Teacher Survey on Use of Live Plants and Animals in Classroom

USC Sea Grant is conducting a nationwide NOAA-funded research project aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species, which includes a teacher survey on the use of live plants and animals in the classroom.  Project organizers have asked the COSEE Network to help disseminate the survey to teachers. The survey will close on July 1^st.  This is a nationwide project, so input from teachers in every state, from kindergarten to university level, is needed.
By sharing your knowledge you will help develop appropriate tools that maintain the use of live organisms in the classroom while also helping to prevent the spread of potentially invasive species.

Please follow this link to fill out the survey and help with this important cause.

Please note: there will not be a follow-up focus group in the New England region, but your input is still needed!

Environmental Education Online Course

The University of North Carolina Wilmington will offer a fundamentals of environmental education online course this fall, beginning August 19, 2009. EVS 592-800 Fundamentals of Environmental Education is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. This is a three credit-hour graduate course. The “Fundamentals of Environmental Education” online course was developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in collaboration with national EE experts.  It provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality environmental education into their instruction. Participants discuss the history, definition, and goals of environmental education; develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators; and interact with other educators from across the state. No on-campus meetings are required. The course will be taught by Dr. Rosanne Fortner.  Contact her at fortner.2@osu.edu or the Environmental Studies Department at evs@uncw.edu or 910-962-7675.

Program Manager, Washington DC

Lead the new Ocean Education team at National Geographic to design materials and manage specific projects that extend National Geographic’s mission into formal and informal learning environments.  Advise colleagues on their projects, and take the management lead on individual projects as assigned.  Act as a liaison between Education Programs, the Mission Programs Ocean team, and other departments within the Society doing Ocean related work to identify opportunities for collaboration and cross-departmental projects.  Details online

Podcast: Climate Change in Antarctica

Researcher Hugh Ducklow from the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA talks about his research on the effect of climate change on biology in Antarctica in the latest Ocean Gazing podcast from COSEE-Networked Ocean World.

Seabird and Whale Excursion from Plymouth MA

The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), a non-profit organization based in southeastern MA that supports a number of projects and activities related to marine wildlife education, research and conservation, invites you on a Seabird & Whale Tales (SAWT) excursion scheduled for Sunday, September 13th from 8 am – 4 pm.  The destination is the waters of Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay, including the waters of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Here participants will view seabirds, whales, dolphins, seals, basking sharks and ocean sunfish that come to feed off our cold yet productive New England shores.

Guided wildlife commentary will be given by Wayne Petersen from Mass Audubon Society, David Clapp from Natural History Services, Joanne Jarzobski from Captain John Boats and Dr. John Jahoda from Bridgewater State College.  The trip leaves from the Plymouth Town Pier at 8 am and returns by 4 pm. While offshore, participants will conduct a plankton tow and observe the sample under microscopes, and will also chum for seabirds.

Tickets: Pre-Sale $90 and then $100 after August 31st, 2009.

To learn more about NECWA or to download the registration form for this trip visit online or call Krill Carson at 508-566-0009.  Space is limited so register early.  Group rates are also available.

SAWT excursions receive assistance from Capt. John Boats, Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries, Natural History Services and Bridgewater State College.

Seafloor Seismometer Video

A team from UC Berkeley and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Insitute (MBARI) successfully placed a seismometer on the seafloor in order to accurately and instantly transmit potential earthquake data. A short video clip shows the seismometer being placed on the seafloor. Watch the video

Free Marine Invasive Species Poster Available

Marine Invasion Poster from Maine Sea Grant

Maine Sea Grant announces the publication of a poster called “New England’s Marine Invasion” – a brightly-colored, nicely-designed 18×24″poster on aquatic nuisance species in New England’s marine waters. The posters are relevant for the entire New England region, and contact numbers are included on the posters so that residents who see any “potential invaders” can call and report their sightings. And, you may request a FREE copy of the poster by contacting Beth Bisson at Maine Sea Grant beth.bisson@maine.edu.

Video Interview with Antarctic Seafloor Explorer Dr. Stacy Kim

Dr. Stacy Kim, Benthic Ecologist and Antarctic Diver talks about her work exploring the Antarctic seafloor in this video

Administrative Assistant, Quincy MA

MITS, Inc (Museum Institute for Teaching Science) is seeking an Administrative Assistant. MITS, Inc is a not-for profit corporation whose mission is to promote the teaching of participatory, inquiry-based science, mathematics and technology/engineering education at the K-8 levels in partnership with museums and other non-profit organizations. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for running the day to day operations of the office and providing administrative support to the staff. The position is based in Quincy, MA.   For further information visit the MITS web site

Teacher Development This Summer at New England Aquarium

The Teacher Resource Center at New England Aquarium is offering several programs for professional development this summer:

MITS Summer Institute, July 6-17

New England Aquarium offers several summer workshops for teachers

On the Waterfront: Integrating Science Standards Through Classroom and Field Investigations,July 27-August 1

Climate Science and the Ocean Workshop, August 10-13

Contact the Teacher Resource Center for details