Engaging the Public in Science Learning with the 2019-2020 MOSAiC Arctic Research Expedition
Journal Article
Overview
abstract
; Scientific expeditions can be used to engage the public in science; learning within an exciting and compelling context, giving insight into; the often messy and serendipitous nature of science and the humanness of; scientists. The 2019-2020 MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory; for the Study of Arctic Climate) research expedition allowed scientists; from around the world to study all aspects of the Arctic climate system; at ground zero for a full seasonal cycle. The German icebreaker; Polarstern; was intentionally frozen in Arctic sea ice and drifted; almost continuously across the Arctic Ocean for a year. The; Polarstern; served as the central research observatory for MOSAiC,; allowing scientists to study Arctic sea ice, atmospheric processes, and; more. Here we present our U.S.-based MOSAiC expedition outreach efforts; and the role of MOSAiC scientists in them. By harnessing the public’s; fascination with the Arctic and the excitement of the expedition,; coordinated MOSAiC communication, outreach, and education efforts; promoted a broad understanding of the changing Arctic and the societal; implications of these changes, hopefully inspiring a future generation; of potential scientists. Many MOSAiC scientists were directly engaged in; MOSAiC outreach efforts with students, teachers, and the public, and; outreach materials were developed that could be accessed and distributed; virtually. The expedition was brought to life for learners of all ages; by providing them with immersive experiences like VR Google Expeditions; and 360-degree videos from the field, opportunities to connect directly; with scientists through video calls and an; #askmosaic; question; submission campaign, and insight into what day-to-day life on an; icebreaker in the remote Arctic is like. Our outreach efforts helped us; better understand the importance of providing scientists with diverse; outreach opportunities that are fulfilling to them and the power in; using scientific expeditions to engage the public.;
