About the Teacher at Sea Program

The enthusiasm for learning generated between teachers and students is the biggest payoff of NOAA's Teacher at Sea program, where teachers from elementary school through college go to sea aboard NOAA research and survey ships to work under the tutelage of scientists and crew.

Now in its 12th year, the program has enabled more than 360 teachers to gain first-hand experience of science at sea. Teachers can enrich their classroom curricula with a depth of understanding made possible by living and working side-by-side, day and night, with those who contribute to the world's body of scientific knowledge.

Teachers may select a cruise aboard one of NOAA's 15 ships. Fisheries research vessels perform biological and physical science studies in support of fisheries research. Oceanographic and coastal research vessels perform physical science studies in support of physical oceanography, atmospheric studies, and bathymetric mapping. Hydrographic survey vessels scan the coastal sea floor with side-scan sonar and sophisticated bottom sounding systems to locate submerged obstructions and navigational hazards for the creation or update of the nation's nautical charts.

Benefits for All

The feedback from teachers who have participated in the program is overwhelmingly positive.

According to Betty Moellenberg, an elementary school teacher in Colorado, "I cannot imagine any other experience that could equal the Teacher at Sea program for learning how marine scientists work and how people live aboard working ships. Living on the ocean while studying it carries an impact that will direct you to share with others exactly how and why these studies need to be done. Working with scientists daily and seeing their dedication influences your understanding in a way that will communicate itself to those you talk to about your experiences."

The benefit to NOAA is substantial as well. Scientists gain motivated volunteers to help carry out their projects, and scientists and crew enjoy having someone on board who is enthusiastic and eager to learn about all aspects of the cruise. Perhaps most important, the program serves NOAA's mission by promoting among teachers and their students a greater awareness of the need to understand and protect the world's oceans and their resources.

Best put by Betty Moellenberg, "At the least you will begin to understand why we need to know so much more in order to protect and safeguard this largest of our natural resources, and to understand the ways in which we can learn this. I went into this project with a lot of hesitation and fears, and came out with a deep feeling for the sea and a sense of commitment to share with my kids and other teachers-respect and awe, and the knowledge we must learn what we can in order to save both the sea and its inhabitants.

Through the Teacher at Sea program, NOAA and students gain another important benefit. By talking about their experiences and sharing photos or video taken during a cruise, teachers can encourage their students to think about potential marine careers with NOAA or other science-based organizations.

NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations

The Teacher at Sea program is coordinated and administered by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, which operates, manages and maintains the NOAA fleet of ships and aircraft. OMAO is composed both of civilians and officers of the NOAA Commissioned Corps, the nation's seventh and smallest uniformed service.

Contact the Teacher at Sea program coordinator for more information.

Media inquiries should be directed to Jeanne Kouhestani, NMAO public affairs, at (301) 713-3431, ext. 220.

CTD equipment collects information about the water's conductivity and temperature at different depths

Scientist checks the equipment

Scientists make a final check of the buoy before deployment

Hydrographic launch is lowered to begin the day collecting data