Bringing the Ocean to the Precollege Classroom through field Investigations at a National Underwater Laboratory

摘要

Scientists from Rutgers and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution developed and conducted an integrated set of educational programs capitalizing on the research and technological assets of a long-term Ecosystem Observatory (LEO-15). Activities resulting from this program engage students in real time science to improve problem solving and critical thinking skills--essential skills to interpret, analyze, and communicate information. Our goal was to use field experiences to 1) enhance educator capability in science content and skills, 2) immerse school systems in an inquiry-driven, active learning process, and 3) establish links to real-time scientific information in support of classroom activities. Participants capability in marine science content and skills were improved through immersion in active research-based learning experiences, and by development of instructional Internet modules in association that focused on the summer research experiences.