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Sponsored
by Application
Deadline: June 24 Extremely
ancient rocks, extremely recent geysers, hotsprings that harbor
extremely strange forms of life—Yellowstone National Park
has them all in abundance. What do they tell us about the history
of Earth? What clues can they provide about the history of other
solar system bodies and the possibility of life on these other
worlds?
Join experienced geologists, planetary scientists, and astrobiologists on site in Yellowstone National Park to examine these features. A four-day field study will be followed by classroom sessions at Montana State University in Bozeman. Our goal is to relate extremely old rocks and life in extreme environments in the Park to conditions on other solar system bodies, combining field observations with results from space exploration through labs, presentations, and activities suitable for the classroom. You will also receive extensive background materials, activity plans, references, etc., to take away with you. This workshop is open to 6th–12th grade teachers and may be especially useful for Earth Science, Biology, and Space Science teachers, although it is not limited to those. Preservice teachers, school librarians, early college instructors and junior college instructors are also encouraged to apply. It's an opportunity to conduct real research alongside scientists as well as learn up-to-the minute results from space science missions. The principal scientists will be involved throughout the workshop, in the field, in the lab, and in the classroom; you will get to know the scientists, see how they work, and ask all the questions you want! The science team of geologists, planetary scientists, and astrobiologists represent the Lunar and Planetary Institute, NASA Ames Astrobiology Team, Montana State University, University of New Mexico, and University of Washington. Accommodations in the Park at Yellowstone Lake Hotel and at Montana State University in Bozeman have been confirmed. The Registration Fee of $560 covers lodging, some meals, take-away materials, and transportation during the workshop as well as scientist/instructor time. You will need to arrange your own travel to Bozeman, where the workshop will begin and end. We have done similar workshops using this model for several years, including a workshop at Washington's Channeled Scablands as an analogue for Martian flood channels, and a workshop through the Cascade volcanos and Oregon lava fields comparing and contrasting volcanism on other solar system bodies. The workshops have invigorated our teachers' curricula and given them many ideas, samples (manipulatives), and images for their classrooms. To help pay for your participation in this workshop, you might contact the NASA Space Grant Consortium in your state and regional members of NASA's Office of Space Science Support Network. Contact information for these organizations can be found at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/EPO/bfpartners.html Other
sources of funding include your local school district, and professional
development stipends available in your region. Clock
hours or academic credit is available through specific universities
in your home state. We will be glad to answer questions that you
or sponsoring agencies may have. A preliminary itinerary follows
and will be updated shortly as the agenda is finalized. I'll be glad to provide additional information you may need, and hope that you can join us. Pam
Thompson |
