(New England Aquarium )
Since 2007, the New England Aquarium has led a national effort to increase the capacity of informal science venues to effectively communicate about climate change, with the goal of influencing public discourse to be more productive, creative, and solutions-focused. We are now leading the NSF-funded National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI), which provides in-depth training for teams of informal science educators across the country. This presentation will compare three perspectives for understanding the national impact of this work: (1) a community-of-practice approach, which emphasizes use of common tools, support for practice, social learning, and organic development of leadership; (2) a collective impact model that focuses on defining common outcomes, aligning activities toward a common goal, and structured collaboration; and (3) a social-movement perspective that emphasizes building group identity and creating a sense of group efficacy.
Billy Spitzer, Ph.D., is Vice President for Programs, Exhibits, and Planning at the New England Aquarium. He is responsible for oversight of exhibit design, visitor experience, volunteers, and education programs, as well as institutional strategic planning. He has served as Principal Investigator for numerous informal science education projects funded by the NSF, NOAA, IMLS, and EPA. He is currently PI for the five-year, NSF-funded National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation, as well as the three-year, NOAA-funded Visualizing Change project. Dr. Spitzer has more than 20 years experience developing and implementing science education programs and materials. In 2014, he was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change for Engaging the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders.