Report on Transforming Mathematics and Science Education

“Excellent mathematics and science learning for all American students will be possible only if we ‘do school differently’ in ways that place math and science more squarely at the center of the educational enterprise.” This is the conclusion of the Carnegie Corporation of New York two year commission study released last week in Washington, DC. The Commission study and subsequent report calls for transformative change and calls on stakeholders to establish new common standards in math and science, improve math and science teaching, and redesign schools to deliver math and science learning more effectively.  More

Join Researchers Online on a Cruise to Study Plastic Debris in the Pacific

Join Oceanographic Research Vessel Alguita for a voyage to the North Pacific Gyre to study plastic marine debris. This summer the research team will sail to one of the most remote regions of the ocean to study human impacts on marine ecosystems.  Students and teachers are invited to join this voyage online and receive:

• Daily updates and images from the research vessel
• The opportunity to interact with the ship’s research team and other leading researchers to ask questions and share experiences
• Lessons, activities and creative ways to integrate the experience into the classroom curriculum
• A chance to interact with students from around the world to share information, perspectives and solutions to this global issue

Learn more

Sea Education Association Program Openings

Sea Education Association still has a few spots in our 3-week High School Summer Seminars & our Fall 2009 undergraduate SEA Semesters! Based in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, SEA has educated students about the world’s oceans for nearly 40 years through a fully accredited study abroad program combining the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and public policy. Intense coursework and preparation during a shore component is followed by the immediate application of students’ newfound knowledge during a sea component. Significant financial aid & new merit-based scholarships are available. Contact admission@sea.edu for more information.

Public Outreach Coordinator, Florida

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) seeks qualified applicants for the Public Outreach Coordinator position.  This is a highly visible position supporting community involvement in Bay restoration.  Applicant must flourish in a dynamic work environment, fast paced job with frequent extended work hours to attend evening and weekend events.  Knowledge of native plants, wildlife and habitats highly valued.  Writing, public speaking, collaboration, creativity and management skills required.  A B.A. in Biology, Psychology, Environmental Studies, or related field, plus experience with outreach and education programs, is required.  More information

Presidential Ocean Proclamation

On June 12, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum Establishing an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force and a Presidential Proclamation naming June 2009 National Oceans Month.  The Memorandum calls for the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force to, within 90 days, deliver recommendations for a National Policy for the Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes.  Within 180 days, the Task Force shall develop a recommended framework for coastal and marine spatial planning.  The Proclamation names June 2009 as National Oceans Month and calls for Americans to learn more about the oceans and what citizens can do to conserve them. Read the Memorandum and Proclamation

Teacher Survey on Use of Live Animals/Plants in Classrooms

USC Sea Grant is conducting a large, nation-wide 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 nation-wide 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.

NOAA B-WET Gulf of Mexico Program Manager

The NOAA NMFS Southeast Regional Office and the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program are hiring a Gulf of Mexico B-WET Program Manager. The incumbent serves as a program analyst focused on education and outreach programs for NOAA in the North Central Gulf of Mexico. Details online.

Sea Grant Education Agent, Florida

The Bay County (Florida) Sea Grant has funding for a Fisheries Extension Agent. The Sea Grant/Marine Science agent will plan, develop, implement teach and evaluate comprehensive marine and natural resource educational programs that focus on marine recreation fisheries, commercial fisheries, industries including boating, marinas, fishing retail sports, sport shops and other fishing-related businesses, artificial reefs, and marine resource and water quality education for adults and youth audiences related to fishing and fishing habitats, as appropriate. To apply, go to UF IFAS website Click on jobs, then county operations to find position.

Environmental Educator, Virginia

The non-profit Elizabeth River Project, based in Portsmouth, Virginia,  is looking for a fulltime environmental educator/caretaker to support the world’s first floating wetland classroom, The Learning Barge, powered by sun and wind. Assignment will be to work with the Outreach Programs Manager to plan and implement the first year of programming for The Learning Barge, using its five learning stations to teach students and adults how to make the Elizabeth River swimmable and fishable by 2020.  A curriculum has been drafted by area educators. Details online.

Harmful Algal Blooms Research Podcast

Listen to scientists Barb and Gary Kirkpatrick talk about their work on understanding and containing Harmful Algal Blooms, in the latest Ocean Gazing podcast.  Listen Read about Ocean Gazing podcasts