USSSP sponsors “School of Rock”—Earth systems research and education workshops aimed at formal and informal science educators. In the past, these workshops have taken place aboard the JOIDES Resolution during transits and tie-ups, at the Gulf Coast Repository (Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas), or at other institutions. Over 200 formal and informal educators have participated in the School of Rock program since it was initiated in 2005.

During the 7-14 day School of Rock workshop, educators have daily opportunities to conduct geological, physical, and/or chemical analyses of sediment and hard-rock cores in laboratories on the ship or at the repository. Scientists who specialize in IODP research instruct participants on topics such as seafloor spreading, mid-ocean ridges, composition and structure of the oceanic crust, paleomagnetism, paleoceanography, biostratigraphy, sedimentology, hydrogeology, and methods for sampling the subseafloor environment. The workshop also provides educators with time to brainstorm and begin planning classroom activities based on their research and newly acquired knowledge.

• In the Steps of Darwin (15-30 July 2025, R/V Marcus Langseth)
• Welcoming a New Era (17-28 May 2024, JOIDES Resolution)
• Collaborating to Move Forward (13-24 October 2023, JOIDES Resolution)
• A Transition in Science Education (24 February – 3 March 2023, JOIDES Resolution)
• School of Rock without Borders: A Virtual Collaboration (30 November 2020 – 3 March 2021, online)
• Show Me the Evidence (8-18 September 2019, Scripps Institute of Oceanography)
• TE KURA KŌHATU – SCHOOL OF ROCK! (5-13 July 2018, Auckland, New Zealand)
• Expanding the Geoscience Pipeline by Connecting Educators with Early Career IODP Scientists (10-27 July, 2017, JOIDES Resolution)
• Exploring Ocean Cores and Climate Connections (29 May-6 June 2016, JOIDES Resolution)
• Deep Dive (10-16 August 2014, University of Delaware)
• Understanding Earth Through Ocean Cores (8-14 June 2014, Indiana University of PA)
• Investigating Earth’s History and the Deep Biosphere (20-30 May, 2013, JOIDES Resolution)
• Exploring Ocean Cores and the Geology of the Pacific Northwest (1-9 April 2013, JOIDES Resolution)
• Introduction to Curriculum on Climate History for Minority Serving Institution Faculty (4-7 June 2012, Gulf Coast Repository)
• Ship to Shore Science (23 May-2 June 2012, JOIDES Resolution)
• SOR Reunion (31 July-2 August 2011, JOIDES Resolution, Curacao)
• Cascadia CORK (5-17 September 2010, JOIDES Resolution)
• Cores, CORKS and Hydrology on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (23 June-5 July 2009, JOIDES Resolution)
• School of Rock 2008: Using Ocean Cores to Explore Past Climate Change (6-13 July 2008, Gulf Coast Repository)
• School of Rock 2007: Exploring Ocean Cores (22-28 July 2007, Gulf Coast Repository)
• School of Rock 2005: An oceangoing research experience for Earth and Ocean science teachers (29 October-14 November 2005, JOIDES Resolution)

Interested parties are encouraged to contact USSSP Education Manager Sharon Cooper at [email protected]. Information on additional IODP-related education and outreach activities can also be found on the JOIDES Resolution Educator Resources page.