HR: 16:00h
AN: C24A-01    [Abstracts]
TI: Influencing the Future: Special Considerations for IPY Education and Outreach
AU: * Beitler, J
EM: jbeitler@nsidc.org
AF: National Snow & Ice Data Center, 449 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309 United States
AB: The International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-1958 created a valuable legacy, by not only advancing the sciences involved, but by also stimulating interest in and support for science, and by inspiring many to enter science careers. Successful education and outreach efforts in conjunction with IGY transmitted this energy to the public and helped researchers to create this legacy. The International Polar Year (IPY) for 2007-2008 again holds promise to generate new scientific insights and leave a similar legacy -- if the sciences are once again successful in connecting with the public. Despite the fine example of the IGY of 1958 -1959, the way forward for meaningful education and outreach for IPY isn't entirely clear. Every element affecting science education and outreach today is considerably more complex, and the distinct challenges and opportunities of today may not always be addressed by simply extending what has been helpful in the past. Whether a large research group or an individual researcher, whether working with a dedicated outreach staff or conducting outreach more informally, whether already operating successful outreach programs or starting from scratch, any project intending an education and outreach effort will significantly increase its relevance and effectiveness by taking pause to formulate specific goals and objectives for IPY. Such thinking shouldn't be entirely delegated to non-researchers. The engagement of the scientists themselves in setting objectives for education and outreach will provide the strongest outcome. This discussion analyzes the communication setting for IPY as it affects outreach and education efforts, and proposes a model for discussing and formulating outreach and education objectives. It poses the key questions that should be asked and answered in order to ensure that researchers take full advantage of education and outreach opportunities with IPY, whatever the scope of their efforts. Education and outreach programs that are thus informed by thoughtful objective-setting will have the best chance to be a valuable investment in the future of science and society.
DE: 5462 Polar regions
DE: 6600 PUBLIC ISSUES
DE: 1863 Snow and ice (1827)
DE: 1600 GLOBAL CHANGE (New category)
DE: 0800 EDUCATION
SC: Cryosphere [C]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting