Exploring and Feasibility of using Ocean Observing System Data in Education

Ocean engineers and scientists are transforming the way we experience and understand the ocean through integrated and sustained ocean observations. For the first time, there will be continuous, sustained, near real-time, multi-dimensional data available from the ocean, collected from within the ocean using in-water sensor systems and from above using remote sensing methodologies. These data make inquiry-driven questions concerning the dynamic nature of the ocean's physical, biological and chemical characteristics in both time and space possible. These data will also provide unique and meaningful access to the ocean for a broad range of users. One major anticipated user group is kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) educators and their students, who will be able to explore and utilize these near real-time data sets and information in their classrooms. The National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence-Mid-Atlantic (COSEE-MA) is focused on coastal ocean observing systems and the development of products and services that bring real-time data to a broad range of user groups. COSEE-MA partners with these potential users to develop lesson plans and resources that use these data in meaningful ways to promote science inquiry in the classroom. Within this context, the merit and feasibility of developing a framework for a national ocean observing system education product was explored at a recent community workshop.