Acknowledgment - Adventure Learning @ Latitude : Equator
Friday, March 16 2012
The project "Adventure Learning @ Latitude : Equator" begins March 21 when University of Idaho geographer R. Justin Hougham heads out on a sailing trip across the Pacific Ocean and the equator to French Polynesia. The journey and its connection to students in Idaho and elsewhere is the culmination of several projects that take a look at science education through place-based approaches. A team of University of Idaho researchers will provide support for connecting the crew and Idaho school students in Coeur d'Alene, American Falls and beyond.
The 37-foot Erickson sailboat s/v Southern Cross will set sail from the Mexican port of Cabo San Lucas in Baha on March 21 and arrive around April 14 in French Polynesia.
During this 2,400 mile journey, the boat's crew will sail across the equator and post online Monday through Friday the observations, narratives and photos of this adventure. One of the goals of the project is to connect climate science and geographic literacy to classrooms through Adventure Learning @, or AL@, approach to STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education. To learn more about this expedition and other links to climate science resources go to
alatlatequator.wordpress.com/ and sign up to follow the adventure.
You can follow the site, include it in your classroom, ask questions of us while the crew is at sea or team members can give presentations at the conclusion of the expedition to classes or groups. Also, those interested in more information about this approach can go to
www.uidaho.edu/alatui to explore Education and Research at the Speed of Adventure!
More information is available from assistant professor of geography Crystal Kolden at
ckolden@uidaho.edu or assistant professor of science education Brant Miller at
bgmiller@uidaho.edu during the expedition.