National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides educators an opportunity to gain first-hand experience with field research activities through the Teacher-at-Sea Program. Through this program, educators spend up to 3 weeks at sea on a NOAA research vessel, participating in an on-going research project with NOAA scientists. Once educators are selected and participate on a cruise, they write a report detailing the events of the cruise and ideas for classroom activities, based on what they learned while at sea. These materials are then made available to other educators so they may benefit from the experience, without actually going to sea themselves. The Teacher-at-Sea Program would like to get data from the teacher participants on their experience before, during, and after they return from sea. The Teacher-at-Sea Program collects data from teacher participants and not from applicants.
Adjustments: The respondent pool has increased since the last submission, with a total of six more surveys planned per year. Also, the postage cost for the few surveys mailed in was not included in the last submission, but the omission in error was corrected in this renewal.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.