Our School of Rock (SOR) program is a professional development opportunity for formal and informal educators onboard or involving the JOIDES Resolution. While living onboard the ship (when possible) or in a land/lab-based workshop, teachers will work with scientists and technicians to learn about many aspects of earth science, geology, paleoceanography and more done aboard this amazing ship; what we learn from scientific drilling; and how to do the kinds of scientific analyses and lab exercises our scientists do. This newfound knowledge will help teachers in creating and/or modifying existing resources for their students in many areas of the science curriculum.
SOR has been operating since 2005 as a professional development experience to engage educators in the science associated with the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and its drillship the JOIDES Resolution (JR).
Note that sadly, the JR’s final expedition ended in August 2024 but our commitment to School of Rock professional development focused on cores and data from scientific ocean drilling remains.
Schools of Rock 2025
We are excited to announce TWO School of Rock opportunities for 2025.
JULY
In the steps of Darwin: the geological and natural history of the Ring of Fire and the Galapagos Islands
This year we will partner with Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory to use the R/V Marcus Langseth for a School of Rock that will take place during a transit from San Diego, CA to Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz, Ecuador (Galapagos).
During the 14-day transit we will explore the geology and oceanography of the dynamic Pacific Rim using IODP legacy cores and data, delving into the science of subduction zones, spreading centers, and mantle plumes that are responsible for the islands’ formation. Furthermore, we’ll examine evidence for biological evolution and natural selection and what inspired Charles Darwin’s initial theories from observations made during a voyage to the Galapagos Islands aboard the H.M.S Beagle from 1831-36. The Langseth supports a wide range of geophysical data collection and instrumentation that we will have access to during the transit to incorporate into teaching units and modules to add to our School of Rock collection.
Goals for this 2025 School of Rock:
- Continue to expand the School of Rock professional development model using legacy IODP cores and authentic data
- Strengthen educational mentoring and network building by supporting applications from pairs of in-service and pre-service educators from both formal and informal settings
- Work with a group of highly motivated, creative and enthusiastic educators from a broad range of backgrounds and experience on individual projects to adapt for instruction at the middle school and high school levels.
- Leave with detailed and realistic drafts and project plans for post-expedition implementation
Where: On board the Marcus Langseth, sailing from San Diego, CA to Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz, Ecuador
When: July 11-28 2025 (inclusive of sailing and 3-day land-based Galapagos field trip)
What we will do: We will use data collected during prior IODP oceanographic expeditions to explore scientific questions related to active margin plate tectonics, volcanism, and island biogeography, and what those features tell us about Earth history. Ample time will also be spent discussing and demonstrating existing classroom resources on these and related topics while generating new modes of instruction into actionable projects. Throughout the expedition we will brainstorm ideas, share teaching and learning approaches, and utilize the Langseth’s capabilities to the extent possible. At the end of the trip, participants will take part in a group field trip to parts of the Galapagos Islands to explore and connect to the spectacular geology of the area firsthand!
Who Should Apply: Enthusiastic Grades 5-12 educators in both formal and informal settings who are eager to learn and apply their new knowledge in the classroom or learning contexts. We are encouraging teachers to apply in pairs – a pre-service teacher with an in-service teacher. If you do not have a partner, we will help to match you up.
Note: All travel expenses are covered for participants who are selected as a part of the program.
Deadline: Apply here by April 16, 2025.
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August: Using Legacy Cores to Enhance Collaborations between Scientists and Educators
What: USSSP is seeking scientists interested in working with us this summer during the week of August 11 to pilot a new School of Rock research experience for teachers at the Gulf Coast Repository in College Station, TX. Researchers can be at any career stage but should have active projects involving cores and data from which they could benefit from a few days in the core repository working with educators. They should be eager and willing to engage with a small group of educators before, during and after this workshop around the science goals of their research and the educators’ ability to utilize this science in their own Grade 5-12 classrooms or informal settings. Travel support will be provided.
When: August 10-15, 2025
Where: College Station, TX
If you are interested, please fill out this form and/or reach out to Sharon Cooper by March 17: scooper@ldeo.columbia.edu.
Educator application will be available soon.
Questions? Contact Sharon Cooper: scooper@ldeo.columbia.edu
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To read about past School of Rock workshops, click on the links below:
School of Rock February – March 2023
School of Rock 2014 – Deep Dive
School of Rock 2014 – Understand Earth through Ocean Cores
For more information, watch our School of Rock video and our video about educators on the ship! You can also read our assessment report on School of Rock here.
