14 September 2018 OMSI Visit

A unique feature of the PolarTREC program this year is the inclusion of both formal and informal educators. During orientation I connected with Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) exhibit developer Allyson Woodward. Both of us were assigned PolarTREC expeditions focused on permafrost in Alaska. So on my return from Alaska, I was able to arrange a layover in Portland to visit Allyson and the museum. OMSI has developed a unique, immersive, and interactive exhibit on permafrost and climate change. One of my outreach goals post-expedition is to work with Allyson and the team at the museum to bring the exhibit to the Boston area.

It was especially interesting to visit this exhibit only 12 hours after I had been in the actual tunnel. While they were not able to replicate the temperature, they were able to add the smell!

The exhibit includes many hands-on and interactive features.

In addition to seeing the exhibit, Allyson and I chatted about what we had learned about permafrost during our expeditions and brainstormed ideas for collaboration on outreach activities. The unique perspective each of us brings from the formal and informal perspective helps move each idea forward. I look forward to continuing to connect with Allyson as my PolarTREC journey continues. I think permafrost (as a topic) has interdisciplinary integration possibilities in formal K12 classrooms.