April 20, 2022
Ocean literacy and IOPD Expedition 390
The following is a repost from the JOIDES Resolution blog for Expedition 390 – South Atlantic Transect 1. I wrote the post How Expedition 390 Advances Ocean Literacy while sailing on the JR to help educators see the connection between the scientific mission of my expedition and why it matters to students and to those that are not scientists as defined by the Ocean Literacy Principles.
April 18, 2022
Tracking ocean expeditions while at sea with Google Earth
For those that head off to do fieldwork, especially on the ocean, I encourage you to think about creating your own Google Earth file with daily updates to keep other engaged and informed about your work.
April 3, 2022
A reading list on scientific ocean drilling for university undergraduate students
I’ve been exploring articles on the past, present, and future of scientific ocean drilling. As I’ve come across several articles to use with the students in my college classroom, I thought I would compile and share this list so that and anyone with a general interest in scientific ocean drilling could read, learn, and share.
DSDP Leg 3 – a legacy expedition for plate tectonics
Before heading out on IODP Expedition 390, I’m taking a look at why this South Atlantic location for coring and drilling in the deep ocean is so important for scientific and historical reasons.
April 1, 2022
JOIDES Resolution Expedition 390 – what to know before we go
The co-chief scientists of IODP joint Expeditions 390/393 responded to this question: What is one piece of information you would like a person (non-scientist) to know about the upcoming EXP 390/393? See how each responded!
March 26, 2022
The science communications from H.M.S. Challenger were “Good Words” and more
Scientists on the first oceanographic expedition realized how important it was to engage in science communication and storytelling outside of their science circles, while at sea and upon returning home. This is a good reminder that we need to continue to build upon those early messages sent via snail mail, using our modern-day technologies, to share our oceanographic work with others. Communications, no matter what the tool utilized, is key to education, engagement, excitement, and increasing science literacy across all audiences.
March 21, 2022
On-site training to be an Onboard Outreach Officer on JOIDES Resolution
What happens between the time one is accepted to sail on the JR as an education/outreach officer and the actual day one boards the ship? Alot of training! Learn more about how we prepare to do science communications from the JOIDES Resolution.
March 18, 2022
The missions of H.M.S. Challenger and JOIDES Resolution – a comparison of ocean exploration then and now
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the departure of the first ocean research expedition, H.M.S. Challenger. This year is when I am departing on JOIDES Resolution. I thought it would be interesting with Challenger’s anniversary to take a moment and reflect upon the mission of each research vessel to see how their missions are different between the two ships and over time.
March 14, 2022
Using learning analytics in courses via Review, Amend, Apply
Implementing practices such as Review, Amend, Apply have the opportunity for us to create a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environment. We can’t address all of the questions we have in just one semester, but by taking some time to work forward with thought and intention, we can improve our own pedagogical practices while increasing student success each time we teach.
March 3, 2022
The Iditarod marks 50 years – but not all from the same starting point
I created a quilt in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and to acknowledge the impact of warming temperatures.

Laura Guertin is a Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences at Penn State Brandywine in Media, PA. Her research focuses on how technology can enhance teaching and student learning in introductory-level geoscience courses for non-science majors. Her blog focuses on geoscience education/outreach, science communication, and technology tools in the classroom, online, and in the field.