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Oceanographer Visits Arizona Club
Although Arizona is geographically located in a desert, members of the Red Mountain Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale got to interact first hand with scientists exploring the mysteries of the ocean. The Club, serving the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community recently attended an imagination inspiring Immersion Presents event at the Vestar Branch of the Club. The Red Mountain Club, which serves 93% Native American youth, is a part of the Immersion Presents afterschool program, which was founded by Dr. Robert Ballard, the discoverer of the Titanic and PT-109, along with Stephen Coan, President and CEO of the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. Immersion Presents brings oceanic research and discoveries from the deep to youth nationwide. Much of the effort revolves around the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, the University of Rhode Island and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as well as Dr. Ballard’s research.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale teamed up with Arizona State University to provide an Internet2 network that enabled telepresencing. Telepresence is live communication via satellite and internet with a remote site. Through the use of the telepresence technology, the Club members got to meet Dr. Ballard’s research crew at the University of Rhode Island. On April 3, 2008, the Club welcomed Dr. Ballard, in person. Club members and staff who attended the event, were very excited to meet Dr. Ballard and hear him talk about his deep sea adventures. Ballard said, “the objective is to encourage youth to consider careers in science, mathematics, literacy and ‘green’ initiatives while using technology to explore the world’s natural resources.” He went on to explain that the program goal is to help youth perpetuate the strength of our nation and to motivate them to go the extra mile. “Most of all, I want these kids to be better aware of the planet on which they live,” stated Ballard.
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