New Millennium Observatory: Innovative Integration of Research and Education

Oregon State University, Corvallis OR

Investigators

Abstract

This award provides funding from the AFGE program to develop an educational program that will complement the New Millennium Observatory (NeMO), a multi-year research project investigating an active submarine volcano located on the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The goal of the NeMO Project is to understand the dynamics interrelations between volcanic events, the chemistry of seafloor hot springs, and the biological communities that inhabit them. Scientists use remotely operated vehicles, advanced sampling and mapping tools, and sophisticated seafloor instruments during annual cruises to the site. The objective of this proposal is to 1) develop a new web-based geoscience curriculum based on the NeMO research project for middle and high school teachers, 2) conduct a teacher development workshop to train teachers to use the new curriculum, and 3) create new public exhibits for two of the most visited museums in the region.