Classroom BATS is a multidisciplinary project designed to help educators effectively use web-based ocean resources in their curriculum development and teaching. It is funded by the National Science Foundation and embodies the content and teaching standards set forth in the National Science Education Standards. 
Classroom BATS takes its name from the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study, a long-term program of the Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR). Scientists in this program set sail every month to study the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the ocean near Bermuda, with a focus on the oceanīs role in global environmental change. The data collected by BATS scientists represent the worldīs longest continuous time series of open-ocean measurements.
The pilot phase of Classroom BATS links BBSR scientists and data with prospective science teachers in the College of Education at Florida International University. This link is mediated via a virtual campus run by The College of Exploration.
The goal of Classroom BATS is to create an on-line learning environment that allows science teachers to use real ocean data to conduct inquiry-based learning in their grade 6-12 classrooms. The lesson plans created by Classroom BATS partners are shared with teachers everywhere. |