Immersion Learning in New York State

EXPLORE THE WORLD'S OCEANS. 
EXCITE KIDS WITH SCIENCE.
IGNITE KIDS CURIOSITY ABOUT CAREERS.

What is Immersion Learning?

Immersion Learning is a fun and powerful science education program for kids in grades 5-8, perfect for supplemental classroom activities or after-school programs. Famed oceanographer and explorer Dr. Robert Ballard founded Immersion learning in 2002, and since then he’s brought hundreds of thousands of kids and their families along with him on amazing scientific expeditions throughout the world.

What makes the program so successful is its joint emphasis on scientific knowledge coupled with the fun and excitement of exploring places and marine animal behavior very few humans know about: the seafloors of the world’s oceans, the infinitesimal but vitally important microbes that thrive on the poisonous chemicals emitted at hydrothermal vents, and the sounds and gestures dolphins use to communicate.

What's new for 2010-11?
Nautilus LIVE !

What's "new" for 2010-11 is Dr. Ballard's newest exploratory research vessel, the Nautilus. Starting in June of 2010 and while in the Black Sea and Aegean Sea, Nautilus expedition scientists will map the sea floor, study underwater volcanoes, investigate unusual life forms, explore shipwrecks, and more. We'll be using past curricula along with 24/7 live feeds from the ship to explore right along with Dr. Bob and his crew.

http://nautiluslive.org/

What's New for 2009-10?
Marine Mammals of the Arctic

Join Immersion as we explore the Arctic and the marine mammals that call it home. The vast and relatively unexplored Arctic is undergoing many changes, and researchers around the globe are working with native communities to gather information on how these changes might impact marine mammals and the humans who depend on them for survival. Marine Mammals of the Arctic will focus on key species such as beluga whales, ice seals, and polar bears. Hands-on activities will introduce kids to the general biology and population dynamics of these animals. Additional activities, video clips, and interactive games will detail current threats to the animals and highlight conservation efforts. Throughout the program, kids will be encouraged to do their part to protect Arctic marine mammals and their ocean home.

Download the Program Overview
Download the Draft Curriculum outline
Download Proposed Calendar of Immersion Events

 What's New for 2008-09?
Immersion Presents Ocean Exploration
Live Broadcast Dates: April 20-24, 2009

Immersion Presents Ocean Exploration will get kids excited about science and technology and demonstrate that there is a place in the world of ocean exploration for them. The program will immerse kids in the process of exploration and connect them with inspirational role models. Kids will learn about the fascinating history of ocean exploration, cutting-edge exploration tools and technologies, and current research at a variety of underwater sites. They will also create a plan for exploring their own environment and will be invited to share their findings with the larger Immersion community.

2008-2009 is the perfect time for Immersion to develop a program centered on the theme of ocean exploration. During this time frame, Immersion founder and chief scientist Dr. Robert Ballard and his team will be launching several expeditions to locations around the globe. In addition, this time frame marks the development and launch of two major ocean exploration initiatives: the Inner Space Center at the University of Rhode Island and the new NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer. Immersion Presents Ocean Exploration will take advantage of these events to engage kids with modern ocean exploration history as it happens.

Program Content

• History of Ocean Exploration: Great explorers, challenges, exploration technologies, and new paradigms such as telepresence
   
• Ocean Exploration Tools: Scuba equipment, sonar, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and other ocean exploration tools
   
• Marine Science: Specific content TBD (will focus on expeditions to Newfoundland, Thunder Bay, Turkey, and the South Atlantic in 2008-2009)
   
• Local Field Work: How kids can explore their local environment and document and share their findings with others

Click here for the draft curriculum outline
 

Learn more >

Immersion Presents
is brought to you in
New York State by
Nassau BOCES
Outdoor & Environmental Education

For more information:
enviroed@mail.nasboces.org