cooladelaide.org

Source: Earthwatch
Date: February 21, 2012

Earthwatch is seeking urgent applications from school teachers to join a 7-day TeachWild fellowship team working alongside leading scientists from CSIRO learning about and contributing to hands-on field based data collection and research.

Participants will communicate live with their students via an interactive website bringing the real-life scientific research project into the classroom while simultaneously fulfilling Professional Development requirements.

Did we mention that this includes free food, accommodation, equipment, field transportation, research facilities and training whilst on the team... basically the teacher's Club Med!!

What's the catch?

You must be available to undertake this fellowship on 30 April - 5 May 2012 on the beautiful north Stradbroke Island, Qld. Tough isn't it!

To be eligible for a 7-day fellowship, teachers are required to register their school for the “Scientist for a Day” program. This will involve participating in class-based activities and beach surveys which will contribute to the national marine debris survey data. Teachers and their classrooms will be taught by scientists how to run beach surveys and are required to assist rolling out beach surveys across a year level within their school.

By engaging in our program you will receive an interactive learning experience for your students whilst meeting some of the key learning areas of the Australian Curriculum. Students will achieve a greater understanding of:

• The structural and chemical properties of marine debris.
• Where marine debris comes from.
• How marine debris moves in our waterways.
• How marine debris impacts on our marine environment and marine life.

Our ambition through the TeachWild program is to inspire a generation of young scientists and change how they make decisions as future leaders. We will do this by immersing students, teachers and parents in the science needed to address the global problem of marine debris.

TeachWild aims to:

• Build knowledge, skills and change attitudes to issues impacting ocean health.
• Inspire students to explore their world through science that is relevant to their lives, encourage, motivate and reward innovation in curriculum delivery by teachers.
• Develop the capacity and networks of regional and remote teachers and inspire those involved in the program to become environmental champions.
• Help mitigate the risks to breeding populations of threatened turtles and seabirds.
 
TeachWild Fellowships – Apply Now!
Science teachers from all around the country are invited to apply to take part in a week-long land based expedition with the science team, based on:

Location: North Stradbroke Island, QLD
Dates: 30 April – 5 May 2012

To apply
If you would like to apply for this exciting new program, please contact Earthwatch at teachwild@earthwatch.org.au or call on 03 9682 6828 for an application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will my school benefit?
Your school has decided to become involved in a national marine debris monitoring program – that’s the first step. In doing so, students and teachers will gain hands on experience undertaking field work led by our team of experienced scientists. A comprehensive website is available to further your students’ learning and to provide a unique, protected environment in which students and teachers can connect with other schools across the country to share their experiences. Also, students can continue their monitoring program without the assistance of our staff. All schools that participate will be acknowledged for their contribution in collecting data on our website. This data will be used by scientists at the highest level and will inform national policy decisions on the issue of marine debris.

How much does it cost?
This program is brought to you free of charge as a result of the collaboration between Earthwatch, Founding Partner Shell, and the CSIRO. Schools must manage transport to and from day excursion sites.

What resources are available to my school?
Your school will be provided with access to the Australian Biosecurity Intelligence Network (ABIN) and our Teach Wild secure community space. This community space will be kept up to date with innovative information about marine debris.

Do activities meet curriculum objectives?
The activities have been developed to ensure part of the key learning areas in Science, Maths and Geography in the Australian Curriculum are achieved for years 6‐12.

I want to further my students learning after the excursion, what assistance can you provide us with?
When you sign up to TeachWild we provide you and your students with monthly updates via email and updated information is available regularly on our website. Our staff will be available for Q&A via a web link up to answer questions from students and teachers.

I am a remote based school, can I still participate?
Absolutely! Our program is designed to support regional partnerships. Even if a scientist is unable to come to your school in person, you can participate by adapting the activities to suit your needs and by engaging with a scientist via video link online. We also have resources available on our website that can assist in classroom based delivery of marine debris education.