SEARCH MELTING ICEBERGS: STUDY METHODS, DYNAMICS & IMPACTS
PROGRAMS
 
Research-Based Online Learning Event (ROLE) Model Webinar
Webinar Topic: Melting Icebergs: Study Methods, Dynamics & Impacts
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
PRESENTATIONS and Q&A
Ben Twining
Ben Twining
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Annette deCharon
Annette deCharon
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About these Webinars:
The ROLE Model webinars provide scientists with the opportunity to interact with educators and present their research in a non-traditional format - through multimedia concept maps created with the Concept Map Builder and presented through the Ocean Climate Interactive. [more]

About this Scientist:
Ben Twining is interested in the interactions between metals and planktonic organisms in marine and aquatic environments. Plankton play important roles in the global carbon cycle and form the base of most aquatic food webs. In many systems, the physiology and ecology of these organisms are influenced by the concentration, chemical speciation, and resulting bioavailability of trace metals. Conversely, biological processes such as cellular uptake and the production of organic ligands influence the geochemistry and fate of metals in these systems. [more]

About this Educator:
As Director of COSEE-OS, Annette deCharon leads the research and development of multimedia tools that are used to illustrate key connections in the ocean-climate system, and collaborative processes and models, like these webinars, that serve to promote ocean science education. She is also the lead developer of education and outreach materials for the NASA Aquarius sea surface salinity mission scheduled to launch in spring 2011. [more]
WEBINAR RECAP
CTD
Scientist Ben Twining described the methods and technologies he uses to conduct research about melting icebergs in the Antarctic, including CTDs, ROVs, LSTs and UAVs (you can find out about these and more by watching the presentation!). In his presentation he explains the physics that occur at the boundaries of melting icebergs and the implications for nutrients and particles as they are carried with freshwater into the surrounding denser sea waters. These nutrients in turn have implications for phytoplankton and zooplankton living there. The research team's use of a small remotely operated airplane has allowed valuable overhead observations of iceberg structure and Ben's concept map includes access to a dramatic video of one of the plane's "voyages" to an iceberg.
VIEW CLIPS FROM SCIENTIST'S PRESENTATION
1 - Iron in Icebergs   2 - Effects on Plankton
3 - Food Chain

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Annette deCharon, COSEE-OS director, talked about the components of concept maps and the challenges many people have when they begin constructing them. She shared the "Luke Skywalker" technique she uses to help people get comfortable with the mapping process and as a method for learning about each other and for team building. Attached to Annette's maps are a variety of useful and fun resources specifically designed as "warm-ups" for concept map skill-building: these include "Conceptionary" (a variation on Pictionary), which provides practice in thinking about complex concepts and ideas, and "At the Movies", an exercise for honing linking phrases.
VIEW CLIPS FROM EDUCATOR'S PRESENTATION
1 - Scientist and Educator Perspectives   2 - Team Building
3 - Value to Students

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Additional Resources
DISTRIBUTION OF WEBINAR PARTICIPANTS
Map showing distribution of webinar participants
Thirty two participants joined from thirteen different states, including as far away as Alaska. Of the 13 participants who filled out the post webinar survey, 100% said that the scientist presentation was "useful" or "very useful", and 90% said they felt more comfortable with the topic than they had before. 50% also said they now feel the topic is more relevant to their own work.

View All Webinars in the ROLE Model Series
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