Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

INPOSE: Integrated Polar System Science Education through University of the Arctic  (INPOSE)

Outline
We will use the University of the Arctic (UArctic) as a platform to deliver and leverage education outreach efforts in the International Polar Year (IPY) The proposed education and outreach effort will focus on three major areas: 1) Generating upper undergraduate / graudate course curricula on polar system science —including curricula using innovative distance education approaches 2) Building enduring indigenous research capacity in Arctic communities by supporting graduate education in IPY related fields for native students; and 3) Supporting international collaboration in Arctic science education and outreach through support for University of the Arctic field course. Together, these three elements will make a significant contribution towards science education for the global community and will help to tie local knowledge networks to validate space and field based polar observations. Eight new upper undergraduate level courses will be created and delivered. Seven of these will be online course and one will be a field course. Topic of proposed courses are: a. Introduction to Polar System Science b. Geoinformatics for the Arctic: New tools for integrated study c. Arctic Biospher d. Arctic Cryosphere e. Arctic Atmosphere and Heliosphere f. Arctic Human Dimension: Ecological Principles, Law and Policy g. Understanding the Arctic: Indigenous knowledge and western science: h. Arctic Field Experience and Practicum (Combined topics) Courses developed will comprise a new ‘advanced emphasis area’ under the University of the Arctic’s Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies. The new area will be called ‘Applied Polar Systems Science’ and will be made available for an international student body.The course material generated through this effort will have the potential to be simplified, retailored, and appropriately presented to k12 and community college audiences as well as diverse groups within the general public

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The eight proposed courses together capture the essence of the IPY visions and the six IPY themes. Detail syllabus of each of the courses is being developed with care to incorporate the new advacements in Polar research and understanding, and details outlined in the IPY framework document.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The UArctic is a cooperative network of Circum Arctic universities, colleges, and other organizations. It builds on the strength of having international faculty teaching in areas of their polar research expertise to a truly international audience, including indigenous peoples of the Arctic. q2_1_Location : Course will be delivered over the web, to primarily a Circum Arctic audience. Field component of the course will take place in the Alaska North Slope, Alaska, USA.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Course will be delivered over the web, to primarily a Circum Arctic audience. Field component of the course will take place in the Alaska North Slope, Alaska, USA.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Online courses: Year round (2007-2009)      Field course: Summer months (2007-2009)      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
1. Reasonably fast internet connection service to the student audience for all the web courses. 2. Logistical support for the field course from UAF and Barrow Arctic Science Consortium, Alaska.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
This project will leave a legacy of of educational infrastructure (including dedicated curriculum focused on Polar system science), and expanded human capacity at the community level.

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

1. Facilities provided through expanded cooperation of over 70 colleges and Universities in the UArctic, will facilitate taking the online courses by the students. 2. Support from UAF and BASC will provide the logistical support for field based course.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The UArctic is endorsed by the Arctic Council, Indigenous peoples organization in the Arctic, and by the Council of Arctic Parliamentarians. The Inpose proposal ideas and details have also been presented at various IPY meetings, including the NSF IPY education outreach workshop, and IPY sessions at AGU - Fall 04 meeting. Several members of the IPY national and international committee are aware of this effort.

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?
Exp

Given that the UArctic is an established body already offering online and field courses, this proposed work can be considered as an expansion of the existing framework, to promote IPY specific themes.

How will the project be organised and managed?
There will be a Project Steering Committee including the PI, Co-PIs, representatives from the UArctic secretariat in Finland, a member of the UAF administrative body, and from BASC.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education, Outreach and Communication are the central theme of this project.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The project will result in an expanded educational curriculum in Polar Sciences. Parts of this material and results from student projects within the various courses, will be shared with the international community through a dedicated web site.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We will submit our proposal to the National Science Foundation for base funding. We also propose to seek additional funding from the member Institutions of the University of the Arctic.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Richard Caulfield
University of Alaska Fairbanks
PO Box 756500 Fairbanks
Alaska
AK 99775
USA

Tel: 1-907-4552850
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation