NSF Org:	DRL Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL)
Recipient:
Initial Amendment Date:	September 1, 2007
Latest Amendment Date:	May 1, 2012
Award Number:	0737372
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	David B. Campbell DRL  Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) EDU  Directorate for STEM Education
Start Date:	January 1, 2008
End Date:	December 31, 2012 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$1,199,975.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$1,199,975.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2007 = $1,199,975.00
History of Investigator:	Ashraf Saad (Principal Investigator) ashraf.saad@armstrong.edu Lei He (Co-Principal Investigator) Edward Strauser (Co-Principal Investigator) Joy Reed (Former Co-Principal Investigator) Patrick Hannigan (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	ARMSTRONG STATE UNIVERSITY 11935 ABERCORN ST Savannah GA  US  31419-1997 (912)344-2666
Sponsor Congressional District:	01
Primary Place of Performance:	ARMSTRONG STATE UNIVERSITY 11935 ABERCORN ST Savannah GA  US  31419-1997
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	01
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	H1EZNK6QSHD1
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s):	ITEST-Inov Tech Exp Stu & Teac
Primary Program Source:	1300CYXXDB H-1B FUND, EDU, NSF
Program Reference Code(s):	9177, SMET
Program Element Code(s):	722700
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.076

ABSTRACT

OssaBEST is preparing 90 teachers and 120 students from 7th through 10th grades over a period of three years to use advanced information technologies for guided electronic exploration of Ossabaw Island (Georgia's third largest barrier island). The project provides support for inquiry-based instruction using state-of-the-art information technologies. Students and teachers observe physical phenomena on the island via real-time transmission of data streams from sensors placed on the island, electronically document and present data collected, and create a web-based multimedia guide of the island. The project is a collaboration between Armstrong Atlantic State University, the Savannah Chatham-County Public School System, the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, the Ossabaw Island Foundation, and the Coastal Business Education and Technology Alliance. Participants use information technologies in sophisticated ways and integrate them in the classroom setting. Teachers and students attend a summer institute each year that includes a three-day residential camp on Ossabaw. Lesson plans developed during the summer institute address the Georgia Performance Standards and are to be broadly disseminated. Both students and teachers are being familiarized with education pathways that lead to future IT-related careers. There is a minimum of 124 hours of professional development for each participating teacher, with substantial follow up for both teachers and students for implementation during the school year. The project benefits students and teachers from all middle and high schools in the Savannah-Chatham Public School System leading to continuing systemic capacity. Formative evaluation assesses the project impact on teachers and students and provides ongoing feedback to all stakeholders.

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