Connecting Arctic/Antarctic

Researchers and Educators

Connecting Arctic/Antarctic

Researchers and Educators

Supporting Teachers and Researchers Beyond the Research Experience

Supporting Teachers and Researchers Beyond the Research Experience

Session ED 21B: Teacher Professional Development Programs Promoting Authentic Scientific Research in the

Classroom

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

• ARCUS & PolarTREC• The Need for CARE• Structure of CARE• Upcoming Events• Questions

• ARCUS & PolarTREC• The Need for CARE• Structure of CARE• Upcoming Events• Questions

Above: Teacher Mary Anne Pella Donnelly joins Ann Harding to study little auks in Greenland.

What is ARCUS?What is ARCUS?

ARCUS (Arctic Research Consortium of the United States) is a non-profit corporation consisting of institutions operated for educational, professional, or scientific purposes. ARCUS provides leadership in advancing knowledge and understanding of the Polar Regions though a variety of programs and outreach endeavors.

ARCUS and PolarTREC ARCUS was awarded funding from the National

Science Foundation to manage PolarTREC, a three-year (2007-2009) International Polar Year (IPY) Education program.

ARCUS (Arctic Research Consortium of the United States) is a non-profit corporation consisting of institutions operated for educational, professional, or scientific purposes. ARCUS provides leadership in advancing knowledge and understanding of the Polar Regions though a variety of programs and outreach endeavors.

ARCUS and PolarTREC ARCUS was awarded funding from the National

Science Foundation to manage PolarTREC, a three-year (2007-2009) International Polar Year (IPY) Education program.

What is PolarTREC?What is PolarTREC?PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating)

PolarTREC is a professional development experience in which 12 teachers are paired

with researchers in authentic polar research.

From 2007-2009 over 40 teachers from around the United States will join scientists in

the Arctic and Antarctic in celebration of the International Polar Year (IPY).

Goals of PolarTRECGoals of PolarTREC

Improve teacher content knowledge and instructional practices to bring polar science to the classroom

The goal of PolarTREC is to invigorate polar science education by The goal of PolarTREC is to invigorate polar science education by bringing K-12 educators and IPY researchers together through hands-bringing K-12 educators and IPY researchers together through hands-

on field experiences.on field experiences.

To increase public and student understanding of and engagement in the polar regions, and encourage interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)

To develop networks of support between polar researchers and teachers for ongoing collaboration and mutual learning

Improve polar researchers’ understanding of and engagement in K-12 education to strengthen and enrich outreach and dissemination of their research

Elements of PolarTRECElements of PolarTREC

Professional Development

Sustained Community & Support

• Online journals• “Ask the Team” forums• Photo albums and maps• Podcasts• “Live from IPY” presentations from the field

Classroom & Public Connections

Arctic or Antarctic Field Research Experience (approximately 12 projects/year)

• CARE-Connecting Arctic/Antarctic Researchers and Educators

CARE is a professional development network that brings together teachers and researchers to

discuss field experiences, current science issues, content, technology resources, and pedagogy.

The Need for CAREThe Need for CARESimply, teachers need ongoing opportunities to discuss their research experience and collaborate among teachers and researchers interested in bringing real-world science in their classroom.

Discussion groups help participants:

• Synthesis the science for better transfer into the classroom

• Problem solve issues related to transferring the science in the classroom

• Keep teachers informed of current polar research

• Build a community of educators and researchers interested in polar science

Components of CAREComponents of CARE

• WebsiteWebsite• Group MeetingsGroup Meetings• SeminarsSeminars• Email ListEmail List

CARE Group Meetings

CARE Group Meetings

• Open to teachers with past Open to teachers with past polar teacher research polar teacher research experiencesexperiences

• 5-6 members per group5-6 members per group

• One teacher & one ARCUS One teacher & one ARCUS facilitator per groupfacilitator per group

• Meet about 5 times/year for Meet about 5 times/year for an hour each timean hour each time

• Organized by time zone and Organized by time zone and teacher grade areateacher grade area

CARE Seminars

Both meetings use the Wimba online presentation Interface with a simultaneous conference call and will be archived for future access.

• Open to all teachers Open to all teachers interested in incorporating interested in incorporating polar science into the polar science into the classroomclassroom

• Unlimited members per Unlimited members per groupgroup

• Various guest presenters Various guest presenters and ARCUS facilitator(s)and ARCUS facilitator(s)

• Meet as needs and Meet as needs and opportunities arise throughout opportunities arise throughout the yearthe year

How does it work?How does it work?

Teachers & researchers dial into conference call from their schools,

home, and institutionsARCUS uses a conference call

and internet presentation platform, Wimba to conduct the visual part of the presentation

Teachers with polar research experience

Researchers interested in sharing their experience

Teachers wanting to incorporate polar research

into their classrooms

Wimba InterfaceWimba Interface

Join the discovery, make global connections, and be part of the International Polar Year!

Join the discovery, make global connections, and be part of the International Polar Year!

Or Contact:ARCUS 907-474-1600

Janet Warburton, PolarTREC Project ManagerWarburton@arcus.org

Kristin Fischer, PolarTREC Project ManagerFischer@arcus.org

www.polartrec.cowww.polartrec.comm