Theme 6 - Polar Science Education, Outreach, and Communication

Theme 6 of the International Polar Year Oslo Science Conference
(IPY-OSC) is entitled 'Polar Science Education, Outreach, and Communication' (EOC). In many ways, the inclusion of a strong EOC focus in this IPY represented one of the largest recent infusions of new resources into science education. The sessions of Theme 6 will highlight the remarkable variety, creativity, engagement, and impact of this diverse international effort. Theme 6 includes the following sessions:

T6-1: Learning together: The impacts of integrating education, outreach,
and research in IPY
Proposed Focus: Tangible and identifiable impacts from national,
political, organizational, community, and individual perspectives.

T6-2: Incorporating polar science into formal education
Proposed Focus: Examples and successes at primary, secondary, and
tertiary levels.

T6-3: Adventures in the field: Impacts of field programs for students,
teachers, artists, writers, and others
Proposed Focus: Descriptions and assessments of research immersion
and adventure learning programs.

T6-4: Global learning: The impact of the media
Proposed Focus: Analysis and lessons from IPY impact in print, film,
television, radio and web-based technologies.

T6-5: Informal initiatives and polar inspiration: IPY in museums, art,
films, books, and drama
Proposed Focus: Documenting and assessing exhibitions, events
(including polar days/weeks), performances, and polar books from the
viewpoint of IPY and of partner organizations.

T6-6: PolarCINEMA
This session will not receive abstracts. A separate submission of
film material and documentaries will be organized.

Each IPY Science Project is strongly encouraged to highlight their education and outreach activities in the Theme 6 sessions, while also highlighting their research activities in the science sessions (Themes 1 to 5). In addition to presentations in papers, conference sessions, and posters, EOC activities can be shown, screened, demonstrated, or exhibited in other formats and on other conference arenas. Organizers of Theme 6 recommend that the sessions should be devoted to presentations of the scope, objectives, and impact of EOC activities during IPY as well as discussions about the linkages between polar science and EOC.
Complementary to the submission of an abstract, please consider contributing to PolarEXPO, PolarCINEMA or PolarFESTIVAL. Further information on these programs are available at the conference website:
http://www.ipy-osc.no/

For further information on the sessions of Theme 6, please go to:
http://www.ipy-osc.no/article/2009/1245943735.35

Or contact:
Louise Huffman
Email: lhuffman@andrill.org
Phone: 630-460-3688

PolarTEACHERS Workshop
6-12 June 2010

Applications are being accepted for the PolarTEACHERS Workshop at the International Polar Year Oslo Science Conference (IPY-OSC) in Oslo, Norway. The workshop includes participation in the IPY-OSC, and runs from 6-12 June 2010.

The International Polar Year (IPY), from March 2007 to March 2009, was a large scientific program focused on the Arctic and Antarctica. IPY involved thousands of scientists from more than 60 nations in a wide range of physical, biological, and social research. IPY-OSC 2010 will be the first major meeting of scientists to share results from IPY research. Education, outreach, and communication (EOC) has been a central part of IPY and organizers would like to give teachers and other educators the opportunity to share their experiences. If you have not been involved in IPY, but want to use polar issues in your classroom, you are also welcome to participate.

The introductory section of the teacher conference will take place at the University of Oslo, 6-7 June 2010. The science conference, which will be held at the Norges Varemesse conference center, lasts from 8-12 June 2010. Accepted participants are expected to attend both the teacher and science conferences, and will need to arrive on Saturday, 5 June and depart no earlier than Friday, 11 June. Teachers will attend the science conference and meet regularly during the week to share their experiences and ideas.

The PolarTEACHERS Workshop is open to teachers and educators (including pre-service teachers) worldwide. To participate in the PolarTEACHERS conference you need to register and apply. There are two ways to be
selected:

- Present a paper to one of the Theme 6 parallel sessions
(http://www.ipy-osc.no/article/2009/1245943735.35) in the IPY-OSC 2010 by submitting an abstract on a project or activity that you were involved in during IPY.

- Write an application describing how you plan to use polar science in your classroom.

Deadlines are as follows:

Abstract Submission: Wednesday, 20 January 2010 Acceptance of Abstracts/Applications: Monday, 15 February 2010 Acceptance from Selected Participants: Thursday, 25 February 2010 Registration Deadline for the Conference: Monday, 8 March 2010

For further information, please go to:
http://www.polararet.no/conference/esc/article/2009/1257950088.29

Or contact:
Louise Huffman
Email: lhuffman@andrill.org
Phone: 630-460-3688

Opportunities for Early Career Researchers

IPY-OSC 2010 has set a new precedent for the involvement of early career scientists and the activities available for young researchers to further their careers. Activities and support for early career scientists include an APECS Professional Development workshop, a networking reception with senior mentors, awards for outstanding young researcher presentations, stipends, travel fellowships, and much more.

Please visit http://www.ipy-osc.no/ for more information on the conference. The deadline for abstracts and travel fellowship applications is Wednesday, 20 January 2010. Information on the Early Career Researcher program can be found at: www.apecs.is/oslo2010

The application to the APECS workshop, Oslo Stipend, and Travel Fellowships is tied to the abstract submission system. After you submit your abstract you will be asked if you want to apply for these things.
Check the box and you will be taken to the application. You are allowed to go back into the system and edit your application, but to help you have your answers to the questions ready, you can get a sneak peak of the application from the APECS Website.

For a complete list of activities for young researchers and tips for APECS members to help you increase your chances of receiving financial assistance, log into the APECS website and go to:
http://www.apecs.is/oslo2010/

For further information, please contact:
Jenny Baeseman
Email: jbaeseman@gmail.com