Embedded in an Oceanographic Research Lab: A Partnership with a K-12 Teacher to Bring Diversity to Ocean Sciences.

Cape Cod, MA is home to world-class oceanographic research institutions and numerous marine technology companies. K-12 students in Cape Cod towns are from diverse backgrounds with many students identified as economically disavantaged and from high needs populations. Many K-12 students are unaware of future scientific and maritime career paths available in their hometowns. Close geographical proximity does not guarantee knowledge nor access to pathways that lead to these careers. Through a National Science Foundation funded Research Experience for Teachers Fellowship at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a partership has been developed between a K-12 STEM teacher and an oceanographic research lab. This three year partnership has resulted in the continued evolution of outreach programs targeting diverse populations. The Girls in Ocean Engineering and Science (GOES) program is a 4 day summer institute that brings a diverse group of rising 6th grade girls where they build Sea Perch Remotely Operated Vehicles, build wind turbines, and learn hands on about ocean research. This year GOES expanded to also include Underrepresented Populations (UP & GOES), culminating in two female high school students and two high school teachers participating in an 8 day research cruise on the R/V Thomas Thompson. Here we present our efforts to bring diversity to ocean science through this partnership and through the K-12 outreach programs we have developed. The successes, challenges, and ripple effects along with our future goals will be presented.