Dalton News

Move over TED Talks -- the Podcast Project is here!

This semester, a new collaboration between science, library, the museum program, and New Lab introduced students to a dynamic type of research. 
Two sections of Grade 9 Biology had an opportunity to supplement their traditional research by recording a live interview with a scientist who shares their area of interest.
 
Dalton faculty member Lisa Brizzolara began by introducing her students to marine science topics with a visit to the American Museum of Natural History, where they toured the “Unseen Oceans” exhibit. The students then explored an area of interest to them and produced a written research paper. Next, Ms. Brizzolara collaborated with HS Librarian Tobi Fineberg, AMNH liaison Stephanie Fins, and Arlo Klinger and Anson Kendall from the New Lab to design the next phase -- a podcast interview with a scientist. Students were grouped by topics, devised a series of questions for their expert scientist, conducted Skype interviews, and edited them into compelling and informative podcasts.
 
Building on the foundation gained from their initial research, students were able to delve into a topic a bit deeper than time normally allows and expand their understanding of the research process at the same time. Topics cover many areas of marine science including bioluminescence, underwater communication, deep sea exploration, marine vertebrates, and the effects of climate change on the marine environment. The research scientists are affiliated with AMNH and other prestigious research institutions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, the Earth Institute at Columbia University, the Mystic Aquarium, and various notable universities.
 
The students’ thorough preparation formed the basis for a relaxed yet informed conversation with a professional research scientist. Editing the recorded interview allowed students’ skills in science, writing, and technology to develop and shine. Some of the students were treated to advice from Rachel Pellegrini’s Grade 5 students who had completed a podcast project earlier in the year. They visited the Grade 9 Biology class and shared a list of editing tips working with directly with the HS students to answer questions and make suggestions. It’s been a wonderful collaboration for all involved!
 
The podcasts, along with their transcripts and references, are available to the Dalton community here. Due to a glitch within Blackbaud, please use Safari or Firefox as your web browser in order to listen to the full list of podcasts.
 
Story provided by Dalton HS Librarian Tobi Fineberg. 
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