HAMILTON, TX FEB 24- Third-grade students at Hamilton Elementary School had the unique opportunity to serve as an "interactive school" today. Using videoconferencing technology provided by IOCOM, the students will participated in a live video conference with scientists, technicians and crew on board the scientific ocean drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution on its way to Antarctica.
Beginning at 1 pm, the 60-minute live video conference enabled students to explore current research in climate change, careers in science and life at sea. Students learned about the scientific method and how science data is collected, while asking questions of the scientists and taking a virtual tour of the ship's on-board laboratories.
The live video conference programming is coordinated by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP)'s Deep Earth Academy, and allows students worldwide to virtually participate in IODP expeditions. This technology facilitates a hands-on experience where students learn about cutting-edge research and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by talking directly to scientists, technicians and crew.
Hamilton is one of 11 schools statewide participating in Wednesday's unique event.
"This global experience enables our students to grasp science concepts that cannot be matched by any textbooks," said Hamilton principal Catherine Bartlett. Through the program, Bartlett continued, "Our students understand what true scientists and their crew do, and they will begin to visualize themselves in this role. Being able to converse in real-time builds their skills as leaders and learners for the 21st century. We are excited to participate in this opportunity."
IODP is an international marine research program dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the Earth through drilling, coring and monitoring the subsea floor. The 470-foot-long JOIDES Resolution is one of the primary research vessels operated by the U.S.
The Implementing Organization of IODP consists of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Texas A&M University and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University.