NEWS
Download a copy of The Great Build A Buoy Challenge Materials List right here!
Project SEARCH Summer Academy - June 24-27
We will hold our 4th annaul SEARCH Summer Academy at Victory Elementary. Parents are responsible for travel arrangements to and from the meeting location. If you have any questions or are interested in your PPS child participating, please contact Dr. Dickerson at ddickers@odu.edu or 757-683-4676 (email is best).
Instrument Buoy Data Are On The Web!
Data collected from YSI sensors are posted at http://cormp2.das.uncw.edu/dev/. We are still in the process of setting up the server at ODU, but should have that up shortly. Once established, data will be uploaded every hourautomatically. The data currently posted have not undergone QAQC protocols, so they should be treated as educational tools only. Lots of other related items in the works and we will post on those as soon as they are complete.
Project SEARCH Summer Academy - June 18th-21st at Victory Elementary
The 2012 Project SEARCH Summer Academy took place on July 18th-21st at Victory Elementary. The Parent Letter and Schedule are now available online (Parent Letter and Schedule). We had a great time and constructed 3 observation buoys using Vernier probeware, digital cameras, and a fishfinder. A speacial thanks to all the ODU pre-service teachers who worked with the students and made it a fun, educational, and memorable experience!
Project SEARCH Club - June Meeting - Professional Presentation Meeting
We met at Victory Elementary School on June 7 from3:45-5:00. This was a special meeting with teachers and students who participated in the Project SEARCH 2012 Summer Academy. We discussed roles for SEARCH teachers and began preparation for six SEARCH students to provide professional presentations at SEARCH and RiverQuest 2012, another environmental education summer camp for rising 9th grade PPS students.
Project SEARCH Club - May Meeting - Joint Project SEARCH/RiverQuest 2011 Meeting
We met at Victory Elementary School on May 3rd from 5:30-6:30. This was a special joint meeting with participants from RiverQuest 2011 summer environmental education camp. We had a presentation on SEARCH activities, screened the short documentary film by RiverQuest participants, and enjoyed a pizza dinner. The audience asked questions about the SEARCH buoys and the data that have been collected. For example, one parent asked about how the toxicology data we collected related to his recreational fishing.
SEARCH/ODU NSTA Student Chapter Outreach through Build-A-Buoy
In collaboration with ODU preservice secondary science teachers who represented the ODU NSTA Student Chapter, we set up tables at the Millpond Day Event and 5K Run at Merchants Millpond State Park where we worked with the public using proscopes and Build-A-Buoy activities from 10am-3pm.
Project SEARCH Club - March Meeting - Passive Sampler Data
We met at Victory Elementary School on March 22nd from 4:00-5:00. We reviewed our initial data from the passive samplers. Students analyzed the results and drew conclusions about water quality. We also discussed the development of a QAQC protocol.
SEARCH Team Member, Stephanie Hathcock and Antartica!
As part of our involvement in an NSF-funded project, SEARCH Team Member Stephanie Hathcock is aboard the Palmer. The crew of scientists will study the Ross Sea in order to learn more about climate change. You can follow Stephanie's adventures at:
Additionally, there is a contest going on related to the blog, where students can win $400!! Check it out at:
http://www.steminaction.org/prism-digital-science-comic-co/
Project SEARCH Club - December Meeting - Research regarding Toxicants Identified by Passive Samplers
We met at Victory Elementary on December 6th from 3:30-5:00. There students used laptops to research information online about the compounds the UConn Chem Lab identified from the passive samplers the SEARCH team deployed.
Virgnia Association of Science Teachers Conference
Project SEARCH leaders presented at the VAST Conference on November 18th. The presentations were entitled:
1. The great build-a-buoy challenge
2. Impact of Project SEARCH on environmental advocacy
North American Association for Environmental Education Conference
Project SEARCH leaders presented at the NAAEE Conference on October 15th. The presentation was entitled: Project SEARCH – Buoys, non-traditional STEM fields, and policy-ready citizen science
Mid-Atlantic Marine Educators Association Conference
Project SEARCH leaders presented at the MAMEA Conference on October 8th. The presentation was entitled: The Great Build A Buoy Challenge.
Project SEARCH Presentation in Methods Course
Pre-service secondary science teachers at ODU had the opportunity to learn about effective science instruction using the Build A Buoy Challenge.
Publication Accepted in NSTA's Science & Children
Members of the Project SEARCH Team recently had a manuscript accepted by NSTA's Science & Children regarding the use of the Build-A-Buoy activity. Further information will be provided once the manuscript is published. The updated Materials List is now available by clicking here.
Project SEARCH Club - October Meeting - Deployment of Passive Samplers
We met at Scott's Creek on October 4th from 3:30-5:00. There we finished construction on the passive sampler buoy that was begun at the Summer Academy. We also installed the passive sampler plates, developed rigging and deployed the sampler.
Project SEARCH Presentations Accepted for National, Regional, and State Conferences
Project SEARCH leaders will be presenting on Project SEARCH activities and research at the North American Association of Environmental Educators, the Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association, and the Virginia Association of Science Teachers.
Project SEARCH Activities Leveraged for Other Grant Funded Environmental Education Opportunities
Project SEARCH activities have been used in other projects throughout the 2011 Summer including the NSF-funded MarineTech, the Beasley-funded RiverQuest, and the VA Dept of Education funded VA Science Institute for STEM Education (VSISE).
Project SEARCH Summer Academy - July 25th-28th at Victory Elementary
The 2011 Project SEARCH Summer Academy will take place on July 25th-28th at Victory Elementary. The Parent Letter and Schedule are now available online (Parent Letter and Schedule).
Project SEARCH Club - June Meeting - Peer Teaching Workshop for 6th Graders
On June 9th from 3:30-5:00pm at Victory Elementary School, the SEARCH Club met. We worked on the following:
1. the 6th grade participants learned about peer teaching strategies in preparation for the Summer Academy
Specifically, they learned about questioning strategies, teamwork, inquiry instruction, and management.
Project SEARCH Presentation at Gatesville Elementary School
On June 2nd we led all 4th graders at Gatesville Elementary School in Project SEARCH activities. Students learned about buoys and NOAA during the day.
Project SEARCH Club - May Meeting - Trouble Shooting and Summer Academy
On May 12th from 3:30-5:00pm at Victory Elementary School, the SEARCH Club met. We worked on the following:
1. students worked on trouble shooting the power issues we are experiencing with the buoy
2. continued discussing the Summer Academy and our roles
Project SEARCH Presentations Conducted at National Science Education Conferences
Research studies related to Project SEARCH were presented at ASTE (Association of Science Teacher Educators) and NARST (National Association for Research in Science Teaching) in January and April of 2011. For more information visit the Administration page or contact Dr. Daniel Dickerson.
Project SEARCH Presentation at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
Family Science Night
On Wednesday, March 30th from 6pm- 8pmDr. Dickerson led hands-on buoy-related activitiesfor elementary students and their families that drew directly from Project SEARCH activities. The session was part of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy's Family Science Night.
Project SEARCH Club - March Meeting - Research and Summer Academy
On March 14th from 3:30-5:00pm at Victory Elementary School, the SEARCH Club met. We worked on the following:
1. students worked on development of their research studies
2. began discussing the Summer Academy and our roles
Project SEARCH Club - January Meeting - Instrument Use and Telemetry
On January 13th from 3:30-5:00pm at Victory Elementary School, the SEARCH Club met. We worked on the following:
1. students completed the alterations regarding the buoy design to allow for improved access to the dry box
2. continued our discussion of power issues
Project SEARCH Teacher Professional Development Session - Posters
On Dec 15, 2010 Project SEARCH leaders held a professional development session that focused on using the Project SEARCH posters in their classes at their respective schools. Fifteen lead teachers received training regarding the implementation of the posters that address literacy, environmental education, and science education standards. They will share this information with other 5th grade science teachers at their school.
Project SEARCH Invited Presentation Regarding Buoys
Project SEARCH activities related to the use of the student and teacher constructed buoy will be shared at the BOB III Conference in Jacksonville, FL on December 13-14, 2010. Dr. Dickerson was invited to share information on the application of buoys in Project SEARCH and help lead conference participants in learning how to construct buoys. The BOB III Conference is presented by COSEE-SE, SECOORA, NC Sea Grant, and NOAA.
Project SEARCH Teacher Professional Development Session - 6th Grade Math
On Dec 8, 2010 Project SEARCH leaders held a professional development session that focused on inquiry-based instruction and the use of real-time data in class activities for three 6th grade Teacher Leaders. We explored ways to integrated real-time data use into their existing curriculum.
Project SEARCH Club - December Meeting - Instrument Use and Telemetry
On December 7th from 3:30-5:00pm at Victory Elementary School, the SEARCH Club met. We worked on the following:
1. students altered the buoy design to allow for improved access to the dry box
2. discussed power issues and charged the battery
Project SEARCH Teacher Professional Development Session - Buoy and Data
On Nov 23, 2010 Project SEARCH leaders held a professional development session that focused on inquiry-based instruction and the use of real-time data in class activities. The teachers also worked on the buoy telemetry and learned how to use EcoWatch to collect data from the instrument.
