What a promising program to get students involved in marine science and STEM more broadly. I’m very much interested in evaluations/impact studies of these kinds of program. Are there plans in place to assess the impact of the program on students?

Thanks for watching our video, Elc! It is a wonderful project with a robust research plan that includes assessing the impact on students. We hope to create long term sustainability and critical impact through the project’s focus on citizen science, environmental restoration, an innovative digital platform and engaging inquiry based curriculum!

It is really exciting to hear that this project is expanding! I am a big fan. Just curious- do the students ever share data with any folks working on oyster restoration or marine science in the Chesapeake Bay area?

Thanks Sarah for checking out our video! Great question! The answer is yes! One of our partners is the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. We have some additional outreach being done there and also host several events here in the city that are open to the public. If you would like additional information, you can email me at lbirney@pace.edu and I would be more than happy to forward you some of that information :) ! Thanks again!

I love the idea of connecting students ideas of STEM to their local environment.

What subjects do the teachers teach who are coming to your training? (core math and science teachers, specific discipline). How long is the training and how are the teachers implementing the curriculum? What kind of follow up professional development is offered?

Is the curriculum taught during a particular unit, after school, etc and in what grades?

Good morning Nicole and thank you for your note. The teaching fellowship is open to all middle school teachers as we did not want to eliminate teachers. The training is a two year fellowship with ongoing support being offered through BOP training sessions as well. The curriculum is integrated throughout the course of the entire school year. Thanks for checking out our video and asking such poignant questions!

This is an exciting program to hook/interest public school students in STEM research. The expansion further serves to document how valuable such learning is for getting students involved in continuing their interest in and study of marine biology and science.

Thank you for your support, Pat. The response from students and teachers has been incredible. It is really a testament to the incredible dedication of all the partners involved!

Thank you very much to everyone that viewed our CCERS video. It was created by one of our undergraduate students, Ms. Noura Jost! We are most grateful to NSF for granting us this opportunity to provide students in NYCDOE public schools with unique opportunities to work along side their teachers, professors, scientists and STEM professionals in New York Harbor collecting and data and conducting research. The citizen scientist movement alongside the problem based learning initiative offer blooming young minds to go beyond their classrooms and restore their community while gaining the necessary skills and attributes to become productive citizens. Once again, I would like to thank NSF and all the sponsors for the video showcase for allowing us to participate in this groundbreaking event! with gratitude, Lauren Birney/PI DRL 1440869