There is understanding, and then there is communicating, and both are important. Scientists are of course incredibly intelligent people, who can analyze complex systems like climate, and problem-solve nearly anything. But sometimes, communicating that complex science to the general public can in a way be almost more challenging than the science itself, because it is a different kind of skill. As I have mentioned previously on the blog, the Miami Science Museum has recently joined a nationwide network of science centers on an initiative called Portal to the Public. Led by the Pacific Science Center and funded by the National Science Foundation, the goal is to work with scientists on strategies for communicating their research to the public. Making personal connections, appreciating different audience’s perspectives, designing meaningful activities – these really are skills. Portal to the Public is a pretty sweet deal for all involved – scientists improve upon or gain a new skill and maybe even see their research through new eyes, and the public learns about current science from the people living it. So at the end of the day, we may just inspire some next generation scientists.
As one of the Instructors on the NABOS Summer School taking place onboard the expedition, I have been leading the science communication outreach efforts. One of those efforts is of course what you are reading right now! After my first Portal to the Public workshop early on in the expedition, scientists have been incorporating some of those strategies into blog entries that they have written and I have posted for you (these blog posts are entitled “Post from a Scientist”). They have also been helping me with how best to respond to the hundreds of questions that students from Miami and around the world have been posting on the blog. And now I have just led a second Portal to the Public workshop, with perhaps the most challenging goal of all (next to understanding the Earth’s climate system of course). The challenge is for each scientist to design a hands-on activity for the public that illustrates their own research. Check out the next post to see some of the activities we did during the workshop, to get the juices flowing!
Hi Lindsay. Hope all is well.
From
Ms. Gonzalez’s 7th Period
Hi Ms. Gonzalez’s 7th period class! All is well, thanks! The water was a little choppy lately (I’m talking 12 foot waves), which didn’t make anyone’s tummy feel too happy for a day or so, but now we’re back in ice, and the science is cool, the ice is beautiful, and I’m still amazed that I’m here!
Hey Lindsay! Is there any specific reason why the waves where so high? Also, did any of you guys had to take any medication or be in a specific diet during those days (seasickness)? I hope all you are fine now and can continue working on your experiments and informing us (students). Thank You!
Hi Yanelis, we were actually traveling through an Arctic cyclone at that point! A cyclone is like a hurricane, but not as strong, so the waves can get pretty rough during these times. I think some people took some motion sickness medication for sure. We still had meals like normal, but of course it was up to each individual person to make the decision about what his/her tummy could handle!
What would you classify as the greatest challenge for you when trying to experiment and research about the Earth’s climate meanwhile you are in this expedition?
Hi Yennyfer, for me the biggest challenge is to try to learn all of the technology, the experiments, the instruments, and the science behind all the operations onboard, so I can share it all on the blog and give everyone an idea of how much cool stuff is going on here!
When you touch the railing or objects that’s cold, do you get frost bite?
Hi Zayna, you don’t get frostbite from touching the railing or anything, but I can tell you from experience when it feels like you’re going to get frostbite – when you are out on the top deck of the ship for 2 hours, it’s below freezing and windy, and you think it’s more important to have your hands free to take picture of the beautiful sea ice and polar bears on a rare sunny day, instead of putting your gloves on. I came inside and had my hands under hot water for a couple minutes!
If you were to get frost bite, how would you deal with it?
Hi Lauren, if you get past the point of being cold, and are actually to the point of frostbite, the best thing to do is keep the area clean, and covered, and probably see a doctor ASAP!
hi Lindsay, ummm i wonder if it is har to stay in contact with your family and friends while you are out in the artic?
Hi Heaven, yes that is difficult, because it is so remote in the Arctic. Cell phones don’t work, and internet doesn’t work, and you only have communication via satellite with phone and email (and even that is difficult and expensive. So we emailed a few times, and we all took turns on the couple satellite phone that we had to share among everyone on the ship. But you’re so busy on the ship, it’s hard to find time to have a break too!