Project SEARCH Presentations at VAST
On November 18th, 2010 Project SEARCH made multiple presentations at the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Annual Meeting at the Hampton Roads Collusium. A complete list of presentations is provided on the Administration page and handouts and materials from the presentations are provided on the Teachers page. Here are some pictures of the Project SEARCH leaders in action!
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Project SEARCH Club - November Meeting - Instrument Use and Telemetry
On November 16th from 3:30-5:00pm at Victory Elementary School, the SEARCH Club met. We worked on the following:
1. students altered the buoy design to allow for improved access to the dry box
2. discussed power issues and charged the battery
3. explored the EcoWatch software in conjunction with the YSI 600-series sonde
4. installed software to establish remote access connections
Project SEARCH Club - September Meeting - Cruise Aboard the RV Slover
On Thursday, September 16th Project SEARCH Club members and Portsmouth Public School teachers participated in a cruise of the Chesapeake Bay. During the cruise, students and teachers collected water samples, conducted a plankton tow, observed plankton using a microscope, and collected worms from a sediment grab. They also observed different forms of human impact on the Elizabeth River and the Bay. Below are some pictures of their experiences:
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Project SEARCH Presentation at Chesapeake Public Schools
Secondary Science Professional Development Day
On Tuesday, August 31st from 8am-11amDr. Dickerson provided an in-service professional development session that drew from Project SEARCH activities. The session was part of Chesapeake Public Schools professional development day for secondary science teachers and was held at Oscar Smith High School.
Project SEARCH Featured in Virginia Pilot
Project SEARCH Summer Academy was recently featured in a Virginia Pilot article on 07/31/10 entitled Portsmouth Camp Buoys Environmental Zest by Cheryl Ross. The project was also recognized by WTKR - News Channel 3 on 07/31/10 in ODU Education Profs to Lead Portsmouth Fifth-Graders in Buoy Building Project.
Project SEARCH Club
We hope to continue the endeavor we’ve begun this week by starting a SEARCH Club. SEARCH Club members will engage in authentic scientific inquiry and make a positive impact in their community. Students will build on the lessons learned at camp this week as they continue to grow as environmental stewards, learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related careers, and participate in unique SEARCH opportunities such as our planned September cruise aboard the Research Vessel (RV) Slover. SEARCH Club will meet once a month after school at Victory Elementary. If your Portsmouth Public School child is interested in joining the club, please contact Dr. Dickerson at ddickers@odu.edu.
Project SEARCH Summer Academy
On July 26-30, 2010 we held the first Project SEARCH Summer Academy. Three teachers and nine students from Portsmouth Public Schools were engage from 9am-3pm in intensive hands-on, inquiry-based STEM activities that challenged them to think about socio-scientific issues related to their local environment (i.e. the Chesapeake Bay). Guest speakers, included
- Robin Dunbar from the Elizabeth River Project who informed teachers and students about ERP and about how ERP could use the data the students collect from their buoy in conjunction with their ongoing programs
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Dr. Petros Katsioloudis from ODU's STEM Education Dept helped students and teachers learn about design process, and
- Becky Jaffe, attorney with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, presented information regarding environmental law, environmental justice, and integrated STEM careers.
Teachers and students worked together in learning about observation buoys and their roles in helping answer questions about our environment by initially building small scale buoys. As the week progressd, the teachers and students constructed a full-scale observation buoy outfitted with scientific quality instruments capable of collecting data that can be used by a variety of organizations including NOAA, VADEQ, Elizabeth River Project, etc.
The Academy was extremely successful and a lot of fun. Pictures of the week's activities can be viewed at: Project SEARCH Summer Academy 2010
As the students and teachers continue to work within Project SEARCH as part of the SEARCH Club, a data visualization component will be developed for online users (anticipated Fall 2010). Directions regarding access to buoy data will be provided once the visualization is complete, so please check back often.
Thanks to all the student participants and their parents for an awesome week!
Project SEARCH Team Planning Meeting
On July 1, 2010, we held a planning meeting of the Project SEARCH Team to plan curriculua enhancements and the SEARCH Summer Academy, in addition to a number of other agenda items.
Project SEARCH Shared During International Presentation
On May 31, 2010 Dr. Dickerson, along with Dr. Petros Katsioloudis, made a presentation entitled "Integrative STEM education: History, implementation, research" to members of the Ministry of Education in Nicosia, Cyprus. A portion of the presentation focused on Project SEARCH and its STEM-related learning opportunities.
