Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating in the Arctic and Antarctic)  (PolarTREC)

Outline
PolarTREC is an educational research experience funded by the National Science Foundation in which K-12 teachers participate in polar research, working closely with scientists as a pathway to improving science education. PolarTREC builds on the outstanding scientific and cultural opportunities in the Arctic and Antarctic to link research and education through intriguing topics that will engage students and the wider public. In celebration of the International Polar Year (2007-2009), thirty-six U.S. teachers will spend two to six weeks working with a research team in the Arctic or Antarctic. While on field expeditions, teachers and researchers will share their experiences with scientists, educators, communities, and hundreds of students of all ages across the globe. While in the field, teachers and researchers will connect with classrooms and the public through the use of Internet tools such as online teacher and researcher journals, message boards, photo albums, podcasts, “Live from the International Polar Year” calls and presentations from the field, and online learning resources. After the field experience, teachers and researchers will continue to share their experience with the public through public presentations, scientific conferences, teacher workshops, and journal articles. Each PolarTREC teacher will also create instructional activities to transfer scientific data, methodologies, and technology into their classrooms.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
PolarTREC will support IPY themes and targets by building on the strengths of the past TREC program (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating in the Arctic) including the existing community of educators to encompass learning experiences in both the Arctic and Antarctic.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We will work with the IPY Programme Office, the EOC Subcommittee and other international education networks to leverage PolarTREC for international audiences.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
We anticipate 12 projects per year; approximately 8 in the Arctic and 4 in the Antarctic.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Arctic field research sites will be at various locations in the arctic and, sometimes, sub-arctic regions including both terrestrial and marine/ship-based locations. Antarctic field sites most likely will be supported out of McMurdo Base Station. PolarTREC research locations will vary from year to year.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
PolarTREC will leave a legacy for IPY in the form of a community of learners, digital resources, learning activities developed by participants, and other supporting artifacts and resources.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
National agency

Prior to going into the field, teachers will participate in three or four online webinars (web conferences) that provide background information about the program. Teachers will participate in a five-day orientation in Fairbanks, Alaska, during the spring.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The US has no endorsement process other than merit review through the National Science Foundation, and PolarTREC has been endorsed in the sense of being funded.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes
PolarTREC builds on the prior TREC program (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating in the Arctic).

How will the project be organised and managed?
PolarTREC is managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) with logistical field support from several organizations including VECO Polar Resources (Arctic) and Raytheon Polar Services (Antarctic). Funding for PolarTREC is provided by the National Science Foundation.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
PolarTREC addresses EOC issues by building on the outstanding scientific and cultural opportunities in the Arctic and Antarctic to link research and education through intriguing topics that will engage students and the wider public.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data management is not relevant to this project.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
This project has been funded by the US National Science Foundation.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The goal of PolarTREC is to invigorate polar science education by bringing K-12 educators and IPY researchers together through hands-on field experiences. Specifically, the PolarTREC objectives are to: • Improve teacher content knowledge of multidisciplinary polar science with a focus on the three NSF IPY science emphasis areas – Ice Sheet History and Dynamics, Adaptations to Life in Extreme Cold and Prolonged Darkness; and the Arctic Observing Network/Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH). • Improve teacher instructional practices, especially the use of inquiry-based learning to translate polar science to the classroom. • Improve polar researchers’ understanding of and engagement in K-12 education to strengthen and enrich outreach and dissemination of their research. • Increase students’ understanding of and engagement in the polar regions, and encourage interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

PROPOSER DETAILS

Wendy Warnick
ARCUS, 3535 College Road
Suite 101, Fairbanks, AK
99709
USA

Tel: 907-474-1600
Mobile:
Fax: 907-474-1604
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information