EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATING SCIENCE: A PROJECT BY IODP’S 2019 SCHOOL OF ROCK AND AMBASSADORS FOR STEM TRAINING TO ENHANCE PARTICIPATION (A-STEP) PROGRAM

In September 2019 after completing a two-month expedition in the Pacific Ocean, the International Ocean Discovery Program’s (IODP) scientific drillship, the JOIDES Resolution, returned to the U.S mainland for the first time in ten years. IODP, in collaboration with the Ambassadors for STEM Training to Enhance Participation (A-STEP) program, hosted the School of Rock 2019 to directly coincide with the return of the ship and Expedition 385 to Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California. The program focused on exploring the nature and processes of science as well as the geologic evidence for the evolution of the Gulf of California. Based at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla, California, participants built upon their understanding of science by examining ocean sediment cores and thin sections from the basin as well as hand specimens from marine stratigraphic sections of the Pacific Rim. As the School of Rock and A-STEP program’s scientific content was based on past findings within the Guaymas Basin, we used this evidence supplemented by local field trips along the San Diego County coast to better understand the Gulf of California evolution. The program has built a network of mentors, advisors, science educators, and professional societies to support this dynamic field course thus, producing skilled ambassadors who are well-suited to effectively communicate geoscience to diverse audiences. Deliverables from this experience include video shorts and blog posts to share with the broader public. Through interactive tools such as the University of California Museum of Paleontology How science works and Understanding Global Change frameworks, students and science educators can create educational storyboards and collaborative presentations to effectively communicate science to any audience. Through the School of Rock program, participants will continue to spread passion and create enthusiasm for Earth and ocean science across diverse communities of learners nationwide.