NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program Releases Its Latest Children's Book

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proud to announce the release of its third book in a series of four planned children's books. Teacher At Sea: Mrs. Armwood's Hydrographic Adventure on the NOAA Ship Fairweather by Diane Staniski tells of the Linda Armwood's experiences while participating in the NOAA Teacher At Sea Program.

The NOAA Teacher At Sea Program has been active since 1990. Kindergarten through college-level teachers are given the opportunity to learn more about the ocean, maritime studies, and increasing their awareness of the environment. More than 460 teachers have participated in this program since its inception. They are able to bring back and incorporate this important knowledge and experience into their classroom curriculum. By working and living at sea with scientists for a period of time, it gives them an unmatched opportunity.

Linda Armwood taught geospatial and environmental science courses at George Wythe High School in Richmond, Virginia. She received an opportunity to participate in the NOAA's Teacher At Sea Program and was placed on the Fairweather for two weeks in the spring of 2006. She worked with surveyors and the crew who collected data on water depth, obstructions, and navigational hazards for the nation's nautical charts. This is all a part of NOAA's mission to promote safe maritime navigation.

The author, Diane Staniski, Ph.D., previously worked as a university professor and has participated in the Teacher At Sea Program, as well. The new book has been illustrated by Bruce Cowden, chief boatswain of Ronald H. Brown, a NOAA oceanographic research ship. Both individuals had helped collaborate on the previous two books.

"We hope that this book will enlighten students and the public about the significance of coastal surveying to our nation's economy and maritime safety," Stanitski said in the NOAA press release. "We're excited that publication of the children's hydrography book coincides with NOAA's 200th celebration."

The release of the book was held July 25-26 with the port call in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia, of the Thomas Jefferson, another NOAA hydrographic survey ship. It was all a part of the celebration of 200 years since Thomas Jefferson created the Survey of the Coast.

The book is a high-quality hard cover written on the middle school science level. According to the press release, it includes science and math activities, a glossary of terms, and full color images. Teachers may request a free copy by contacting the NOAA Outreach Unit at noaa-outreach@noaa.gov. The author, the illustrator, and Linda Armwood personally autographed hundreds of copies at the unveiling.

SOURCE:

NOAA Press Release. URL: (http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/s2897.htm)