Lydia Kapsenberg, PhD
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Outreach philosophy

Translating research and its implications to non-academic audiences is an integral part of science. My experience of using my own data to develop middle school science curriculum and guide an outreach program at a National Park has taught me that communication, from a scientist directly, to non-scientific audiences is a powerful tool for captivating interest and stimulating learning.

Follow a marine biologist's quest!

Ocean pH variability and does it matter?
Are you a teacher, student, or someone interested in the process of science? You can follow my postdoctoral research project on Facebook. ​I also post newly published studies and job opportunities related to ocean acidification research.

Learn about:
  • realistic process of science, from starting to publishing
  • all the different activities required to conduct an experiment
  • a glimpse into the daily life as marine scientist​​​

Ocean Science Curriculum Grades 6-12

Using real pH time-series data collected from polar, temperate and tropical marine ecosystem, I developed middle school science curriculum that can be adapted for high school levels (Kapsenberg et al. 2015, Science Scope).  

This lesson teaches students how to:
  • interpret real data (available as a data file for high school level)
  • develop hypothesis for drivers of pH variability 
  • generate questions based on evidence
  • understand complexities associated with ocean acidification
This work was done in collaboration with the Moorea and Santa Barbara Coastal LTERs, NOAA, and Dr. Amanda Kelley. Supporting classroom materials were developed by Sarah Raskin and were classroom tested in classrooms at RJ Frank Middle School, Oxnard, California, USA. ​

Click HERE for more Ocean Acidification lesson activities
Picture

Science education: Channel Islands National Park

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SeaFET pH sensor diorama (22'' in height). Benthos and organisms were made using polymer clay, photo backdrop is courtesy of Channel Islands NPS.
Throughout my dissertation research (and now still), I collaborate with the Channel Islands National Park Service and NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

Outreach activities:
  • initiating ocean acidification education of Park employees and Channel Islands Naturalist Corps
  • designing and constructing a multi-media traveling outreach exhibit for ocean acidification education that will be used by the Park (in part pictured above)
  • science advisor for the Channel Coast Watershed Observatory in collaboration with SCCOOS, NOAA Channel Islands National Park, Nature Bridge, Monterey Bay Aquarium, BOEM, JASON learning, middle school STEM coordinators
  • archived lecture (viewable here)
  • various webinars and presentations
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