Matthew Scragg
2024 Seed Grant Awardee
Project Description
Arctic and Earth SIGNs and Fresh Eyes on Ice
This project aims to amplify the voices of rural Alaskan communities and their experiences with climate change through engaging digital media. In collaboration with Fresh Eyes on Ice (FEOI), a NASA Citizen Science project, and Arctic and Earth SIGNs, a NASA Science Activation Team, Matthew will produce educational and storytelling media that highlights the impact of warming on frozen rivers and the role of citizen science in monitoring these changes.
The project will deliver at least 15 short social media videos, 5 instructional videos, and one 10-20 minute storytelling film showcasing the integration of Indigenous knowledge and scientific research. The media will be shared on FEOI's social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) and submitted to the Anchorage International Film Festival and the Denali Film Festival. Matthew will also document FEOI’s annual river data collection traverse, capturing interviews and community outreach activities with local residents and students. By empowering local communities to contribute their perspectives, this project aims to inspire greater STEM participation and foster a deeper connection to environmental stewardship.
Target Audience Age
| 0-4 | 5-10 | 11-14 | 14-18 | 19-22 | 23-26 | 27-99 |
NASA Division
Earth
Grant Status
Learning Context
Digital Learning
Neighborhood /
Community
Informal /
Out of School
Home / Family
Citizen Science
Formal Education
SME Bio
Through the co-production of engaging media, we aim to provide rural Alaskan communities with a platform to share their stories, connect with NASA science, and inspire future generations to engage in STEM and citizen science.
Matthew Scragg
Arctic and Earth SIGNs and Fresh Eyes on Ice - Media Production Empowering STEM PI
Citizen Science Participation in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Communities
Graduate Research Assistant, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Climate Science, Hydrology, Citizen Science, STEM Education
Matthew Scragg is a Graduate Research Assistant at the Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Born on Saipan and raised in Cave Creek, Arizona, he developed a passion for hydrology and river systems while exploring Arizona’s high country. After earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering, he worked as an engineer-in-training focused on hydrology and flood warning before pursuing an M.S. in Earth Systems Science – Hydrology at UAF. His research explores hydrogeomorphic processes influencing river ice formation in interior Alaska. Outside of academics, Matthew enjoys backcountry adventures with his dog Avy and documenting his experiences through photography and videography.
SciAct Team
Arctic and Earth SIGNS Description
Arctic and Earth STEM Integrating GLOBE and NASA (SIGNs) project team envisions a STEM learning environment where youth play an active role in understanding climate change and stewardship of climate change influenced resources in their own community. Climate change has already influenced the lives of rural and indigenous communities in the Arctic, and climate change in the Arctic has a profound impacts and feedbacks within the global climate system. We aim to provide rich opportunities for youth, educators, and community members from rural and indigenous communities in Alaska and beyond to learn about, observe, and act upon locally important climate change issues. We work to develop a STEM learning process that integrates GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) protocols that best fit the issue, local and traditional ecological knowledge, historical and current NASA data, direct contact with NASA subject matter experts, and collaboration with a team of Arctic scientists and other partners such as the Association of Interior Native Educators and the 4-H program.
Our project has focused mostly on long-term relationships and has had a limited investment in social media and digital media presence. Matt's contribution will be a great way to boost our efforts in this area, and amplify the stories from our project in some of our rural communities using GLOBE and Fresh Eyes on Ice for problem solving.