Education and Outreach For The Regional Arctic System Model (RASM)

1
Education and Outreach For The Regional Arctic
System Model (RASM)

• Bill Robertson, Ph.D.
• (robertson_at_utep.edu)
• Associate Professor
• College of Education
• The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

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An Alternative Proposal

• At modest cost (3 to 4 of budget), we can
  support a professional science educator (with
  experience in polar science) to do the following
• Involve undergraduates and K-12 students and
  teachers in teaching, training, and learning
• Broaden the participation of underrepresented
  groups (UTEP student body is gt70 Hispanic a
  majority are the first in their families to
  attend college)
• Promote science literacy in the general public
• Convey the excitement of our science
• In this way we distinguish our proposal from the
  crowd.
• If successful, we will (naturally) have a broader
  impact.

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Problem-Based Learning

• Inquiry-based approach
• A process curriculum
• Acquiring critical knowledge
• Developing proficiency in problem solving
• Engaging in self-directed learning
• Participating in collaborative teams

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Previous Education Efforts Integrating Polar
Science Modeling

• NSF-IPY Development of a Community Ice Sheet
  Model with specific applications to abrupt change
  in the Amundsen Sea Embayment

• Ice sheet models as a basis for educating a new
  generation of climate scientists
• 2-3 Week PBL Unit - High School Materials for
  Students and Teachers that reflects real life
  situations.
• Use of computer modeling software (EduISIS) to
  learn polar science at a more conceptual level
• Development of a Community Ice Sheet Model
• http//websrv.cs.umt.edu/isis/index.php/Outreach