Schools on Board

Schools on Board is a national initiative that is being coordinated to engage schools and communities in arctic science research. The program will identify and recognize schools that implement (or are interested in implementing) an arctic science component to their science curriculum, and offer them the opportunity to nominate a student and/or teacher to participate in an arctic field study, interacting with research teams and boarding the Canadian Research Icebreaker for an 6-7 day period. The program includes 3 components:

   Schools on Board Network

  The network will become a communication tool used to link schools to one another and schools to Canadian Arctic reseach programs - creating an opportunity for schools to link or expand their curriculum around active research projects. The network will provide schools with resources, contacts, and assistance in facilitating school presentations by Canadian Arctic researchers. It will also inform schools of upcoming field opportunities. These opportunities will be linked to recognized university/government research programs about field work opportunities in the Arctic.

 Schools on Board will seek space onboard Arctic field programs and provide schools with the opportunity to apply for space and send a student(s) to the Arctic. A team of high school students (S2/S3; Gr.10/11; sec.5/CEGEP1)) will be selected from across Canada to participate in a research programs onboard the Canadian research icebreaker. Programming ‘onboard’ will include fieldwork with graduate students, and lectures from nationally and internationally recognized scientists from the university and government sector, group projects, and presentations. A northern community visit will introduce students to northern culture and knowledge - ‘Inuit Qaujumajatuqangit’ (I.Q). The educational program will introduce students to “two ways of knowing” – the traditional and scientific approaches to understanding the complexities of our environment.

 This forum will be either virtual or actual depending on budgets. Ideally, students will attend the science follow-up meeting, where they will participate in discussions and share their experiences and thoughts on environmental issues related to the Arctic.

Schools on Board CASES (2004)
Schools on Board is very excited to be part of the Canadian Arctic Shelf Exchange Study in 2003-2004. This multidisciplinary project is an international research study involving researchers from 9 countries, aimed at examining the biogeochemical and ecological consequences of sea ice variability and change on the Mackenzie Shelf. Understanding the links between freshwater and sea ice, sea ice and biogeochemical fluxes, and, sea ice and climate will improve scientists’ ability to assess the effects of present variability in sea ice cover on Arctic marine ecosystems and regional climate. The main thrust of the program is the one-year over-wintering of a class-1200 Canadian Research Icebreaker, startingin September 2003. This project represents the first ever, Canadian year-round, highly integrated multidisciplinary study of an Arctic shelf ecosystem – cutting edge research!

Schools on Board 2004, invites schools to join the Schools on Board Network and apply for space on this exciting field program. Students will travel to Inuvik (NT) where they will be met by other students from across the country, to participate in an educational on-board program that will expose them to hands-on research in a number of different disciplines, as well as introduce them to many aspects of Canada’s North, including culture, history, and politics. As the number of berths on the ship is limited not all students will be selected, and in some cases students may have to travel unaccompanied.

Who:
Each session will include 10-12 students and 2 educators from across Canada. Selection will be made from submissions received from schools. We are looking for:
students with at least one more year of school i.e S2/S3; grade 10/11
students who are identified by their schools as showing a keen interest in science; who are highly motivated; work well in teams; and have strong public communication skills.

Cost: $4,500/participant; $2000*/Northern participant
Fee includes the following
Airfare to and from Inuvik NT (via Edmonton) from a departure city – to be negotiated with participating school -*Northern participants must get to Inuvik.
Accommodations in Edmonton
Meals & accommodations, community visit and cultural event in Inuvik
Charter to and from Inuvik (on and off the ship)
Limited on-board communication time – linking the student back to the school
Travel insurance

Fee does not include:
Incidentals (i.e. meals enroute) and personal gear
Travel to and from the departure city.
Student Forum
This program is heavily subsidized by the contributions of our partners, which to date, include:
CASES: Meals & accommodations onboard the ship (valued at $650/person/day)
Fisheries and Ocean Canada: Administration and on-board educational program

'Schools on Board' connects students and communities to some of the leading science projects being conducted by Canada’s top scientists. It provides schools with a unique learning experience for their highly motivated, achievement-oriented students. It fosters relationships between schools and research institutions. Finally, it raises awareness of the complexity (scientific, environmental, political, and cultural) inherent in environmental issues such as climate change.

Collaboration between research teams, government agencies, and the public school network, has the potential to create a winning situation for everyone involved by highlighting this country’s premier research activities and offering unique experiences to the next generation of curious minds.

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Student Criteria
Field Program

The Schools on Board Program is aimed at high school students enrolled in Grade 10/11; S2/3; or secondaire 5/CEGEP 1. Students will be selected to participate in the field program based on the following criteria. Schools on Board is looking for students who:

are enrolled in Grade 10/11; S2/3; or secondaire 5/CEGEP1
have a keen interest in science and are registered in appropriate science
courses
have a strong academic record - a 'B' average or better
are self motivated
work well in teams
demonstrate strong communication skills
have experience in extracurricular activities and volunteering
have a minimal level of physical fitness*
have a healthy level of curiosity!
have a working knowledge of English**

*The field program will include academic work as well a physical work. Successful candidates will be required to pass a medical examination.

**Note that the educational program on-board the icebreaker will be delivered in English, therefore a working knowledge of English is required. However, French will be a dominant language on the ship, as many of the researchers and ship crew are from Quebec. An appreciation and understanding of the French language is a definite asset.

Interested students must complete the Student Application Form (Part I) along with a letter of intent (Part II), stating why they would like to participate in an Arctic Field program, and a student commitment and consent form (Part III).
Individual schools may add other criteria based on their program needs.

Registration Process
Field Program

Any school* or school board can apply to Schools on Board for space on the field program by downloading the application form (insert link) and mailing/faxing it back to:
Lucette Barber, Project manager
Schools on Board
Centre for Earth Observation Science
Faculty of Environment
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
R3T 2N2
Phone: 204-984-6175
Fax:     204-736-2670

* Schools applying for space on the field program should be registered on the Schools on Board Network. There is no charge to join the network – schools can join online.

Once a space is assigned on the field program, the school or school board will be notified. A minimum 25% nonrefundable down-payment will be required to secure the space. The school assumes responsibility for the fee and the selection of the successful candidate.

The selection process includes using the Student Application, minimum student criteria (listed below), and a suggested selection process. This process simply calls for the involvement of a committee that includes representation from both the school and the community i.e. Science teacher, member of school board, local political representative, member of the local media, a local sponsor (if applicable). This process is meant to generate interest and involvement from the broader community. Student selection will occur in the fall session of 2003.

Deadline for selection is October 20th, 2003.

Successful candidate must be registered to Schools on Board accompanied by a second payment by November 1, 2003.

Schools on Board will work with schools to provide them with resources pertinent to the field program and to facilitate school presentations upon request.

Registration Forms
Joining the Schools on Board Network (on line)
School Application for Space on Field Program (.pdf file)
Student Application for Field Program (.pdf file)

 

                  

 

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