Why study oceans?
The oceans are a great subject for teaching a wide variety of science topics—everything from chemistry and food chains to animal classification and environmental protection. Students are naturally attracted to ocean animals. The appeal of colorful fish, playful dolphins and menacing sharks is undeniable. Students learn best when they are interested in and engaged by the subject matter. Coral reefs are also appealing because they are exotic, unfamiliar yet fascinating environments. These distant environments can be used to teach scientific methods and principles that are applicable in our own backyards.

The oceans are also a timely topic in this era of increased environmental awareness. As we become more aware of the responsibility we have to take care of the earth, we understand that this includes taking care of the world’s oceans. Students are never too young to begin to learn this lesson. The children of today will be the decision makers for tomorrow. Soon the future of this planet and its beautiful seas will be in their hands.

How do I use Oceans Live?
Oceans Live provides a link between your students and college-age student researchers at the School for Field Studies (SFS) Marine Resource Center on South Caicos Island in the Caribbean Sea. As the SFS students share their field experiences via journals and interactive question and answer forums, the excitement and challenges of scientific research will come alive for your students in the classroom. Your students will conduct research, learn new facts and experiment with scientific processes that parallel activities the SFS students are engaged in on the reef. This connection with a real research site will add an element of excitement and adventure that will make your students want to learn more.

By the end of the program, both groups of students will have gained an in-depth understanding of oceans and their special resources. They will appreciate the challenges of balancing human actions with the needs of nature. They will be more familiar with the research and management tools available to conserve and protect oceans and their many inhabitants. And it will all have been taught with a live link between your students and a real place, real people, with real problems and real solutions.