“Though some are keenly aware that our continued prosperity depends on protecting the ocean, there is widespread complacency and indifference, largely borne of ignorance. There is no guarantee that people will care if they know what’s happening, but it is certain that they cannot care if they do not know.”
– Dr. Sylvia Earle

The National Geographic Society, NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration, NOAA’s Marine Sanctuaries and the College of Exploration will host a 9-part virtual teacher workshop series (April-December 2003) that uses the excitement of ocean exploration to identify how ocean content can enhance learning in the classroom.

It is entitled: “Classroom Exploration of the Oceans.” Dr. Sylvia Earle, NGS Explorer-in-Residence, will introduce these workshops and inspire teachers on the importance of ocean education.

Scientific experts will “present” and be available for an open dialogue. Teachers will be provided with relevant and useful information for their classrooms. “Teacher Consultants” will provide firsthand experience on introducing ocean content to students, and provide a network of peers to provide advice and answer questions.

Teachers will gain research findings, lesson plans, news stories, magazine articles, video clips and internet links to ensure that their students become ocean literate. The workshop series will introduce a wide array of topics that are linked to the National Geographic Society’s Ocean Atlas Teacher’s Guide and the new “Oceans Scope and Sequence” for K-12 Teachers.