HR: 1340h
AN: ED23B-1277    [Abstracts]
TI: Scientists and Middle School Students; Learning and Working Together
AU: * Haste, T
EM: haste@aps.edu
AB: Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth students enrolled in the Dynamic Earth class come from all over the world to study earth systems. Investigating plate action, crustal formation, glaciers, currents, weathering and atmospheric interactions, students develop a strong ability to identify the forces that continually change the landscape and the interconnectedness of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. As part of their regular course work, students work with a variety of cooperating scientists. US Geological Survey staff assists students in examining sand samples and exploring monitoring research on invasive foraminiferas in San Francisco Bay. Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Mavericks Surf Ventures staff help students explore the off shore submarine formations of a storm swell at Half Moon Bay that develops into a world-class big wave. Students met a big wave surfer who described the ride and shared surf stories. A wave forecaster helped students use modeling software to create real-time forecasts. In the final project students assist faculty of University of Texas at Austin, Institute of Geophysics using cruise reports, project abstracts, and bathymetry images, in evaluating a series of submarine features in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Students develop proposals and present their ideas in a seminar format, attended by cooperating scientists. Students have an opportunity to work with current scientists and learn how classroom "stuff" is used. One student commented, "I felt like I could talk with them about what they were doing and actually understand what they were talking about." Another stated, "I didn't know you could learn so much from forams. I always thought paleontology was about dinosaurs." As a result of the class, students understand the relevance of their learning, scientists like working with kids, and educators get excited about science. To evaluate program outcomes, the staff holds regular meetings with scientists as students begin the sessions. Faculty and scientists work collaboratively to develop activities students will be engaged in and that relates to the scientists' work. Students and faculty complete evaluations. A report is generated at the close of the summer outlining plans for the next season, detailing successes, and areas of improvement.
UR: http://www.ig.utexas.edu/research/projects/terror_rift/?PHPSESSID=def1b9
DE: 0805 Elementary and secondary education
DE: 0820 Curriculum and laboratory design
DE: 4223 Descriptive and regional oceanography
DE: 4546 Nearshore processes
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting