Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

STUDENT-PARTNERS: A Pan-Arctic Science and Education Collaboration  (STUDENT-PARTNERS Project)

Outline
The overall objective of the proposed STUDENT-PARTNERS Project is to unite students, teachers, and scientists to advance scientific understanding of the role of major arctic rivers in the changing arctic and global systems. By partnering with K-12 grade students and teachers living near the mouths of the largest arctic rivers in Russia, Canada, and Alaska, we will obtain the high frequency river water samples that are needed to understand seasonal dynamics and annual biogeochemical fluxes in the river systems. Sampling for the proposed STUDENT-PARTNERS Project will begin just as the current PARTNERS project (http://ecossytems.mbl.edu/partners) sampling is ending, thus extending the observational period for key arctic rivers. Moreover, we will design the STUDENT-PARTNERS Project such that the multinational community-based arctic river observing network we establish is sustainable for the long-term. This is important because continuing observations will be needed to determine how arctic rivers are responding to global climate change. Through involvement in sampling, sample analysis, and data interpretation, students and teachers at the study sites will come to appreciate the pivotal role “their” rivers play in the arctic system. They will have frequent and ongoing interactions with project scientists, thus becoming active participants in an international scientific endeavor. Inquiry will be stressed, and project content/concepts will be linked to the U.S. National Science Education Standards. At the same time, we will be responsive to needs of the local communities. By facilitating communication and collaboration among students and teachers at the different study sites, the STUDENT-PARTNERS Project will foster an appreciation of the cultural links among students in the Russian, Canadian, and Alaskan Arctic. Through the project web site, community presentations, and media contacts, we will also increase awareness of the unique importance of the Arctic to students and adults who live outside of the Arctic. Thus, both scientific and educational objectives are central to the STUDENT-PARNTERS Project. Place-based, inquiry-driven approaches to science education will be emphasized. The data generated will greatly advance scientific understanding, but a final objective – to excite kids about science – is perhaps most important because it is an essential step for creating the next generation of scientists and scientifically-literate citizens.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The STUDENT-PARTNERS Project will unite students, teachers, and scientists to study the role of rivers in the arctic system and create an innovative and effective education and outreach program. In the process, we will develop a multinational community-based arctic river observing network. An important feature of the proposed STUDENT-PARTNERS Project is that it will be beneficial to all participants - students, teachers, and scientists – a necessary ingredient for creating a sustainable partnership.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International collaboration is at the heart of the STUDENT-PARTNERS Project. Students, teachers, and scientists from the U.S., Russia, and Canada will all be involved.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Yenisey River at Dudinka, Lena River at Zhigansk, Ob' River at Salekhard, Mackenzie River at Inuvik, Yukon River at Pilot Station, Colville River at Nuiqsut.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 9/06 – 12/08            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We will not need any significant facilities of the type listed in Note 4.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The STUDENT-PARTNERS Project will create a community-based arctic river observing network designed to be sustainable over the long-term. All sites except Nuiqsut (Colville River) are part of our currently-funded PARTNERS Project (http://ecosystems.mbl.edu/partners), so we have the experience needed to make this logistically complicated project possible.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Other sources of support

Logistics will be supported by the NSF OPP Arctic Research Support and Logistics program, through a contract to VECO (NSF’s arctic logistics contractor).

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Our expression of interest is in the process of being considered by the US National Committee for International Polar Year 2007-2008.

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?
New
This is a new project. We are submitting a new proposal to the January 24, 2005 deadline of the NSF OPP Arctic Education program.

How will the project be organised and managed?
We have assembled a diverse group of scientists and educators to coordinate the STUDENT-PARTNERS Project. Max Holmes will be responsible for overall project coordination and will lead the scientific aspects. Other participants include Sue Doubler (expert on K-12 science education reform in the US), Alexander Zhulidov (Russian Scientist, CPPI-S, Rostov, Russia), Tatyana Gurtovaya (Logistical Coordinator/Translator CPPI-S, Rostov, Russia), Amy Clapp (Lead Classroom Teacher), ARCUS (Website Development/Digital Video Technology, Fairbanks, Alaska), Sean Topkok (Indigenous Curriculum Specialist, ARCUS), Dave White (Assessment Specialist, Vermont Department of Education), and Bruce Peterson (Science Advisor, Ecosystems Center, MBL).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education is the heart of the proposal. As stated above, the proposal is being submitted to the NSF-OPP Arctic Education program. K-12 education will be emphasized, and involvement of minority student populations will be a high priority.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
All STUDENT-PARTNERS data will be freely available to the scientific community through our project web site and through established data archiving facilities such as the National Snow and Ice Data Center (www.nsidc.org) and IPY data management facilities.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We are submitting a proposal to the NSF-OPP Arctic Education program, due Jan. 24, 2005.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Not at this time

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Robert Max Holmes
PO Box 296
Woods Hole, MA
02543
USA

Tel: 508-+540-9900
Mobile:
Fax:
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information