Wednesday 3-hour Afternoon Workshops

1. Exploring Ocean Change in the Classroom and in the Field 

Jacqueline Laverdure, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Karen Matsumoto, Seattle Aquarium
(New Classroom Building – Left)
See what’s new in marine science education, and how it relates to the multitude of environmental issues that directly affect the way we do business and how we go about our everyday lives—and how this can be integrated into education practices. We will use a combination of PowerPoint slide show, hands-on activities, and small group discussion to explore the use of ocean science in teaching about ecosystems, field investigations, and conservation in a formal education setting.

2. The Nature and Process of Science for Ocean Educators

Shawn Rowe, Oregon State University
Jude Apple, Western Washington University
(New Classroom Building – Right-Center)
Much misunderstanding of current ocean and climate science stems from a lack of comfort with the nature and process of science. This workshop challenges educators and interpreters to articulate their own understanding of the nature of science and presents a model of scientific processes as complex and iterative. Educators will be introduced to interactive exercises, hands-on activities and group discussion to explore some basic principles for engaging learners in both structured and informal settings. The workshop will also address some of the challenges that face educators in creating an inclusive learning environment that honors prior knowledge and different cultural perspectives on science. Although these activities follow the Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences (COSIA) curriculum and are geared towards informal settings, the skills and strategies are applicable to almost any learning environment, including structured classroom settings.

3. Facilitating Fabulous Student-Driven Field Investigations in B-WET and Beyond

Cara Ianni, Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force
Breanna Trygg, Pacific Education Institute
(Rosemary Inn – Science Lab)
This presentation will provide an overview of the models, techniques and activities useful in facilitating student-driven field investigations of aquatic ecosystems. Using riparian habitat on campus, instructors will lead participants in first developing research questions and then using appropriate sampling techniques to investigate their questions. Participants will be provided with tips for ensuring student success in the field and tools, such as PEI’s Field Investigation Model and Project Based Learning Model, to empower teachers to construct meaningful investigations. Programs highlighted have received funding through NOAA B-WET, EPA and other environmental education grants.

3. Discover and Dig Your Way to Understanding an Estuary

Joy Tally, South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
(Campfire Amphitheater)
This workshop will travel to a Port Angeles City park to explore the habitats and organisms of the estuary. Hands-on activities will focus on simple tools you can use to dig, discover, determine, and divulge the secrets of the estuary. Workshop presenters will demonstrate effective strategies for engaging a wide variety of audiences in estuary science. Discover how to use local resources and simple techniques to unravel the magic of estuaries.

---

Back to top • 2011 Conference Page • NAME Home