Marine Technologies for Teachers and Students (MaTTS): A Continuum of Professional Development and Instruction in Ocean Science and Technology

Abstract

The Marine Technologies for Teachers and Students (MaTTS) Project, funded by the National Science Foundation's Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers program, provided teams of high school teachers and students from southern New England with professional development and learning activities focused on technologies that enable ocean exploration and discoveries as well as exposure to career opportunities that support the ocean economy. MaTTS designed, implemented, and evaluated a continuum of evidence-based activities to train teachers and engage students. The educational programs focused on low-cost, build-it-yourself technologies that were adapted by the MaTTS team and provided hands-on training and skills development for both teacher and student participants. The continuum was further enabled by the information and communications technologies (ICT) available at the Inner Space Center to provide ocean science and technology content delivery and real-time ocean exploration and interactions with scientists and engineers working at sea. Results from the project evaluation revealed positive impacts on both teacher and student participants, particularly regarding their content knowledge, beliefs about science, and leadership skills. The evaluation also revealed several areas where the project could be improved to support implementation at a broader scale.