Teaching Sciences by Ocean Inquiry Workshop Scientists

Held at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, ME Summers 2006 through 2008

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 to 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.

The COSEE summer workshop Teaching Sciences by Ocean Inquiry was developed to a) introduce teachers to ocean and climate related processes that can be used as a vehicle to teach general physical concepts (e.g. density, buoyancy, pressure, heat and temperature, waves) through a variety of hands-on activities, and b) establish a network between teachers, scientists and experts in education.

During this five-day workshop, educators reviewed physical concepts through hands-on exploration, examined the links between physical concepts and ocean processes, and developed inquiry-based activities for teaching sciences. Attendees worked directly with University of Maine faculty to develop hands-on, inquiry-based activities, teaching materials, and means of assessment (to address the Maine Learning Results and National Science Educational Standards) via lab exercises and classroom discussions.