Scientist-Educator Collaborative Workshop Workshop Scientists

Held at the New England Center on the University of New Hampshire Campus Friday, March 13, 2009 through Saturday, March 14, 2009

COSEE-OS researches, tests, and builds systems to improve how scientists can contribute to the education enterprise. We have offered scientist-lead professional development workshops for educators designed to reach inland audiences with ocean content at the University of Maine, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of Connecticut. Likewise, we have developed a college course to help young marine scientists more effectively communicate their subject; encourage science majors to pursue professions where they simultaneously serve science and education; and create a greater awareness among young scientists about the need for outreach.

Based on experience from these and other COSEE-OS initiatives, we have crafted a new model for workshops that includes specific professional development for scientists including use of pedagogical techniques such as concept mapping and on-line collaboration tools that promote sustained interactions with educators and students. A key goal of COSEE-OS is to offer these "Scientist-Educator Workshops" at various venues and train facilitators at other COSEE Centers to implement the workshops.

In this workshop, 5 ocean and climate scientists from the University of New Hampshire were matched with 12 educators to improve their collective understanding of Earth's major ocean - climate systems. Click on their names in the menu at left to learn more about these scientists.

		Watch a video featuring educator Jill Denniston speaking about her interactions with scientists at the workshop.

Quotes from Workshop Participants

"Linda Kalnejais was great to work with. We really changed her initial concept map and she appreciated the changes we made."

"At first I was not sure who were the scientists and who were the participants. They were just one of us, I did not feel threatened...."

"The scientists were very open to input and just as involved in clarifying their idea."