Who can participate?
DataStreme courses are directed towards grades 6–12 teachers, but open to all K–12 teachers. Teachers, formal and informal, of any subject (not just science) who have an interest in promoting the teaching of Earth Science across the curriculum are also welcome to apply. We are especially seeking participants who show potential as teacher or community leaders and participants who teach in a wide variety of communities.
Teachers who are members of groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences or who teach in schools with large numbers of students from these groups are especially urged to apply.
Please note: Once a course has been successfully completed by a teacher, it may not be re-taken (no matter how long ago the course was originally taken). If you are interested in taking another course with AMS, please consider one of our other DataStreme courses or apply for one of our summer courses (Project Atmosphere, Project Ocean, or Project Ice)
What does it cost to participate?
There are no participant fees for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 courses. We acknowledge support from NOAA and Lockheed Martin for allowing us to offer these courses free of charge at this time.
How is the course conducted?
DataStreme operates via partnership with Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) and their Global Online initiative (https://www.pennwest.edu/online). The courses, through which teacher-participants earn graduate credit, are managed via an online learning management system called Desire2Learn (D2L). All digital course materials provided by AMS are delivered through this online portal. Course assessments are also delivered via this platform.
Participants in DataStreme courses are mentored by teacher leaders and scientists across the country who provide personal contact and mentoring to teacher participants each semester. Mentors assist participants in understanding course concepts and activities, classroom implementation of these concepts, and general course navigation and may provide enrichment opportunities beyond the core curriculum.
The instructor of record for the course is Dr. Chad Kauffman, Professor of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences at PennWest University. He is supported by members of the AMS Education Department, including the P.I. and Director of Education Dr. Aaron Price, Associate Director Beth Mills, Course Administrator Abigail Stimach, and Content Specialist Erin Smoak.
What equipment do I need for DataStreme?
You will need a computer and a high-speed Internet connection. If you are reading this on-screen with your own equipment and you can print it out, you are essentially ready for DataStreme participation. Course registration with Pennsylvania Western University will provide you with your own PennWest student email address and other resources and benefits available to all students at the University. Technical requirements for course engagement can be found here: https://online.pennwest.edu/student-experience
What materials does DataStreme supply?
- DataStreme electronic textbook and Investigations Manual.
- Electronically delivered daily data and learning materials based on current weather, ocean, and/or climate events.
What will I need to do if I am selected for a DataStreme course?
- Engage online learning modules via DataStreme delivery of real-time information throughout the course.
- Successfully complete online learning activities each week through D2L.
- Complete assigned readings from the electronic AMS textbook and Investigations Manual.
- Interact regularly with the Mentors via online discussion threads (Padlet) to discuss course progress.
- Develop action plans for becoming an Earth science teacher leader.
What must I do after a DataStreme course?
The goal of DataStreme is to empower teacher leaders with the knowledge and capabilities to transform a virtually endless stream of environmental data into exciting and creative learning experiences for students. As an environmental teacher leader, you will be expected to introduce other teachers, administrators, parents, and members of the community to the benefits of utilizing online environmental data as vehicles for learning across the STEM curriculum.
AMS Education expects to develop a long-term working relationship with DataStreme course participants. The goal is to promote scientific literacy by motivating teachers and through them, their students, to develop and nurture an active interest in STEM topics.
Pennsylvania Western University awards graduate-level academic credit for DataStreme courses. NOAA and the AMS provide financial support for the program.