An invitation to REVEL
The University of Washington School of Oceanography
and the Volcano Systems Center Announce:
Oceanographic Research Cruise for Science Teachers
August 10-27, 1996
Science teachers of grades 7-14 in the State of Washington are invited to
apply to participate in a scientific research cruise focused on the
active volcanoes along the Juan de Fuca Ridge, the spreading center off
the Washington-Oregon Coast. The REVEL program (Research and Education:
Volcanoes-Exploration-Life) will begin on August 10th in Seattle and include
participation in a two week-long cruise in open ocean, returning to
Seattle on August 27, 1996.
Marine biologists and marine geologists from the US and Canada will
be conducting research into the mechanisms by which underwater
volcanoes sustain life near the sea floor. The research will be
conducted on board the R/V Thomas G. Thompson, operated by the University
of Washington. The principal research tool will be a remotely operated
vehicle (ROV) attached to the ship via a fiber optic tether. The ROV allows
direct sea floor sampling of biological and geological materials and
real-time video and still camera imaging. A daily lecture program presented
by the research scientists on board will integrate the day-to-day ship
operations with the scientific objectives of this interdisciplinary research
cruise.
Teachers selected for this program will become research assistants and
will participate in a variety of hands-on research operations during
the cruise. Up to 10 berths may be available for successful applicants, room
and board during the cruise are provided at no cost. In addition, the
program includes two follow-up curriculum development workshops during
the academic year at the University of Washington. In total, 22 days of
professional development (at sea and in workshops) will be provided at
no cost to the participating teachers. Five credits may be obtained
by completing the program requirements, the cost of credit is $106 plus a
$15 registration fee, for a total of $121. Clock hours will be available at
no charge.
While on board, participants will be expected to:
- stand a regular watch at sea as part of the scientific crew
and assist in the collection, assessment, and sorting of biologic and
geologic data
- begin designing a curriculum project or teaching activity they
intend to use related to one or more aspects of the on-board research
- maintain a journal of their experiences on board
- work in teams (2 to 3 individuals and science supervisors) on
short research projects to be presented at end of cruise
During the program follow-up, participants will be expected to:
- write and teach a curriculum unit or classroom activity related to some aspect of the research undertaken on the cruise
- participate in two follow-up workshops at the University of Washington:
- a one-day project workshop on a Saturday in early November 1996 (time to work together), and
- a two-day (Friday-Saturday) workshop in late April 1997 where
results of the curriculum project will be presented (presentations by
teachers and evaluation of the program)
- complete a written assessment of the experience and how it
impacted your class, school, community (due date early June 1997)
Application materials must include:
- completed application form (form (not yet) available on web)
- a letter of support from your principal or district administrator
indicating his or her support for both shipboard and post-cruise workshop
participation (indicating that, if necessary, he or she will support a
substitute for you to allow you to attend the cruise and the post-cruise
workshops)
- a letter of application indicating your relevant work experience,
knowledge of the field, interests in science curriculum development and
your plans for multiplying your experience among your colleagues and
peers (no more than 2 pages)
Applicants should address the following criteria which will be used
for selection of participants:
- background in biology, geology, oceanography or physical sciences
- currently teaching science grades 7 through 14 for high school
teachers or experience teaching science in college
- commitment to incorporating oceanographic research knowledge acquired
on board into a science curriculum unit for their classroom that is
compatible with the Washington State Essential Learnings Program
- district support to participate in follow-up workshops at the
University of Washington
- plans to share your experiences and teaching materials with
other teachers at the building or district level
If you have questions about the program please call or
email Véronique
Robigou in the School of Oceanography at 543-9893.
,
and should be sent to:
Oceanographic Research Cruise for Science Teachers
UW Educational Outreach
5001 25th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105
A general announcement is also available.