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Embedding NOAA in a Public Learning Laboratory - The Environmental Scientist-In-Residence Program at the Exploratorium

Mary Miller

Exploratorium


The Environmental Scientist-in-Residence Program will leverage NOAA's scientific assets and personnel by combining them with the creativity and educational knowledge of the pioneer hands-on science center. To do this, the program will embed NOAA scientists in a public education laboratory at the Exploratorium. Working closely with youth Explainers, exhibit developers, and Web and interactive media producers at the Exploratorium, NOAA scientists will share instruments, data, and their professional expertise with a variety of public audiences inside the museum and on the Web. At the same time the scientists will gain valuable skills in informal science communication and education. Through cutting-edge iPad displays, screen-based visualizations, data-enriched maps and sensor displays, and innovative interactions with visitors on the museum floor, this learning laboratory will enable NOAA scientists and Exploratorium staff to investigate new hands-on techniques for engaging the public in NOAA's environmental research and monitoring efforts.

Funding agency NOAA
Through the funding program ELP

Award Numbers NA10SEC0080019

Selection Year:
2010

Award Period:
10/01/10 - 09/30/13

Products

Exhibit floor "walks

Exhibit floor walks connecting visitors to current NOAA research.

Audience Type: Informal Educators

Product Type: Exhibits

Museum school field trips

Museum school field trips with demos and visualizations to interpret environmental science.

Grade Level: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)

Audience Type: Students, Educators

Product Type: Field Trips/Facilitated Programs

iPad content for museum interpretation

iPad content for mediated experiences around climate, weather, and ocean sciences, including data visualization and live data streams.

Audience Type: Informal Educators

Product Type: Electronic Media & Tools, Field Trips/Facilitated Programs

Education assets for scientists

Scientists work with front-line museum staff to interact directly with public, and collaborate to create educational resources.

Audience Type: Educators, Scientists

Product Type: Professional Development

Videos of NOAA scientists

Online and iPad videos showing NOAA scientists, their data and the scientific process.

Audience Type: Informal Educators

Product Type: Video/Radio/Webcasts