Using Ocean Exploration to Support Naval STEM Outreach and Workforce Development
Abstract
The Ocean Exploration Trust proposes a 3-year program to leverage the Nautilus ExplorationProgram???s annual 6-8 month sea-going field program to provide transformative learningexperiences for students, educators, and members of the public at large. In the United States,fewer than half the number of students who enter into STEM undergraduate curricula as freshmen will actually graduate with a STEM degree. There is even greater disparity in the national STEM graduation rates of students from underrepresented groups, with approximately three-fourths of minority students leaving STEM disciplines at the undergraduate level (National Resource Council, 2011). The proposed program will build upon previous ONR-funded efforts to use seagoing student internships and educator fellowships, along with related onshore education programs, toward the goals of: (1) workforce role modeling and career exploration at the middle and high school through graduate levels, (2) reaching communities underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and (3) the implementation of a digital media strategy to attract and engage young audiences, veterans, and active servicemen and servicewomen in maritime careers and naval history. Through our ability to serve as a platform for innovative programs to reach out to and inspire students and adults, the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) is positioned to generate enthusiasm for and exposure to the breadth of possible STEM-related vocations available through the military while offering concrete education and training to those who plan to pursue these careers. In doing so, this program will support students at critical junctures in their educational and professional careers???including prior to selecting a major or career path and prior to forming their attitude towards STEM disciplines???and will ultimately encourage recruitment and retention in the STEM workforce pipeline, including students that have been historically underrepresented in these fields. OET will bring 15 Science & Engineering Interns (SEIPs) and 15 Science Communications Fellows (SCFs) educators on board for approximately 2-5 weeks each depending on the participants??? availability and the expedition schedule. They will experience exploration first-hand; gain valuable training from STEM professionals at sea; and conduct live broadcasts from sea to schools, universities, and museums within their communities. Following their time aboard Nautilus, participants return home as role models for their peers as they share their experiences, and inspire their peers to become more involved in STEM activities, thus continuing to grow and increase the impact of the entire program. As a result of their participation in our program, we anticipate that the SCFs will have: increased tools to better steer students towards science subjects and related careers, especially as they relate to oceans; increased content knowledge in ocean exploration and related STEM fields; increased network of scientists and researchers in STEM fields; and increased levels of accuracy and effectiveness in communicating information related to STEM, ocean exploration, and associated careers. We anticipate that the SEIPs will have: increased skill base through 2-5-week experience working aboard E/V Nautilus; increased knowledge of job prospects through working with a wide array of Naval role models, scientists, engineers, students, and educators; increased knowledge and proficiency in working as member of at-sea team; and improved ability in communications and leadership through participating in educational outreach activities, such as live interviews with shore.addition to these outcomes, we anticipate that the program will raise the visibility, understanding of, and appreciation for Naval STEM careers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 19, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812854
Entities
People
- Robert Ballard
Organizations
- Ocean Exploration Trust
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy