K-12
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Global climate change has enormous implications for human society. Climate change
impacts are most pronounced in polar regions, as reflected in the loss of ice
cover, decreased ice thickness, and increased coastal erosion. These are some
of the changes currently being investigated by scientists. The interdisciplinary
and applied nature of this global issue lends itself well to the classroom.
The project goal is
to provide an opportunity for interactive exchange between scientists at The
University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) and K-12 students
and teachers from the Port Aransas Independent School District (PAISD) on issues
that relate to arctic living resources and native cultures in the context of
global change. Emphasis is placed on the following objectives:
(1)
Bring current research activities on this project into
K-12 classrooms using graduate students as resource personnel
(2) Provide
off-site training to K-12 teachers on arctic and global change issues through
symposia, short courses and workshops
(3) Assist
K-12 teachers and students in the procurement, analysis and interpretation of
published and digital resources
(4) Introduce K-12
teachers and students to native American cultures that are directly affected
by global change
Visit
the PAISD
K-12 and the UTMSI
K-12 web pages for more information on themes, class ideas, books, web
links, and workshop reports.
NSF
Program Officer: Dr. Fae L. Korsmo, Office of Polar Programs, Arctic Social
Sciences
