SOR). As a result of their involvement, more than 96% of surveyed participants now incorporate SOR science content into their teaching.