Chillicothe teacher sets sail on Great Lakes hydrographic survey as part of NOAA research program
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A teacher from Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center in Chillicothe spent 13 days this summer aboard a NOAA research vessel conducting hydrographic surveys of Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Jennifer Widdig, an environmental and animal science teacher, participated in NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program, which embeds educators in active scientific research aboard federal research vessels.
Widdig departed June 18 from the Port of Cleveland aboard NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson. After transiting the Welland Canal, she worked alongside scientists conducting hydrographic surveys along the southern coast of Lake Ontario before disembarking in Oswego, New York.
“I envision using the NOAA Teacher at Sea experience as a transformative opportunity to deepen scientific inquiry and strengthen cross-curricular collaboration,” Widdig said. “I hope to expand students’ understanding of the ocean and atmosphere in ways that directly connect to their chosen career pathways.”
Since 1990, the program has placed nearly 850 teachers aboard NOAA research vessels. Program director Jennifer Hammond said the experience gives educators direct access to working scientists and cutting-edge research they can bring back to their classrooms.
Widdig documented her experience in a blog during the voyage.
