Scientist-Educator Collaborative Workshop Workshop Host

Held at the University of Connecticut Avery Point Campus, Groton, CT Thursday, October 8, 2009 through Saturday, October 10, 2009

This workshop was held at the University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus in Groton, Connecticut. The Avery Point campus houses the University of Connecticut's Marine Sciences Program, which includes the Department of Marine Sciences and the Marine Sciences and Technology Center.

Our workshop was hosted by Diana Payne, Assistant Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut and Education Coordinator for Connecticut Sea Grant. Her research interests include authentic experiences in science for teachers and students and program evaluation/assessment. Diana attended the June 2009 COSEE-OS Informal Scientist-Educator Collaborative Workshop at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire and thought this workshop would be of interest to both scientists and educators in Connecticut and beyond.

As a participant in the Seacoast Science Center workshop, I was intrigued by how the scientists benefited from concept mapping collaboratively with informal educators. So I asked researchers in the UConn Marine Sciences Program if they would like to participate in a similar workshop that included both formal and informal educators. Based on comments at the event itself and post-workshop evaluation data, it appears that the UConn scientists enjoyed the experience and felt that concept mapping helped them see new ways to present science topics. Likewise, sharing their maps elicited helpful feedback on how to communicate the "big picture" implications of their research. The participating educators also appreciated concept mapping as an innovative way to work as peers with the scientists. As a workshop host, I valued the professionalism of the COSEE-OS team and encourage others to consider holding their own "concept mapping" workshop.

Interested in hosting a workshop? For more information contact:

Annette deCharon
COSEE-OS Director
193 Clark's Cove Road
School of Marine Sciences, Ira C. Darling Marine Center
Walpole, ME 04573