Classroom educators are invited to connect with scientists Alex and Elizabeth as they spend a summer in Antarctica (2008-2009). Community members will work to develop lesson plans and activities that can used to bring real Antarctic science to students, educating them on the importance of doing research in places like Antarctica to better understand ocean ecosystems and how the climate is changing.
COSEE West offered the Ocean Observing Systems (OOS) Summer Teacher Institute in August 2008 to middle and high school classroom teachers to show them the cutting edge technology of and data collected by ocean observing systems. Ocean researchers and COSEE West staff provided content information about OOS and phenomena recorded by OOS instruments through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to help them gain a better understanding of the science concepts, the way data are recorded, and how to access and use these data. Some of the OOS instruments discussed include satellites, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and moorings and buoys.
The teachers who participated in this institute developed thirteen lesson plans (to be tested during the 2008/2009 school year) on a variety of topics which have been posted on the COSEE West website.
This compilation of field trips and resources related to the ocean sciences was designed by COSEE West for student, teacher and parent use. The guide includes field trip sites between San Diego and Santa Cruz and appendices on California environmental organizations, programs, and wetlands.
COSEE West online workshop conducted in April 2007 by Dr. Robin Ross, University of California Santa Barbara
(Ecological Responses of Antarctic Krill to Environmental Variability: Can We Predict the Future?) and Dr. Donal Manahan, University of Southern California (North Pole, South Pole: How and Why we Study Polar Regions). Workshop materials include lectures, lesson plans, resources, aligning content to standards, and discussions.
COSEE West online workshop conducted in February 2006 by Dr. Mary Silver (Harmful Algae of California Coastal Waters) and Dr. David Caron (HABS: Causes, Effects and the Status of Research to Understand Them). Workshop materials include lectures, lesson plans, resources, aligning content to standards, and discussions.
COSEE West online workshop conducted in March 2005 by Dr. Richard Murphy (Coral Reefs: Cities Under the Sea), Dr. William M. Hamner (The Coral Reef Paradox), and Dr. William M. Hamner (Coral Reef Biogeography and Human Impacts). Workshop materials include lectures, resources, master glossary, and discussions.
In December 2004, President Bush submitted the "U.S. Ocean Action Plan" to Congress in response to the recommendation made by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. The activities outlined in the Administration’s response will help assure that the benefits we currently derive from our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, will be available to future generations.
Chapter 8 of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (2004), "An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century: Final Report," Washington DC recommends: "Strengthening the nation’s awareness of the importance of the oceans requires a heightened focus on the marine environment, through both formal and informal education efforts. School curricula, starting in kindergarten, should expose students to ocean issues, preparing the next generation of ocean scientists, managers,educators, and leaders through diverse educational opportunities. In addition, because formal curricula only reach students for a limited time, informal education aimed at the entire population is needed to foster lifelong learning."
In the first thorough review of ocean policy in 34 years, the Pew Oceans Commission released a host of recommendations in 2003 to guide the way in which the federal government will successfully manage America’s marine environment. The report found that more than 60 percent of America’s coastal rivers and bays are degraded by nutrient runoff. Crucial species like groundfish and salmon are under assault from overfishing. Invasive species are establishing themselves in the nation’s coastal waters. The Final Report of the Pew Oceans Commission finds that proven, workable solutions to the crisis in our oceans exist, but such successes will remain the exception rather than the rule until we chart a new course for ocean management.