Project SEARCH Team Planning Meeting
On May 19, 2010, we held a planning meeting of the Project SEARCH Team to plan VAST proposal submissions, curriculua enhancements, and the SEARCH Summer Academy, in addition to a number of other agenda items.
Project SEARCH Research - Dissertation Summary of Dr. Patti Horne
Graduate research assistant to Project SEARCH, Patti Horne, successfully defended her dissertation in April, 2010. Dr. Horne's work examines students' views regarding environmental scientists, environmental caretakers, and environmentally responsible behaviors. The results and conclusions from Dr. Horne's work serves to inform the responsive development and implementation of interventions in Project SEARCH. A summary of her study, Urban Elementary Students' Views of Environmental Scientists, Environmental Caretakers, and Environmentally Responsible Behaviors, is attached in a 5Mb pdf here.
BOBs Conference in Wilmington, NC
On March 17-19, Project SEARCH PI, Dr. Dickerson, participated in the Basic Observation Buoy (BOB) II Workshop that was executed at the UNC-W Center for Marine Science in Wilmington, NC by SECOORA, COSEE SE, and NC Sea Grant. At the workshop he connected with other science educators, scientists, classroom teachers, and students who are using BOB's. Additionally, industry representatives(e.g. YSI) provided demonstrations of instruments. Participants discussed their experiences with various sensors, describing the pros and cons of each. Design issues were extensively discussed, including data retreival and use. We had an opportunity to handle and use various sensors from multiple vendors. Future collaboration was also addressed. The lessons learned from this workshop are being employed in the planning stages of Project SEARCH's Summer Camp. Below are some photos from the workshop. Pictures were taken by Lundie Spense, Tamra Willis, and Megan Treml.
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SEARCH Presentation at Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography
On February 15, 2010, Project SEARCH PI, Dr. Dickerson, made a presentation on Project SEARCH to faculty from the Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography (CCPO) and interested individuals. The presentation provided an overview of Project SEARCH and focused on action research, alternative assessments, and the use of instructional technologies.
Teacher Professional Development Session - Pedagogy 2 (Probeware)
The Project SEARCH Team successfully completed Pedagogy 2 Session where we learned how to use probeware. A workshop leader from Vernier provided an all-day workshop showing us how to use the Vernier Lab Quest and probes including temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and others. We will have future Sessions that will continue and expand this learning.
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Coat Drive
The ODU Chapter of the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) assisted Project SEARCH by conducting a coat drive that resulted in providing 22 coats for Portsmouth Public Schools students so they could engage in fieldwork during cold weather. Thanks so much ODU SVEA!
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NOAA Stakeholders Conference
Dickerson (PI) attended the NOAA Stakeholders Forum on December 2, 2009 in order to voice support of expanding NOAA's commitment to K-12, post-secondary, and non-formal education initiatives.
Teacher Professional Development Session - Content 1 (Oysters, HAB's, and Environmental Toxicology)
The Project SEARCH Team successfully completed the Content 1 Session where we learned about 1) oyster anatomy and behavior through VERY hands-on activities led by Dr. Susan Ford of the Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory at Rutgers University, 2) harmful algal blooms (HAB’s) from Dr. Margaret Mulholland of the OEAS Dept at Old Dominion University, and 3) environmental toxicology, specifically the sediments of the lower Chesapeake Bay, from Mr. J.Reiger of the Elizabeth River Project. This Session was videotaped and has been turned into a DVD for the teachers’ reference (see Movies). Additional sessions are in the planning stages that will extend upon the learning resulting from this initial Session and discuss ways to incorporate teacher learning into student lessons.
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Teacher Professional Development Session - Pedagogy 1 (Assessment)
The Project SEARCH Team successfully completed the Pedagogy 1 Session where we examined various types of alternative assessments and discussed their role in the context of Project SEARCH activities. Future Sessions will also address issues of assessment in order to provide sustained support regarding pedagogical learning and implementation.
Development of Principal and Informational Materials
We have developed a one-page introduction to Project SEARCH. Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested in learning more about Project SEARCH (Project SEARCH Introduction).
SEARCH Teacher Application Process
Teacher applications were developed and disseminated. The process resulted in the selection of three 5th grade Envirobase teachers: Annie Gunter, Dara Sandie, and Shana Dean. Congratulations to these outstanding teachers!
National B-WET Conference
Dickerson (PI) and Horne (Graduate Student) attended the National B-WET conference in Silver Springs, MD. During this time, we learned more about the program and NOAA’s structure, ocean science content (e.g. HAB’s), and NOAA resources (e.g. outreach@noaa.gov ), some of which we intend to incorporate into our program. We also were able to network with other B-WET recipients and learned much from these interactions.