The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office’s Emerging Scientists Project (ESP) provides urban high school teachers with the means to bring oceanic and atmospheric sciences into their classrooms and the opportunity to get their students into the field. The project encourages youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math as well as increases understanding of and appreciation for the resources of the Chesapeake Bay.

Onboard NOAA ships based in the Chesapeake Bay, teachers have the opportunity to carry out research and a wide range of physical, chemical and biological sampling. In cooperation with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the EnvironMentors program, their classes also have the opportunity to participate in field experiences to explore the Bay. Beginning in the Fall of 2006, ESP will begin offering long distance learning opportunities, enabling teachers to bring real time scientific research into the classroom.

The Emerging Scientist Project was piloted in Washington, D.C., where it has involved 20 teachers from 10 Schools. Since 2004, District of Columbia Public School teachers have participated in 16 research trips on NOAA ships in the Chesapeake Bay and four classes have taken part in Meaningful Watershed Educational field experiences supported by ESP. In the coming years, the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office has plans to expand the project to other underserved areas in the watershed.

The Emerging Scientist Project is one more way that the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office is working to insert meaningful watershed educational experiences into classrooms throughout the watershed and increase the stewardship ethic of our youth – the hope for our future.

Join teachers and researchers aboard the NOAA Cheasapeake Bay Office's R/V Bay Commitment with ESP. Watch the new "Teaching the Teachers: NOAA's Emerging Scientist Project" video (40MB avi format)

• Schedule a classroom visit: NOAA Corps Uniformed Officers and NOAA Scientists conduct classroom visits that focus on the Chesapeake Bay watershed
• Be a Scientist for a Day: Join a day long research trip onboard a NOAA vessel
• Use Live invertebrate, plankton, and water samples from the research trips in your classroom
• Receive assistance in finding resources to provide students “Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences”

Transportation and materials are covered for the one day teacher research trips; teachers receive classrooms support and are encouraged to join research cruises.

• Reach Kevin by email at Kevin.Schabow@noaa.gov or by phone at 410-295-3145.