All life on Earth relies on the ocean - yet the ocean is 95 percent unexplored, unknown, and unseen by human eyes.

An essential component of NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research mission is to enhance ocean science literacy and to build interest in careers that support ocean related work. To help fulfill this mission, the Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection was developed to encourage educators and students to become personally involved with the voyages and discoveries of the Okeanos Explorer—America’s first Federal ship dedicated to Ocean Exploration. Join a NOAA OER staff member as they introduce Volume 1 of the Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection: Why Do We Explore?, Participants will learn how to use inquiry- and standards-based lessons and other online resources that guide classroom inquiries into several important reasons for ocean exploration including Climate Change, Energy, Ocean Health and Human Health.

Registration is required and space is limited. Educators who attend the full day will receive a $50 stipend. Each participant will receive Volume 1 of the Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection, Why Do We Explore?, materials related to activities presented during the workshop, a NOAA Ocean Exploration Certificate of Participation, continental breakfast, and lunch. Part 2 of this workshop series How Do We Explore? is scheduled for the spring of 2016 and will target ocean exploration strategies and state-of-the-art technologies.