A Conversation with Ocean Explorer Bob Ballard (broadcast Friday, July 3rd, 2009)

The starboard railing near the bow of the Titanic photographed on June 1, 2004, by the ROV Hercules during an expedition returning to the shipwreck of the Titanic in 2004. NOAA—IFE/URI.

In this segment, Ira talks with undersea explorer Robert Ballard about his life and work, both in exploration and education. Ballard is perhaps best known for discovering the wreck of the Titanic and the German battleship Bismarck. However, in his dual roles as an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society and the President of the Institute for Exploration, Ballard has seen much more of the undersea world than those two finds. We'll hear about the field of undersea archaeology, geological investigations under the waves, and efforts to introduce the oceans to children through programs such as the JASON Project. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests

Robert Ballard
President, Institute for Exploration
Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic Society
Director, Center for Ocean Exploration and Archaeological Oceanography
Graduate School of Oceanography
University of Rhode Island
Narragansett, Rhode Island

Related Links

Segment produced by:Christopher Intagliata

Image: A port side forward expansion joint on the boat deck of the bow section of the shipwreck Titanic as photographed June 1, 2004, by ROV Hercules deployed from the NOAA ship Ronald H. Brown.
NOAA—IFE/URI.

Image: Shoes of a Titanic victim photographed in a debris field near the stern of the ship on June 6, 2004, by the ROV Hercules during an expedition returning to the Titanic
NOAA—IFE/URI.