Education

students examine the rocky intertidal ecosystem — Students participating in the LiMPETS monitoring program survey a tidepool in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Through LiMPETS - Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students - students from sixth grade to college monitor the biology of coastal ecosystems in California. By monitoring, students and community groups become the eyes and ears for our shores, and their data often inform the management of marine protected areas! Photo: J. Altstatt/NOAA

The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries education mission is to inspire ocean and climate literacy and conservation through national marine sanctuaries. Education programs connect students, teachers, users, visitors, and the public to a variety of programs and products that bring the underwater world of sanctuaries to the masses. We strive to make a positive impact on the ecosystems and cultural and maritime heritage resources found in the sanctuaries so that future generations can have access to these amazing places. Education programs not only work to instill a sense of stewardship and conservation, but also share the latest science and research happening in the sanctuaries, including threats and uncertainties from a changing climate. These climate and ocean acidification-related educational materials help bring the science into classrooms, after-school programs, science centers, aquariums, and other facilities.

Ocean Acidification Communication Toolkit: Dungeness Crab Case Study

Dungeness crab is a valuable species throughout the national marine sanctuaries of the West Coast from Washington state to California. This communication toolkit is designed for educators and communicators to teach others about the impact of ocean acidification on Dungeness crab. The toolkit includes: a fact sheet; infographic; PowerPoint slideshow with script; reference list; resource list; public domain video; and public domain images. Photo: NOAA

Ocean Acidification

Our carbon emissions are making the ocean more acidic, which threatens life in the global ocean. Use these resources to educate yourself and others to take action, or watch science lectures on the topic of ocean acidification, and download education resources for the high school classroom.

Data in the Classroom: Coral Bleaching

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. In this module, students will use real data to investigate the consequences of rising sea surface temperature on coral reefs. They will also consider the importance of coral reefs in their own lives. Explore our Coral Bleaching activity and download our Teacher’s Guide.

NOAA Climate Education Resources

Climate is the long-term, prevailing pattern of temperature, precipitation, and other weather variables at a given location, described by statistics, such as means and extremes. Understanding climatic processes and the resulting impacts of a changing climate are important since every living organism on Earth is affected.

high tide off Santa Barbara inundates a stairway to the beach — An especially high tide off Santa Barbara, California inundates a stairway to the beach. Photo: NOAA

Get Involved

Infographic showing ten things you can do to protect the earth — Ten simple changes you can make for a healthier planet.

Community solutions are vital to addressing a problem as large as climate change. Take action and get involved with national marine sanctuaries and within your community to do your part to address the changing climate.

Visit our volunteer page to learn more about volunteering in national marine sanctuaries, including citizen science projects.

Learn more about human responses to climate change.