Upcoming Activity: Using Polar Sciences in Adult Basic Education Programs

Greetings, everyone!

On Monday, April 7th we’ll begin our special online discussion “Using Polar Sciences in Adult Basic Education Programs.” From April 7 – 17, we’ll be joined by researchers Dr. Sam Laney of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Dr. Lisa Eisner of the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, part of NOAA Fisheries (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration); and Lynn Reed, Einstein Fellow with the Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation.  Lynn is a high school math teacher in Richmond, Virginia.  She has spent the last two years at Polar Programs, participating in a variety of education and outreach projects.  Sam and Lisa have done extensive scientific work in basic research in the polar regions as well as in environmental issues affecting fisheries.

They will share their work and advances in the polar sciences along with science educational materials, many which have been developed by science educators at the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, and other scientific entities.  Much of the discussion will center on how research and educational resources can be integrated into adult education programs to teach critical reading, writing, and math skills.

There are many “lurkers” in the Science group, and we welcome everyone.  However, if you think you might want to contribute to the discussion or ask questions, please join the group and participate as a member.

For background reading, I suggest this resource from the LINCS Resource Collection:

"Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Sciences"

http://lincs.ed.gov/professional-development/resource-collections/profile-517 or http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/literacy/climate_literacy.pdf

Also, the two LINCS free, online Science courses are helpful sources for professional development.  They can be reached through the LINCS Learning Portal at http://lincs.ed.gov/

“Engaging the Adult Learner in Science” offers “Eight Scientific Practices”.

“Scientific Practices in Context” has an extensive section about climate changes resources and examples of using scientific practices in educational settings.

"See you" next week!

Susan