Engaging the Public in Science Learning with the 2019-2020 MOSAiC Arctic Research Expedition

Abstract:

Scientific expeditions can be used to engage the public in science learning within an exciting and compelling context, giving insight into the often messy and serendipitous nature of science and the humanness of scientists. The 2019-2020 MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) research expedition allowed scientists from around the world to study all aspects of the Arctic climate system at ground zero for a full seasonal cycle. The German icebreaker Polarstern was intentionally frozen in Arctic sea ice and drifted almost continuously across the Arctic Ocean for a year. The Polarstern served as the central research observatory for MOSAiC, allowing scientists to study Arctic sea ice, atmospheric processes, and more. Here we present our U.S.-based MOSAiC expedition outreach efforts and the role of MOSAiC scientists in them.

By harnessing the public’s fascination with the Arctic and the excitement of the expedition, coordinated MOSAiC communication, outreach, and education efforts promoted a broad understanding of the changing Arctic and the societal implications of these changes, hopefully inspiring a future generation of potential scientists. Many MOSAiC scientists were directly engaged in MOSAiC outreach efforts with students, teachers, and the public, and outreach materials were developed that could be accessed and distributed virtually. The expedition was brought to life for learners of all ages by providing them with immersive experiences like VR Google Expeditions and 360-degree videos from the field, opportunities to connect directly with scientists through video calls and an #askmosaic question submission campaign, and insight into what day-to-day life on an icebreaker in the remote Arctic is like. Our outreach efforts helped us better understand the importance of providing scientists with diverse outreach opportunities that are fulfilling to them and the power in using scientific expeditions to engage the public.