Article,

The ’Adopt-A-Microbe’ Project: Web-based interactive microbiology education connected with scientific ocean drilling

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Current: The Journal of Marine Education, (October 2011)

Abstract

<p>Marine scientists have unique opportunities to interact with educators and learners during voyages at sea to encourage engagement in cutting-edge science and understanding of the scientific process. Real-time, ship-to-shore education and outreach activities are increasingly common during oceanographic expeditions as a mechanism to connect broader communities to oceanographic research. In this article, we report on the ‘Adopt-A-Microbe’ project (AAM), a program of education and outreach designed and run by scientists, education specialists, and artists working together during an eight-week oceanographic expedition. This unique educational program combined science and art to encourage learning about life at the bottom of the ocean. The AAM target audience was primary and lower-level secondary school students, but we also hoped to attract and maintain engagement with parents, older siblings, teachers, and others interested in ocean exploration. We describe the architecture of AAM as a template for other scientists and educators to use and build upon, highlighting hands-on activities and art projects that were part of the curriculum that could be integrated into other classroom activities.</p>

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