FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2019
Contact: Annie Schuler
aschuler@naturebridge.org
415-992-4767
San Francisco, CA—On October 14, NatureBridge environmental science educator Amy Osborne will arrive at McMurdo Station, a U.S. research station on the southern tip of Ross Island in Antarctica, to begin her PolarTREC field research experience with Dr. Amy Moran and her team of field research scientists from the University of Hawaii.
Selected from a pool of nearly 200 applicants, Amy was chosen as one of just 12 PolarTREC educators to participate in STEM at the Poles: Research Experiences for Formal and Informal Educators in the Polar Regions this year.
As a member of Dr. Moran’s team, Amy will study the impact changes in ocean temperature may be having on embryos and larvae of marine animals, such as sea spiders and sea slugs, found in the icy waters of Antarctica.
Upon Amy’s return, she’ll share scientific data, methodologies and technology with NatureBridge staff and students, by creating lessons that educators can use in the field. Since 2007, PolarTREC has provided more than 170 educators this unique opportunity to work with scientists in the polar regions. Learn more about her journey at: https://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/thermal-sensitivity-of-embryos-and-larvae-of-antarctic-marine-ectotherms.
Amy holds a B.A. degree in Political Science and Government, an M.A. degree in English Language and Literature from Washington College and an M.A.T degree in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University. Amy completed Wyoming’s Teton Science Schools’ Graduate Program in Place-Based Field Science Education. Hailing from Marietta, Ohio, Amy currently resides in Sausalito, California.
Funded by the National Science Foundation and managed by the Arctic Research Consortium, PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) is a professional development program that connects educators to scientists and research communities in polar regions in an effort to develop Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) resources.
With the goal of disseminating current scientific research beyond the scientific community, educators become an integral part of the polar science teams. Each year, approximately six PolarTREC projects take place in the Arctic and six in the Antarctic. PolarTREC educators share their experiences with the public through journals, presentations to the public, scientific conferences and educator workshops.
About NatureBridge
Founded in 1971, NatureBridge connects young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. As the largest residential education partner of the National Park Service, the organization serves more than 30,000 students each year and offers programs in national park locations in California, Washington state and Virginia.