Program Update: Deep Earth Academy – May 2012
Deep Earth Academy recently published the classroom activity “Discovering Life Below the Sea Floor – An Introduction to How Science Works” and the Science Flowchart. In this activity, students describe what science is, and then complete a simple “warm up” activity that helps them to identify elements of science. Students identify these elements while reading about microbial biochemist Beth Orcutt to learn how she conducts her science. Students are then introduced to the Science Flowchart, and plot the steps Beth takes, as an example of science as a non-linear process that involves creativity, new invention and collaboration. Finally, students explore the poster How Science Works – Discovering Life Below the Sea Floor. For more information, and to download copies of the materials, see the Deep Earth Academy Website.
The Consortium for Ocean Leadership granted two Special Awards for the best ocean science projects at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), May 13-18 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Arianne Papa and Jane Smyth of Lido Beach, New York received the First Award of $3,000 for their project entitled “Mussels, a Natural Approach to Water Quality Improvement: Assessing the Impact of Environmental Factors on P. americanus and G. demissa; Status in Long Island Bays and Applying G. demissa as Biofilters.” Erin Main, Logan Davis and Kyle Flores of Honolulu, Hawaii received the Second Award of $2,000 for their project entitled “The DOCTORs: A Fusion of Engineering and Biological Analysis.” Every year, more than 1,500 student finalists from 65 countries, regions and territories around the globe earn the right to attend the Intel ISEF by winning an Intel ISEF-affiliated fair at a local, regional or national level. Finalists in 2012 competed for more than $3 million in total awards; competitors were judged on their creative ability and scientific thought, as well as the thoroughness, skill and clarity shown in their projects.
Deep Earth Academy welcomed the proponents of selected pilot projects from the Ship-to-Shore Science kickoff meeting aboard the JOIDES Resolution on May 23 in Curaçao for a special edition of School of Rock. The group is delving into a series of marine geology investigations using the ship’s labs, and planning for their pilot projects designed to leverage the JOIDES Resolution for informal education opportunities. The program began with several days on the ship in port in Curaçao and is now sailing on the short transit to Bermuda, ending June 2.
