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.