From the Arctic Field into the Classroom with the PolarTREC Teacher Research Experience Program

As a participant of the National Science Foundation sponsored PolarTREC Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating (2008) Teacher Research Experience (TRE) program, I have had the opportunity to work with leading scientific researchers in field experiences from the arctic to the tropics -in a NOAA Teacher at Sea Program 2007. These experiences with hands-on research and the resulting relationships that have developed with members of the scientific community have been an asset to my professional development and have greatly enhanced my students' and community's learning.

The opportunity to participate in data collection and hands-on research with Florida International researcher, Dr. Steve Oberbauer, helped me bring field experience and climate science from the tundra of the Arctic Circle in Barrow, Alaska into my classroom. The experiences, education and artifacts that I brought back allowed me to host a year-long polar theme connecting the tropics of Florida, involving all 300 students in my school. I created Florida State Standard lesson plans in compliance with climate field work in which I participated.

My experiences working with Dr. Oberbauer and his team in Barrow, Alaska, have allowed me thus far to share my venture via webinars with 150 people in my community, keynote speak to over 600 Palm Beach County science teachers as well as present at Internationally accredited conferences, such as American Geophsyical Union, as well as the National Science Teachers Association and at the state level Florida Association of Science Teachers.

Participation in TREs has been beneficial for the hundreds of students and members of my community. Additionally, the scientists who invited me to participate in their research have made a link between their research and a different generation. They become instrumental science leaders in a community of young impressionable learners

I have found that the best way to be an effective science teacher is to be a scientist. Having the opportunity to work in the field with researchers, allowed me to become a scientist. Participating in TREs has allowed me to become a scientist, acquire new, innovative ideas for my classroom/school, and has given my students the opportunity to work with renowned climatologists and real data—something most kids will never get the chance to do.

The more we bridge the gap between teachers and researchers the more science comes alive and possible for our future scientists.