The Role of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) in K-12 Education: Applying the Technology in Classroom Curriculum

The need for advanced ocean literacy in our society has never been more critical than it is today. Decades of science education research has well documented the need to improve the instruction and intellectual capacity of science and mathematics in K-12 students. Ocean observing systems (OOS) data, derived from both atmospheric and from ocean platforms, have provided technological support to teachers delivering challenging curricula in meeting the standards of the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts. The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence: Gulf of Mexico (COSEE:GOM); Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS); and Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) have established the ability to engage ocean monitoring systems and scientific research with educators (informal and formal) to enhance the ocean sciences education framework. Recent collaborations between GOMA and GCOOS have motivated education inventiveness with Mexico and the Caribbean. Further, the statistical impact of professional development programs for precollege teachers (2006 and 2007 COSEE Summer Institutes and GCOOS) document positive correlations between pre- and posttests. Technology resources from OOS research, teacher workshops, curricular development, and concepts of Ocean Literacy are recognized and will be discussed during the authors´ presentation at the Marine Technology Society´s 2007 Annual Conference.