Now in its 14th year, the program has enabled more
than 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
14 participating 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 determine least
depths and to locate submerged obstructions and navigational hazards
for the creation or updating of the nation's nautical charts.
Benefits for All
The feedback from teachers who have participated in the program is
overwhelmingly positive. According to Kimberly Eubanks, an elementary
school teacher from Columbia, Md., "I went on the OREGON II to
do coral reef fish assessment. We worked 12-hour days, 7 days a week
and I loved every minute of it. The crew was teasing me about how
hard I was working. I was in work rotations, just like all the scientists.
I figured I was there to experience everything, so I did! The scientists,
officers and crew were wonderful. They bent over backwards to share
all their experiences and knowledge with me. It was an amazing adventure
that I would do again in a heartbeat! 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, a teacher from Colorado,
"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.
Logistics
Though most teachers take advantage of the program during the summer,
cruises are available throughout most of the year on a space-available
basis. Cruises range from one week to several months. Teachers on
sabbatical may have the option to go on an extended cruise; in recent
years, teachers have participated in cruises going to Australia, Japan
and Chile, giving them a wealth of experience in global climate and
air chemistry research. Information about the Teacher at Sea program
is available on the Web at www.tas.noaa.gov.
There you'll find a downloadable application, ship
and research descriptions, and articles written by teachers who have
participated in the program. The Web site also includes their daily
logs, photos and streaming video.
Steps for applying: