Third-grade students at Hamilton Elementary School will have the
unique opportunity to serve as an “interactive school” on Wednesday,
Feb. 24. Using satellite communications technology provided by IOCOM,
the students will participate in a live video conference with
scientists, technicians and crew on board the scientific ocean drilling
vessel JOIDES Resolution on its way to Antarctica.
Beginning at 1
p.m., the 60-minute live video conference will enable students to
explore current research in climate change, careers in science and life
at sea. Students will learn about the scientific method and how science
data is collected, while asking questions of the scientists and taking
a virtual tour of the ship’s on-board laboratories.
The live
video conference programming is coordinated by the Integrated Ocean
Drilling Program (IODP)’s Deep Earth Academy, and allows students
worldwide to virtually participate in IODP expeditions. This technology
facilitates a hands-on experience where students learn about
cutting-edge research and careers in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics by talking directly to scientists, technicians and
crew.
Hamilton is one of 11 schools statewide to participate in Wednesday’s unique event.
“This
global experience will enable our students to grasp science concepts
that cannot be matched by any textbooks,” said Hamilton principal
Catherine Bartlett. “Our students will understand what true scientists
and their crew do, and they will begin to visualize themselves in this
role. Being able to converse in real-time will continue to build their
skills as leaders and learners for the 21st century. We are excited to
participate in this opportunity.”
IODP is an international marine
research program dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the
Earth through drilling, coring and monitoring the subseafloor. The
470-foot-long JOIDES Resolution is one of the primary research vessels
operated by the U.S.
Implementing Organization of IODP, which consists of the Consortium
for Ocean Leadership, Texas A&M University and Lamont-Doherty Earth
Observatory of Columbia University.
