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COSEE OCEAN at MSP Learning Network Conference - 01.21.2011

Over 160 funded Math Science Partnerships (MSP) between universities and school districts have been funded by the NSF. Even though these MSPs are mostly focused on core STEM disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, math, engineering), a significant subset (15-20) were identified as interested in environmental science in a “speed dating” activity of 90 participating MSPs at the MSP Learning Network Conference in Washington DC in January, 2010. A large informal environmental science discussion group formed before breakfast the second day and suggested more formal and sustained interactions of these MSPs would be welcomed. In January, 2011, COSEE OCEAN organized a Special Interest Group on ocean science education. 17 participants from 7 MSPs and 12 different institutions engaged in a discussion of the COSEE Network, the needs of STEM education, and opportunities for furthering ocean education. Most of the participants had not heard of COSEE before, but were interested in learning more and meeting others with interests in ocean and environmental education (forming networks). There was specific interest in developing short videos of scientists for classroom use, developing a single resource for high quality lesson plans (e.g. NSDL), and regional networks. 64% of respondents found the session “very useful” and the remainder found it “somewhat useful”. The vast majority would like to continue discussions at next year’s MSP Learning Network Conference.

Below is a description of the MSP Special Interest Group Session that met January 25, 2011 in Washington, DC:

Special Interest Group: Ocean and Environmental Education Main Ballroom

While not explicitly one of the main four STEM science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science) ocean and environmental education offers interdisciplinary and engaging science education opportunities. This Special Interest Group aims to bridge ocean and environmental efforts within the Math Science Partnership Learning Network with existing and developing ocean and environmental science education networks outside of the MSP Learning Network. The goal is to learn from each other, share best practices, knowledge, and networks, and further ocean and environmental science nationally as well as locally. For example, the Centers of Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE) network has been operating over the last 8 years to define ocean literacy, engage ocean scientists in education and public outreach, and team ocean scientists with ocean educators to increase the impacts of research as well as enrich STEM learning in formal and informal settings.

Following short presentations (2-3 minutes from each attending group) on work currently being conducted, participants will share ideas, knowledge, goals, and resources to increase the connections between existing social and professional networks. Please come to this Special Interest Group with handouts and other informational materials for distribution and be prepared to discuss your project for 2 to 3 minutes. This exchange is sponsored by COSEE Ocean Education Communities And social Networks (COSEE OCEAN), and as such can be continued and enhanced over the next 3-5 years if desired by the group.

Facilitator: Bob Chen, COSEE, Boston Science Partnership

Bob Chen, PI of COSEE OCEAN, will facilitate a Special Interest Group on Ocean and Environmental Education as part of the NSF Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Learning Network Conference

When: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 9:00-10:00 am
Where: Renaissance Hotel, Main Ballroom (999 9th St, NW, Washington DC)
Who: Anyone connected to COSEE & Anyone in the MSP Learning Network
Why: Make connections and share resources and experiences in Ocean and Environmental Education

Special Interest Group: Ocean and Environmental Education Main Ballroom

While not explicitly one of the main four STEM science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science) ocean and environmental education offers interdisciplinary and engaging science education opportunities. This Special Interest Group aims to bridge ocean and environmental efforts within the Math Science Partnership Learning Network with existing and developing ocean and environmental science education networks outside of the MSP Learning Network. The goal is to learn from each other, share best practices, knowledge, and networks, and further ocean and environmental science nationally as well as locally. For example, the Centers of Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE) network has been operating over the last 8 years to define ocean literacy, engage ocean scientists in education and public outreach, and team ocean scientists with ocean educators to increase the impacts of research as well as enrich STEM learning in formal and informal settings.

Following short presentations (2-3 minutes from each attending group) on work currently being conducted, participants will share ideas, knowledge, goals, and resources to increase the connections between existing social and professional networks. Please come to this Special Interest Group with handouts and other informational materials for distribution and be prepared to discuss your project for 2 to 3 minutes. This exchange is sponsored by COSEE Ocean Education Communities And social Networks (COSEE OCEAN), and as such can be continued and enhanced over the next 3-5 years if desired by the group.

Facilitator: Bob Chen, COSEE OCEAN, Boston Science Partnership

2011 Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Learning Network Conference
MSP: From partnerships of innovation to student success
January 23-25, 2011
Renaissance Marriott Washington Hotel
999 Ninth Street NW, Washington, D.C.
http://www.nsf.gov/ehr/MSP/

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