GOMO-funded tech highlighted in Frontiers for Young Minds
A new article was released in the Earth Sciences section of the journal Frontiers for Young Minds. “Keeping An Eye On Earth’s Oceans With Argo Robots,” describes the technology, applications, and developments of Argo floats, a major component of the Global Ocean Observing System, and provides a kid-friendly introduction to topics like ocean observing and climate change. The article features colorful diagrams and infographics that illustrate Argo float anatomy and explain how Argo data are used to inform ocean and climate forecasting, adaptation, policy and management. Students are also invited to track their own float with the Adopt a Float program, a free educational program allowing classes to explore the ocean by following the progress of their float and accessing its data, or to learn more through resources like the Argo Online School and Ocean Observers platform.
Frontiers for Young Minds is an award-winning, open-access academic journal launched in 2013. “Edited by kids for kids,” the journal showcases articles written by established scientists from a variety of STEM fields and provides opportunities for young scientists aged 8 to 15 years old to participate in the publishing process. Since its inception, Frontiers for Young Minds has engaged 7,380 young reviewers and 670 mentors, and hosted articles from 3,780 authors covering eight thematic sections, delivering age-appropriate and accessible research to students around the globe.
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and Argo Program are supported by NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program (GOMO). GOMO Program Manager Emily Smith, who oversees the U.S. Argo Program and has spent several years coordinating NOAA’s Adopt a Drifter Program, served as a co-author on the new Frontiers for Young Minds article. Before coming to NOAA, Emily taught middle school science and remains passionate about engaging young people in ocean science and education. Beginning in September 2023, Emily went on detail with IOC-UNESCO in Paris, France to work with GOOS on a variety of projects including Dialogues with Industry as well as supporting the Caribbean and Pacific Islands GOOS Regional Alliances.