Leveraging oceanographic resources in teacher and student science programs

In the past decade, it has become apparent that the United States depends upon a workforce with strong science and mathematical skills, as well as the ability to apply these skills to emerging technologies. Because deficiencies exist in these areas, reform in math and science education in the United States has gained increased focus and led to the establishment of the National Education Goals (United States Code Title 1. Section 102. National Education Goals). Goal No. 5 states, "United States students will be the first in the world in mathematics and science achievement." With this goal in mind, the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) established a new educational initiative called OCEANS ALIVE (Oceanographic Career Enhancement And Naval Science: Adventurous Learning in Variable Environments). The mission of OCEANS ALIVE is to inform and interest middle and high school students and teachers in operational naval oceanography. During a three-day voyage aboard a state-of-the-art oceanographic survey ship, students learn practical applications of math and science principles and also become aware of career opportunities in the multidisciplined field of oceanography. OCEANS ALIVE provides a combination of lectures and hands-on learning experiences aboard ship to show students that math and science skills are needed to think creatively, make decisions, and solve problems.