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Teacher Opportunity at Mount Erebus Volcano Observatory, Antarctica
Announcing a unique opportunity for a middle or high school teacher to join the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology research team working on the active Mount Erebus volcano in Antarctica
The Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT), Socorro, New Mexico, with funding from the Office of Polar Programs of the National Science Foundation, is seeking a science teacher to accompany the Mount Erebus Volcano Observatory research team this coming Austral summer field season (November–December, 2008). The teacher will coordinate and lead significant public and education and outreach efforts, especially as directed to middle and high school students, and be expected to participate in all aspects of the project, which includes 6 to 8 weeks of physically demanding fieldwork in Antarctica. Preference will be given to teachers working in the southwestern US as this will allow closer collaboration between the teacher, their students and NMT.
Features of the program include:
· An opportunity to reach students from the local to national level with the excitement of modern Earth Science research in Antarctica
· A first-hand opportunity to assist scientists, students and professional support staff in a National Science Foundation research program working on the world’s southernmost active volcano, experiencing life and work in Antarctica from mid-November to late December 2008
· Establish an ongoing partnership with NMT Department of Earth and Environmental Science faculty and students, including possible credit towards a Master of Science Teaching degree at NMT
Support includes:
· All travel expenses to Antarctica
· Reimbursement to the teacher’s home institution for the cost of a substitute teacher
· All expenses for the completion of an extensive medical and dental examination as required for deployment to Antarctica by the National Science Foundation
· All expenses for visits to NMT to coordinate with the Erebus team and to participate in ongoing research and educational efforts
Application process:
Teachers should complete the application form (available at erebus.nmt.edu) and prepare a narrative statement of how they would implement an outreach program that involves the NMT research program. The statement should discuss relevant educational and general background, and plans to disseminate the study of volcanism in Antarctica within their school, school district and a wider region. Please include a statement on your level of physical fitness as you will be working under severe weather and physical conditions and must be prepared to work at