SHARED BENEFITS FOR INVOLVING TEACHERS IN FEDERALLY FUNDED SCIENCE : WE ALL WIN! (Invited Presentation)

University professors and K-12 educators share a common goal to train the next generation of scientists in exciting programs that will inspire them into careers in STEM related fields. In recent years I have worked with several US NSF funded Polar TREC teachers (polartrec.com) who have been STEM teachers focused on earth science, physics, and chemistry at the 8th to 12th grade level. These teachers provide outstanding outreach for science programs by translating our research experience (commonly involving undergraduates) to K-12 students who might “see themselves” in the experiences of our students in the field. These same teachers have also developed curricula for other teachers to use and classroom activities for the appropriate grade level. Before, during and after our expedition, our Polar TREC teachers conduct outreach events and maintain daily contact with students and the public through blogs and live webcast events from the field. The teacher's knowledge and use of science practices increases, benefitting both students and other teachers when shared at professional development events. Under the best scenarios, educational relationships with our Polar TREC teachers are long-term. We continue to work with teachers professionally through meetings, workshops and interactions that lead to greater dissemination of our research and continued professional development for the education community. I have benefitted personally by learning from K-12 teachers how I can communicate more effectively, without jargon to share my science with the general public. Everybody wins when science is exciting, shared, inspirational, and relevant to society.