1. Connecting Arctic/Antarctic Researchers and Educators Supporting Teachers and Researchers Beyond the Research Experience Session ED 21B: Teacher Professional Development Programs Promoting Authentic Scientific Research in the Classroom

2. Presentation Outline ARCUS & PolarTREC The Need for CARE Structure of CARE Upcoming Events Questions ARCUS & PolarTREC The Need for CARE Structure of CARE Upcoming Events Questions Above: Teacher Mary Anne Pella Donnelly joins Ann Harding to study little auks in Greenland.

3. What is ARCUS? ARCUS (Arctic Research Consortium of the United States) is a non-profit corporation consisting of institutions operated for educational, professional, or scientific purposes. ARCUS provides leadership in advancing knowledge and understanding of the Polar Regions though a variety of programs and outreach endeavors. ARCUS and PolarTREC ARCUS was awarded funding from the National Science Foundation to manage PolarTREC, a three-year (2007-2009) International Polar Year (IPY) Education program. ARCUS (Arctic Research Consortium of the United States) is a non-profit corporation consisting of institutions operated for educational, professional, or scientific purposes. ARCUS provides leadership in advancing knowledge and understanding of the Polar Regions though a variety of programs and outreach endeavors. ARCUS and PolarTREC ARCUS was awarded funding from the National Science Foundation to manage PolarTREC, a three-year (2007-2009) International Polar Year (IPY) Education program.

4. What is PolarTREC? PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) PolarTREC is a professional development experience in which 12 teachers are paired with researchers in authentic polar research. From 2007-2009 over 40 teachers from around the United States will join scientists in the Arctic and Antarctic in celebration of the International Polar Year (IPY).

5. Goals of PolarTREC Improve teacher content knowledge and instructional practices to bring polar science to the classroom The goal of PolarTREC is to invigorate polar science education by bringing K-12 educators and IPY researchers together through hands- on field experiences. To increase public and student understanding of and engagement in the polar regions, and encourage interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) To develop networks of support between polar researchers and teachers for ongoing collaboration and mutual learning Improve polar researchers’ understanding of and engagement in K-12 education to strengthen and enrich outreach and dissemination of their research

6. Elements of PolarTREC Professional Development Sustained Community & Support Online journals “Ask the Team” forums Photo albums and maps Podcasts “Live from IPY” presentations from the field Classroom & Public Connections Arctic or Antarctic Field Research Experience (approximately 12 projects/year) CARE-Connecting Arctic/Antarctic Researchers and Educators

7. CARE is a professional development network that brings together teachers and researchers to discuss field experiences, current science issues, content, technology resources, and pedagogy.

8. The Need for CARE Simply, teachers need ongoing opportunities to discuss their research experience and collaborate among teachers and researchers interested in bringing real-world science in their classroom. Discussion groups help participants: Synthesis the science for better transfer into the classroom Problem solve issues related to transferring the science in the classroom Keep teachers informed of current polar research Build a community of educators and researchers interested in polar science

9. Components of CARE Website Website Group Meetings Group Meetings Seminars Seminars Email List Email List

10. CARE Group Meetings Open to teachers with past polar teacher research experiences Open to teachers with past polar teacher research experiences 5-6 members per group 5-6 members per group One teacher & one ARCUS facilitator per group One teacher & one ARCUS facilitator per group Meet about 5 times/year for an hour each time Meet about 5 times/year for an hour each time Organized by time zone and teacher grade area Organized by time zone and teacher grade area CARE Seminars Both meetings use the Wimba online presentation Interface with a simultaneous conference call and will be archived for future access. Open to all teachers interested in incorporating polar science into the classroom Open to all teachers interested in incorporating polar science into the classroom Unlimited members per group Unlimited members per group Various guest presenters and ARCUS facilitator(s) Various guest presenters and ARCUS facilitator(s) Meet as needs and opportunities arise throughout the year Meet as needs and opportunities arise throughout the year

11. How does it work? Teachers & researchers dial into conference call from their schools, home, and institutions ARCUS uses a conference call and internet presentation platform, Wimba to conduct the visual part of the presentation Teachers with polar research experience Researchers interested in sharing their experience Teachers wanting to incorporate polar research into their classrooms

12. Wimba Interface

13. Join the discovery, make global connections, and be part of the International Polar Year! Or Contact: ARCUS 907-474-1600 Janet Warburton, PolarTREC Project Manager Warburton@arcus.org Kristin Fischer, PolarTREC Project Manager Fischer@arcus.org www.polartrec.com