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hurricanes. tornadoes.
el NIño. climate change.
These and other extreme events transform lives and
landscapes—forever. Yet our understanding of them remains
limited due to the vast geographic expanses involved and the
complex interactions of land, air and sea. Only an eye in the
sky can gather the data necessary to predict these events and
mitigate ensuing social and climatological change.
To answer this challenge, the University of Miami Rosenstiel
School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and the Abess
Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy, in partnership
with the National Geographic Society, have developed a
unique program that offers science from the skies. The
program centers on specialized aircraft, equipped with
sensors to collect critical atmospheric data. These versatile
flying machines can be deployed at any time—from ships,
jungles and urban centers around the globe.
Previously, only seasoned scientists could participate in
such expeditions. But now, as part of the University of
Miami’s larger Exploration Science initiative, our air-based
program includes exciting educational opportunities.
Through hands-on activities and cutting-edge technology,
students and citizens can soar off alongside renowned
researchers and truly make a difference. Built on proven
educational models, including some targeting underserved
populations, this hands-on aviation experience brings the
STEAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Arts and Math) to life for all ages..
citizens side by side with scientists,
conducting research
AIRBORNE OBSERVATIONS
• Helicopter
• Airplane
• Unmanned Drone
• Satellite
• Optical Remote Sensing
experience the
wonder of flight
Taking students to the skies
S k i m mi n g th e s u r fac e to
co n d u c t c r i ti c al r ese a rch
Coined the H.O.P. (Helicopter Observation Platform),
this “Science from the Skies” program offers everyday
citizens a chance to join University of Miami scientists—
in person or remotely—on helicopter research missions
to collect data and critically observe disaster zones, oceans
and land masses.
As they hover above the waves, drop into remote
rainforests, soar over disaster impact sites or monitor
critical fishery zones, Citizen Scientists get a taste of
adventure, excitement and the raw power of nature
through hands-on investigations. They join pilot scientists
and crews to assist in gathering data that contributes to
our understanding of current extreme weather events and
future climate change.
h.o.p. prog ram details
• Allows Citizen Scientists to join scientific teams for helicopter research missions
• Features flying over water and landmasses to measure environmental effects such as greenhouse gases, among others
• Includes single- and multi-day expeditions
to remote areas
• Feeds “virtual expeditions” back to school
classrooms through satellite link
• Enables Citizen Scientists to capture content
through real-time blogging
Through a dedicated collaboration with world recordsetting pilot Captain Barrington Irving and his nonprofit Experience Aviation, the University of Miami is
erasing the walls between the classroom and the world.
Already Irving has reached over a million students with
his global aviation platform, rooted in a much-publicized
solo flight around the world. Through his experiential
presentations — conducted almost in real-time —
students “visit” more than 30 countries, building deeper
understandings of the planet and those who inhabit it.
Irving also leads the ‘Build & Soar’ program, which allows
high school students from underserved populations to build
aircraft from the ground up, giving each student hands-on
involvement in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Art & Math) disciplines. Additionally, students experience
history in the making as they support Irving’s bid for a
second world record: first person to fly a light jet across all
seven continents. On this flight he will carry University of
Miami environmental observation equipment.
Working alongside the University of Miami and National
Geographic, Irving will continue to pioneer innovative,
experiential curricula that emphasize the importance of
weather and climate. This endeavor focuses on expanding
stewardship and leadership among a diverse population.
Learn more about Captain Irving at
w w w. e x p e r i e n c e av i at i o n .o r g
EXPERIENCE AV IATION
PROGRAM DETAILS
• Features a game-changing, interactive and
portable learning environment
• Enables students to travel, explore and discover
through a weekly web reality show
• Offers unique real-world and workforce-relevant
learning adventures
• Empowers youth voice via mass-publicized
student cyber-journalism
• Rooted in rigorous STEAM-focused curricula
• Supports teachers in engaging the leaders of tomorrow, through online professional development
Satellites, optical remote sensing, unmanned aircraft, and high frequency radars are powerful tools for understanding our
environment. They monitor dynamic ocean current conditions, small shifts of the Earth’s surface brought on by earthquakes
and volcanoes, and changes to vital ecosystems. Working alongside researchers from the University of Miami, Citizen
Scientists can use their combined skills to analyze remotely-collected images and participate in expeditions to ground-truth
information in remote locations--all as part of an effort to better prevent damage from natural and man-made hazards.
‘remote sen sing ’ p r og r am de tail s
• Integrate hi-tech remote sensing images to help map and develop a greater understanding of the marine and
terrestrial environments
• Visit beach-based remote sensing stations that measure ocean surface currents, winds and waves
• Participate in field excursions in the Florida Everglades using Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) as part of remote
sensing calibration studies that estimate above- ground biomass and carbon stored in trees and vegetation
• Participate in web-based learning modules that enable students to explore and use data sets in near real time
• Provide professional development that supports teachers in engaging students in STEAM disciplines
Learn more, including details on UM ’s M ast e r s D e g r e e and C e rt if ic at e s in
Exploration Science at exp lor at ion.m iam i.e du
adventure awaits - in your own classroom
o p en i n g new worlds for te ache rs a nd students
Remote real-time expeditions now extend well beyond the reach of the Citizen Scientist.
Now the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and the
Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, in partnership with National Geographic,
is developing technology platforms that enable classrooms to join real-time virtual quests
to locations around the world. Through interactive technology, satellite links and robust
curricular programs, students are immersed in science like never before.
virtual e xpe dition DETAILS
• Fosters interaction with world-renowned scientists and explorers via Internet-based
chats and blogs
• Teaches basic scientific techniques and the principles of fieldwork
• Allows students to make real discoveries, reinforced by rigorous companion curricula
• Builds computer skills through online expedition tracking activities
• Augments and reinforces classroom reading, bringing educational texts to life
• Expands awareness of different cultures, whether rural or urban, coastal or landlocked