Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the NES-LTER Research Project about?

The Northeast U.S. Shelf Long Term Ecological Research project integrates observations, experiments, and models to understand and predict how planktonic food webs are changing in the region, and how those changes may impact the productivity of higher trophic levels. You can learn all about the research and the scientists that are part of the project at https://nes-lter.whoi.edu 

Are there other education opportunities through the NES-LTER?

The education and outreach for the project include the "Schoolyard" component for K-12 students and educators as well as opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research alongside project scientists.  Find out more at https://nes-lter.whoi.edu/education 

Are NES-LTER educators available to help?

Yes, maybe. At this juncture, there is only one educator.  I'm delighted to answer any questions you may have via e-mail at abrickley.edu at gmail.com. Depending on my availability, I may also be able to visit your classroom to help with projects.

Can I register and participate independently of my teacher or class?

Yes.  Any middle or high school student or student team is eligible to participate.  You do not have to register through your teacher. You do, however, need to have an adult represent your team as a team advisor. This can be a parent or another trusted adult.

Am I guaranteed to receive a classroom visit if I register my class for the Data Jam?

Not necessarily. We would like to provide classroom support to all interested teachers, but our time and resources are limited. To increase your chances of receiving in-class support, be sure to register for Data Jam by the Early Bird Registration date.

What do the different dataset levels mean?

The simple answer is this:

Dataset levels are derived by looking at the number of factors in the dataset and by the sheer amount of data collected. Most middle schoolers will be most successful with a Level 1 or 2 dataset, and the appropriate level for your high schoolers depends on the data experience and determination of the students. If you’re having trouble selecting an appropriate dataset for your students, please drop us a line.

How extensive should student analysis be?

Participation in the Data Jam encourages practice of the skills interpreting and analyzing data.  We all begin somewhere! Make it fun.  Keep it doable.  Consider the following approach for starters and if intensity goes up from there, let it go! Link to 1-hr recorded presentation on how to get started:  https://tinyurl.com/NES-DJ-ZoomDec7-2018

Graphing

What is Tuva?

Tuva is an online graphing site that's easy for students to use. Accounts are free for a certain amount of functionality. Some teachers use their account for the free upload of up to five of the datasets for students to then access through the google classroom sharing within Tuva. Students can also upload the datasets to their own accounts.

How can I learn more about how to use Tuva?

Tuva offers tutorials and workshops on their site.  Nearly all of our Schoolyard workshops (see below)  include some demonstration on Tuva. Annette also knows a great deal about how to work within Tuva and can offer help. (abrickley.edu at gmail.com)

Many of the datasets are free to use with the Tuva graphing platform by going to https://climate.tuvalabs.com/datasets/

Registration/Forms

I need to submit my parental consent forms. How can I send it in?

If you use the digital form, the teacher/team advisor receives an email and attached copy for your records, but you do not need to further submit those permissions, only note declined permission for participation or publicity. The DJ admin team will have a record of the consent and a copy saved.

If you use the printable form, you will scan/photograph the signed forms and upload them when you submit your projects electronically.

Submission

How do I submit projects?

Projects are submitted to the “NES-LTER Data Jam 20YY Submissions" Google Drive folder. You will directly upload projects to your class’ folder. All written or visual files must be submitted as a PDF, and all videos must be submitted as a YouTube link. See the submissions page for specific instructions.

Why do projects need to be submitted online?

All projects must be submitted online because judging for merit prizes takes place online. This means that all of the files you submit online must clearly show your project in its entirety because that is how the judges will see it. If you create a 3-D object, send us lots of photos so we can see it from all angles!

What file formats can I use to upload my materials on the project submission website?

To make life easier for our judges, all files except videos must be in PDF format. If you would like to submit a video, upload to YouTube as an "unlisted" (or public) video and submit the link. Note: The "private" setting will require an email login which complicates things for our judges.

How do I or my students upload to YouTube?

YouTube requires an account to upload and it will do the work of converting your file (ie. mov, mpg, avi, wmv) to the proper online format (MP4).  Follow these more detailed instructions for help.

How should my students present their creative data display digitally so they can submit it online?

It's up to them to determine the best way to view their project online. Remember, the judges will be determining the merit prize winners based on what you upload online, so be sure that they include a narrative description of pieces as needed. Take a look at another LTER site's Hudson Data Jam Projects for ideas about how to display student work digitally.

In the past, we found that most students chose to either photograph or video record their work. Students took photographs of their comic strips, dioramas, sculptures, and paintings. Students recorded YouTube videos of their interactive displays, choreographed dances, puppet shows, movies, original songs, and stop-motion videos. 

Workshops

When is the next Data Jam workshop for teachers?

TBD- to be notified about upcoming workshops, sign up for our NES-LTER Schoolyard group!

Past workshops:

Am I required to participate in one of the workshops in order to have my students participate?

No. These workshops are optional and are provided to support you as you support your students.

Who should I contact if I have more questions?

Contact Annette Brickley, the Education & Outreach Coordinator, at abrickley.edu at gmail.com