Our planet is 71% water with the ocean ecosystems intricately woven into all aspects of our lives. Everything we do is connected to the marine world from the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, to the computers or phones you are reading this on.
In this section, we will highlight the interconnectedness of the maritime industry and the marine environment and the importance of maintaining the delicate balance of commerce and conservation. We will also provide information on upcoming webinars, conferences, programs, and opportunities for you to incorporate new educational material into your classrooms.
Latest Marine Education News
The Rise of Primary and Secondary Maritime Schools
By: Eric Haun
Primary and secondary maritime schools are sprouting up across the country, inspiring K-12 students to learn about the exciting, yet sometimes obscured domestic waterfront. The goals of these maritime school programs are many and multifaceted, but at the core they motivate and engage students by bringing something new and exciting to the classroom while giving teachers an effective means for capturing. . . READ MORE
Educators and Teachers Connect via Technology During COVID Restrictions
By: Ted Davis
After a year of COVID restrictions, long hours, juggling personal and work responsibilities, many teachers and instructors are reaching a breaking point. Teaching is one of the most stressful occupations in the U.S., tied only with nurses. The additional stress that teachers are reporting during the pandemic is worrying because it doesn’t affect only educators — it also affects students. In March 2020, when schools moved online, teachers across the U.S. had to completely reimagine their approach to education, often with no training or time to prepare. . . READ MORE
The Lake Champlain Waterway
By: Ted Davis
Today it is possible to sail (meaning to travel on water) along the Hudson River (from New York City) all the way up into Canada to the St Lawrence River (at the town of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec). The waterway route extends from the Erie Canal (Mohawk & Hudson River confluence) at Cohoes. . . READ MORE
Content & Curriculum
Units
Planet Ocean Discovery Series: Virtual, downloadable, and environmentally-based learning series to bring Marine Science into your classroom. PODS are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Ocean Literacy Principles.
Saving the Southern Resident Killer Whales: The activities can be scaled to different timelines and students’ interests. The unit provides many opportunities for students to create public products and share their learning beyond the classroom. The final activity provides scaffolding for a student-led stewardship project that embraces students’ talents and interests.
Here you will find our lesson plans created by the Thriving Corals team to support interdisciplinary learning. Browse and download them for free!
Marine Debris
An Educator’s Guide to Marine Debris: Created in partnership with NOAA, this guide contains lessons for students K-12 to inspire ocean stewardship.
Mapping Marine Microplastics: About 8 million tons of plastic flow from rivers and beaches into the ocean every year. Use this map to track the microplastic concentration over time.
Ecosystems
An Educator’s Guide to Marine Environment: This guide is for students K-12 and has lessons on ocean acidification, ocean exploration, the marine industry and ecosystem health.
Links & Resources
Assessing Our Marine Ecosystems
The National Marine Ecosystem Status Website was created to provide a snapshot of major U.S. marine ecosystem indicators. This site captures the status and trends of seven U.S. ecosystem regions and overall, national status while also providing the opportunity to explore the key indicators for a particular topic area.
Programs & Initiatives
NAMEPA Chapters: Student led initiative to help “Save Our Seas” by working with a faculty advisor or sponsor to learn more about the marine environment, promote best industry practices, and discover career opportunities in the marine industry.
Adopt a Ship: Free educational tool that allows students to connect with the marine industry while learning geography, culture, marine operations, communication skills, environmental conservation, the important role seafarers play in shipping and introducing the variety of career opportunities available.
Upcoming Education Events
The content of this page is maintained by MPSEC Editorial Associates:
Ted Davis, Former Marine and Aquatic Science Educator
Molly Dushay, Education Director and High School Science Teacher