|
|
|
Abstract SCIENCE EDUCATION AT THE SMITHSONIAN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER: HANDS-ON AND DISTANCE LEARNING FOR COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS ON CHESAPEAKE BAY. A. Mark Haddon, Dan Gustafson, and Anson Hines The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a world-leading
center for environmental research about linked ecosystems of the
coastal zone. SERC conducts critical research, professional training
for young scientists, and environmental education at a unique 2,800
acre site on the shores of Chesapeake Bay and around the world.
Our accomplishments range from running some of the longest continuous
ecological studies in the world, to creating new technology that
expands the horizons of science. SERC’s environmental education
programs are closely aligned with national and state learning standards
in ecology, biology, environmental and life science. Nearly 10,000
students (K - College) from the Washington DC-Baltimore-Annapolis
area visit SERC annually to participate in hands-on environmental
education programs that include watershed dynamics and estuarine
and terrestrial ecology. Students engage in collecting data on environmental
parameters that help them assess ecosystem health. SERC Education
staff train parents and teachers to lead program stations during
the field trips and to become partners in education rather than
observers. SERC’s professional training program supports 35
internships, 20 graduate students and 12 postdoc fellows annually.
Interns conduct hands-on research in ecology, biogeochemistry, human
impacts across coastal landscapes, and environmental education.
Grad students and fellows come from 30+ US and international universities.
Through collaborations with other organizations, SERC's message
of ecosystem and landscape ecology serves national and international
audiences. For nearly a decade, SERC has engaged in distance learning
to reach underserved and remote audiences. Last year, 80 distance
learning videoconferences and electronic field trips connected 35
million participants to SERC’s science and education staff.
Now, through wireless technology, videoconferences can be conducted
adjacent to research sites, and from beaches, docks, and research
vessels. SERC is committed to scientists and educators working side
by side to fulfill the Smithsonian’s goal of increase and
diffusion of knowledge.
|