2016 Ocean Sciences Meeting

February 21-26

Future scientists grow from children who discover a love of science as students, often because they were inspired at some point by an amazing science teacher. These science teachers can find inspiration and support by working directly with researchers in the field. Current research on science education emphasizes the need for multiple ways to engage students with scientific inquiry. Partnerships between research scientists and classroom teachers provide authentic experiences that can also engage students in scientific practices and application. Teachers who experience research first hand can become better science educators.  Researchers can benefit by having their science translated to a broader audience. Developing and sustaining effective and reciprocally beneficial teacher-researcher partnerships can be difficult yet transformational for both parties. How do you make research relevant for target audiences? How do you sustain those collaborations between researchers and educators? How can the scientific community support these partnerships in the future? We invite successful partnerships between researchers and educators, as well as researchers and teachers intrigued by the idea, to share their ideas and experiences. In a world where science and ocean literacy is increasingly vital, involving teachers, students, and their families in scientific inquiry has never been more important.