An essential component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) mission is to enhance ocean science literacy and enhance understanding why it is important to explore our little-known ocean world. To help fulfill this mission, the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection was developed to encourage educators and their students to become engaged with expeditions and discoveries made by the NOAA Ship Okeanos

An essential component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) mission is to enhance ocean science literacy and enhance understanding why it is important to explore our little-known ocean world. To help fulfill this mission, the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection was developed to encourage educators and their students to become engaged with expeditions and discoveries made by the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer—America’s first Federal ship dedicated to ocean exploration.

Educators are invited to join NOAA OER staff to learn more about the importance of ocean exploration, current exploration technologies, and recent deep-sea discoveries. This full day Professional Development workshop will introduce standards-based, hands-on activities and other resources that guide classroom teaching and learning. Ocean health, unique underwater habitats, underwater mapping and remotely-operated vehicles are just a few of the topics to be addressed.

Registration is required and space is limited. Educators will receive the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection Volume 1: Why Do We Explore? and Volume 2: How Do We Explore?, additional resources, a NOAA Ocean Exploration Certificate of Participation, continental breakfast, lunch, admission to the aquarium, parking and a $75 stipend.

Lessons are designed for grades 6-12 but many activities may be scaled to suit educator needs.