Dover Middle School STEM teacher Joanna “Jo” Slavitz spent part of her summer aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessel, working alongside scientists during a 22-day fisheries survey in the Bering Sea.
Slavitz, a nationally recognized STEM scholar, was just one of 10 teachers selected for the NOAA Teacher at Sea program, giving educators the opportunity to take part in scientific research and bring their findings back to the classroom. To be accepted into the program, Slavitz completed multiple essay responses, received two recommendations and expressed great interest in the NOAA program and what it could bring to her classroom.
On July 20, Slavitz boarded the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. During the trip, she worked alongside scientists conducting an acoustic-trawl survey of Alaska Pollock in the Eastern Bering Sea. The survey involved collecting data on pollock populations and the surrounding marine environment.
Slavitz worked in tandem with the research team daily, gaining firsthand experience with the equipment and methods scientists use to study marine life.
For Slavitz, the experience was also an opportunity to find new ways to get her students interested in science.
“The true essence of good science teaching is igniting student curiosity to the magic and wonder of the world around them,” said Slavitz. “NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program provides literal oceans of exciting ‘wow moments’ and hands-on research experiences that I can then share with students in my classroom, opening new and unexplored horizons to them. Engaged, excited teachers create engaged, excited students.”
Slavitz plans to use what she learned during the trip in her STEM lessons at Dover Middle School. She documented her time aboard the Oscar Dyson through the NOAA Teacher at Sea blog, sharing photos and updates from the research trip.
In addition to completing the program, Slavitz will submit an article for publication or deliver a presentation at an educator’s conference and to her colleagues.
“NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program gives teachers the professional opportunity of a lifetime with a chance to participate in cutting-edge science on the ocean, working side-by-side with world-renowned scientists,” said Jennifer Hammond, the program’s director. “Teachers describe this authentic research experience as transformative and one that allows them to bring new knowledge and excitement back to their classrooms.”
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Dover Middle School STEM teacher Joanna “Jo” Slavitz spent part of her summer aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessel, working alongside scientists during a 22-day fisheries survey in the Bering Sea.
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