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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Thirteen instructors from Oregon community colleges are spending three days with scientists from Oregon State University, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Oregon Sea Grant at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center as part of an initiative to incorporate ocean sciences into adult education and workforce development.

This instructor institute, which runs from Nov. 3-5, is the first of three in the year-long Ocean Sciences and Math Collaborative Project.

During this institute, the 13 educators will learn more about the ocean and its role in the Earth's climate - and how that complex system affects Oregon's weather, economy, public health and jobs. They will then use the information to better inform their students about ocean sciences issues.

"Ultimately, these instructors will be the ones delivering the message to adult learners," said Robert Collier, an OSU professor in the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences. He co-directs the program with colleague Marta Torres, Susan Cowles and Jon Luke.

Much of the information comes from scientists involved directly with significant research, Collier said. The educators also will receive classroom materials and tips on how to integrate the research findings into relevant curriculum that integrates math, writing, language acquisition and reading instruction, as well as ocean sciences.

The instructors represent diverse programs, including workforce training, adult basic education, workplace education (cannery workers), adult secondary education (GED preparation), English to speakers of other languages, and family literacy.

Instructors attending the institute include: