Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Engaging Antarctica  (Engaging Antarctica)

Outline
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a $1,168,014 grant to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) to support the production and development of the science education project "IPY (International Polar Year): Engaging Antarctica." The project includes a public television documentary produced by NET Television for broadcast as part of the NOVA series on PBS as well as nationwide community outreach activities developed by the University of Nebraska State Museum. "IPY: Engaging Antarctica" will help people understand and know more about Antarctic research and discovery. The project will focus on explorations by the multinational, NSF-funded Antarctic Drilling Program (ANDRILL). "Antarctica's Icy Secrets" will be produced by NET Television in partnership with WGBH, Boston and NOVA as part of the NOVA science series on PBS. The one-hour episode, shot in high definition, will examine global climate change through the exciting Antarctic research conducted in concert with the International Polar Year. Community outreach for the project is being developed through the University of Nebraska State Museum and includes an innovative approach that combines education with the latest technologies. The result is the "flexhibit" -- a digital package of high resolution images, multi-media files, and inquiry-based activities accessible via the web. For example, "flexhibit" images will feature ANDRILL scientists at work, and audio files, available as podcasts, will tell scientist's stories in their own words, speaking directly to youth and other users about the joys and challenges of their work in Antarctica. Outreach partners include the Technology Education Research Center (TERC) and the 4-H youth development organizations of 22 states. 4-H youth organizations, schools and community groups will be able to download the exhibit, pod casts and activities to create their own International Polar Year multimedia events.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Broad public science education about ANDRILL through NOVA television documentary and community outreach materials.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Engaging Antarctica is working with the International collaborators of the ANDRILL research and ANDRILL ARISE projects.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Antarctica ANDRILL sites Science Labs in US and Europe

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 11/06-12/06      10/07-12/07      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Raytheon support for all field activities in Antarctica is required. Project results will be shared with other IPY projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
NOT outside of ANDRILL

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

Logistics support will be provided through a grant from the National Science Foundation. Other resources for this project are being provided by NET Tetlevision, NOVA (WGBH Boston) and through the University of Nebraska.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Funded by NSF-IPY

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

Component of ANDRILL

How will the project be organised and managed?
Through the ANDRILL Science Management Office, NET Television, the University of Nebraska State Museum, and WGBH-NOVA.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
This is an educational project. See program description.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
NSF-IPY has already funded this project for $1,168,014 to NET Television and the University of Nebraska State Museum.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr J Michael Farrell
NET Television
1800 N 33rd St., Lincoln, NE
68503
USA

Tel: 402 472 9333 x 228
Mobile: no
Fax: 402 472 1785
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation