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Promoting Science LiteracyPromoting Science Literacy
Keith L. Keith L. SeitterSeitterExecutive DirectorExecutive DirectorAmerican Meteorological SocietyAmerican Meteorological [email protected]@ametsoc.org
SSP SSP ?? 9 June 20069 June 2006
How do we measure success as How do we measure success as an organization?an organization?
When we were formed ...When we were formed ...
"The objects of this Society are: The advancement and diffusion of knowledge of meteorology, including climatology, and the development of its application to public health, agriculture, engineering, transportation by land and inland waterways, navigation of the air and oceans, and other forms of industry and commerce.”
— AMS Constitution, 1919
Some of the most challenging problems facing society today are environmental in character. A scientifically literate population will be better prepared to grasp the complexities of these issues and make wise choices.
Children have a natural interest in the atmosphere and oceans, and that makes those subjects excellent ways to teach math and science.
Staff
A staff of about 5–6 (with help from some volunteers) creates materials for use in K–12classrooms, with emphasis on teaching math and science across the curriculum.
Staff
Masterteacher
Masterteacher
Each year, 24 master teachers are funded to attend a two-week intensive summer workshop in Kansas City that trains them on the use of the materials.
Staff
Masterteacher
Masterteacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
The master teachers conduct workshops in their home states to train other teachers.
In the past 15 years, close to 4000 workshops have been given, with an average of 20 teachers at each. (~80,000!)
Staff
Masterteacher
Masterteacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Student
The students impacted by this one program number in the millions.
Staff
The same staff of 5–6 manages an online distance-learning course for teachers that provides graduate credit.
The staff has developed a textbook, and the course includes two hands-on exercises each week utilizing real-time weather data created “on the fly” to reinforce the lessons for that week.
There is also a similar DataStreme Ocean course, and one on the hydrologic cycle called DataStreme Water in the Earth System.
Staff
LIT
LIT
The teachers taking this course each semester are supported by a “local implementation team” (LIT) made up of volunteers that usually includes a university professor, a master teacher, and a professional from the local National Weather Service office.
LIT members are funded to receive intensive training on the materials each summer.
Staff
LIT
LIT
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Approximately 600 teachers per semester take one of the three Datastremecourses, with over 11,000 teachers completing courses so far.
Data
Staff
LIT
LIT
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Student
Data
DataStreme-trained teachers often give workshops to other teachers on use of real-time data in the classroom, expanding the impact.
Staff
The same staff of 5–6 manages an online distance-learning course for undergraduates that is licensed to and offered by a college or university.
The staff has developed a textbook similar to the one for Datastreme, and this course also includes two hands-on laboratory exercises each week utilizing real-time weather data created “on the fly” to reinforce the lessons for that week.
Staff
College
College
The college or university offering the course has one of its faculty members serve as the instructor of record, who manages the course, grades materials, oversees laboratory exercises, etc. Faculty has opportunity to receive training before offering course.
Currently, there are 320 institutions offering the course at least one semester per year, with 124 being minority serving institutions — most of which had never before offered a course in weather and climate.
Staff
College
College
Student
Student
Student
A new course, Online Ocean Studies, has just been launched using this same model.
Data
The person who had the vision for these The person who had the vision for these programs and who has led their programs and who has led their
implementation is Dr. Ira Geer, the Director implementation is Dr. Ira Geer, the Director of the AMS Education Program. of the AMS Education Program.
Major support for these programs has come from a number Major support for these programs has come from a number of federal agencies, including NSF, NOAA, NASA, ONR, of federal agencies, including NSF, NOAA, NASA, ONR, and others. and others.
The AMS provides significant support through its operating The AMS provides significant support through its operating budget and by absorbing much of the overhead costs budget and by absorbing much of the overhead costs associated with these programs.associated with these programs.
The sales of the textbooks used in the The sales of the textbooks used in the courses also provide significant support.courses also provide significant support.
So, how So, how dodo we measure success we measure success as an organization?as an organization?
Thank you! Thank you!
