NOAA Sea to Sky: Education resource database

Students will research the ecology of coral reefs, natural and anthropogenic threats to corals, and the science of coral restoration. In pairs, students will design and make an argument for a proposed new coral nursery to be placed within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS).

Students will explore the ecology of one of three different species in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS). They will also explore conservation measures in place for their species protection. Students will produce a trifold brochure meant to teach visitors of the sanctuary about the ecology of their assigned species and its important to Native Hawaiian culture.

Dive in without getting wet! Your National Marine Sanctuary System protects a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters, and now you can visit these amazing places in the blink of an eye. From the thriving kelp forests of Channel Islands to the treasured coral reefs of the Florida Keys, few places on the planet can compete with the wonders of the National Marine Sanctuary System. Come along as we experience these underwater treasures through eight virtual reality videos. Check out the Next Generation Science Standard lesson plans that complement the VR videos to go deeper.

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has launched Sanctuaries 360°—a collection of immersive underwater experiences to bring these exceptional underwater treasures to viewers all over the world. These underwater parks are destinations for many who want to visit the ocean and experience immense beauty, biodiversity and have the chance to encounter marine life. For many, reaching and experiencing these special ocean areas—like a diver—can be a challenge. This collection includes seven lessons and accompanying 360° videos which can be implemented in classrooms.

This three-part investigation will engage students in learning about Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and what makes it unique. Students will explore the plants and animals that live and thrive in the Channel Islands while learning about specific adaptations they have for surviving in cold water marine environments. Students will then design an experiment to model insulation, comparing how humans and sea lions have specific adaptations (or requirements) to help them survive in cold water environments.

In pairs, students will research the historical, ecological, and economic importance of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary by focusing on the wreck of D.M. Wilson, a wooden coal freighter that sank in 1894. Students will then create a digital infographic that communicates the importance of preserving the wreck.

This five-part mini research project introduces students to the National Marine Sanctuary System (NMSS). The activity begins with a teacher-led walkthrough of the digital resources of the NMSS so students can learn how national marine sanctuary sites are designated and why they are important to protect and preserve the ocean and Great Lakes. Students will then conduct independent or small group research on specific national marine sanctuaries using 360° videos, photos, and print resources. Students will use the information they collected to compare and contrast the four different sites and create a slideshow that will be presented to peers upon completion.