STEM Education Institute Announcement: Tuesday Talk info

[Stem Account <stem@k12s.phast.umass.edu>]

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Institute
presents:

Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 4 PM
Hasbrouck Lab, Room 138, University of Massachusetts Amherst

"Arctic Immersion for U.S. Undergraduates on Svalbard"

Julie Brigham-Grette
Dept. of Geosciences, University of Massachusetts

Contemporary studies of tidewater glacier margins in Kongsfjord, Svalbard
(79oN), provide an unparalleled opportunity for introducing motivated
third year undergraduate students to the challenges and rewards of polar
field research.  Rates of rapid change in this high-latitude Arctic
environment emphasizes the complexity of the Earth System at the interface
of the ocean, atmosphere and cryosphere.   Given background information in
glaciology, glacial geology, hydrology, climatology and fjord oceanography
not routinely offered in undergraduate curricula, students develop the
science questions to be addressed and establish a field plan for
instrumentation and sampling.   Working together in small boats in one of
the most challenging natural environments, the students expand their
leadership skills, learn the value of teamwork and collaborative data
sharing while maintaining a strong sense of ownership over their
individual science projects.  The rigors of studying an actively calving
tidewater glacier also builds on their outdoor skills, especially when it
is necessary to improvise and become resourceful due to instrumentation
failures or weather-related delays.  Self-confidence and problem solving
skills emerge from both field and laboratory research operations when
students draw upon and expand their base of practical knowledge via trial
and error.   The Kings Bay logistical facilities in Ny Ålesund offer an
international experience with opportunities for dialog with scientists of
a wide variety of disciplines working at research stations representing
more than 12 different European and Asian countries.   All students in the
program complete yearlong senior theses or independent studies and make
presentations at a professional meeting to complete the scientific
process.

The program begins at 4 PM; refreshments at 3:45 PM.
Parking available at the Campus Center Garage.
For more information, contact STEM Ed Institute at 545-0453

Next talk:  May 4, 2010, Amanda Walker Johnson, Dept. of Anthropology,
University of Massachusetts, will speak about science and the MCAS