Logbook: September 7, 2003

Educator's Report
Bill Hanschumaker

The New Millennium Observatory (NeMO) was conceived in 1996 as a long-term study of the interactions between geology, chemistry, and biology on a dynamic part of the mid-ocean ridge system. Using state-of-the-art technology, NeMO continues to evolve. It has been wildly successful, not only with its scientific endeavors, but also in its educational outreach efforts.

NeMO has touched the lives of educators, students and the general public. Each year, teachers are sent to sea with scientists on a research vessel to investigate Axial Volcano. Educators come from across the country, from New York to Oregon, and return to their hometowns with new knowledge and enthusiasm for ocean exploration. The classroom teachers develop curriculum based on their NeMO experience, multiplying the educational impact of their own personal experience. Through a National Science Foundation grant, additional curriculum based on NeMO has been developed and is available from this web site for educators around the globe.

This octopus was taken by surprise when ROPOS came upon it at Castle vent.

Many educators use the nationally recognized NeMO web site and associated links in their classrooms. Their students can be directly involved in the NeMO experience, as well. Students send questions to the educator at sea, who consults with the scientists to answer their questions in near real-time via the NeMO web site. The NeMO web site is also useful for students exploring potential careers in oceanography. Interviews of research scientists and marine technicians are posted on the web, complete with information on what their job entails and how they acquired their skills.

The NeMO program has had tremendous impact in non-formal educational venues as well. Information and digital images posted on NeMO's web site has been used at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to develop auditorium presentations for the general public. At the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center, PowerPoint presentations are updated daily during the summer, providing the visiting public with daily information of research being conducted at Axial Volcano. College interns are responsible for the development and delivery of these programs. They gain valuable professional experience that has enhanced their career opportunities. These presentations cover fundamental science concepts, such as plate tectonics, as well as the social implications of the marine research being conducted. Evaluation of the audiences has indicated that regardless of age or educational level, significant short-term cognitive gain was demonstrated.

Each year, over 130,000 people have the opportunity to see exhibits about NeMO at Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center. Specimens from the Axial Volcano are on public display. A computer exhibit simulates an underwater fly-by of the volcano where the participant can cue up videos of different NeMO sites. Deep-sea research equipment, such as a rumbleometer and extensometer, are on display. The most popular exhibit at the Center is the ROPOS (remotely operated platform for ocean science) simulator. Combining computer animation and authentic video captured at NeMO, participants can choose one of three dive experiences.

Using a joystick in a simulated ship board environment, they can navigate ROPOS to dive and explore at NeMO. We hope to adapt this simulator for the NeMO web site in the near future.

NeMO continues to have a profound effect on both deep-sea research and education. The New Millennium Observatory serves as a model of integrated research and education that should be emulated in our current national efforts to bring ocean research to the public.