Summary

In collaboration with Rutgers University and MBARI, we are enhancing the capacity of polar scientists for communicating and engaging with diverse audiences. This project will create scalable, in-person and virtual research opportunities for educators and students to engage with polar scientists and their research through data visualizations, data activities, educator workshops, webinars, and student research symposia. The use of a polar based underwater glider fleet and ocean observing systems provides remote access to a rich array of data for research and education from the Polar regions. The desired product is a set of data rich research and instructional materials, and customized professional development trainings that virtually expand access and opportunity to engage more educators and their classrooms in polar science.

Student Involvement

One graduate student will be brought onto the project in fall 2016 to work on a thesis project associated with the grant.

Broader Significance

This effort will improve the communication capacity of the polar science community. It will help bring real-world datasets, models, and simulations into the classroom and make scientific data from the poles and information about polar research widely available and useful to various audiences. The project will engage under-represented and underserved students in polar scientific research and many of the materials created and connections between scientists and educators are likely to be sustainable.