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June 3, 2010
NOAA has selected Richard Chewning, the environmental education program coordinator at University of Georgia’s Jekyll Island 4-H Center in Jekyll Island, Ga., to join scientists aboard the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson as part of its Teacher at Sea program to bridge science and education.
“NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program immerses teachers in hands-on research experiences that give them clearer insight into our ocean planet, a greater understanding of maritime work and studies, and increased knowledge of environmental literacy”, said Jennifer Hammond, the program’s director. “Participating in real-world research allows teachers to gain experience actually doing science, which makes a significant impact when they bring back their knowledge to their classrooms, teaching students how the oceans affect their lives.”
After boarding the research vessel in Kodiak, Alaska on Friday, Chewning will spend 18 days assisting scientists studying pollock, a fish commonly used in fish sticks and patties. He will write logs that include information about important research of the day, life at sea, interviews with scientists, and photos. The logs are posted on NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Web site.
“I am thrilled to be part of this opportunity to participate in real-world scientific research and to experience life at sea,” Chewning said. “Through the NOAA Teacher at Sea program, students from across Georgia and the southeast will be able to learn about exciting research projects at sea during their visit to the Jekyll Island 4-H Center. Making learning relevant through my own hands-on experiences is vital to getting students excited about science.”
Now in its 20th year, the program has provided nearly 600 teachers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience participating in science at sea. This year NOAA received more than 250 applications. They selected 35 individuals to participate in cruises. According to Hammond, educators can enrich their curricula with a depth of understanding made possible by living and working side-by-side, day and night, with those who contribute to the world’s body of scientific knowledge.
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