COSEE NOW

In May of 2007, Wally, a 12 year-old Basenji became ill and almost died after eating dead sand crabs on Del Monte Beach. Deidre Sullivan used her knowledge of the ocean and harmful algal blooms to track down the probable cause of Wally’s illness.

Knowing when to evacuate from an oncoming hurricane can seem like a daunting decision – even for someone immersed in ocean education. Chris Simoniello shares with us how one educator reacted to the oncoming threat of Hurricane Katrina to her coastal community, and how in the aftermath she gained a new motivation to help educate others on the power of the ocean.

As an informal educator, Katie Gardner works hard to help students understand how scientists observe and monitor the ocean. She even replicates many of the common problems scientists run into in the field, so students can appreciate how difficult it is. Even still, she wonders whether the path ahead to engaging students in ocean observing systems is daunting.

When you show students how to use real-time data, you might be surprised to find out that they continue using the data long after the lesson is over. In this story, Leisl Hotaling shares with us an unexpected outcome she encountered while teaching students about Air Pollution.

Dr. Jim Yoder has always been fascinated by the microscopic plants that grow in the ocean. Early in his career he studied them in his lab and wondered if his flasks really matched the ocean environment. Little did he realize how new technologies like satellites would soon be able to give him a much larger picture.

As OOS educators, we try to engage students in hands-on science experiences to connect them with the ocean environment. In this story from Hawaii, we discover how Mahina’s experience collecting ocean data made her rethink how humans impact the ocean.

Observing the ocean at the ends of the earth is never easy. Senior WHOI Scientist, Al Plueddemann, shares his tale of how tricky even loading a boat with equipment can be in Barrow Alaska. But, as difficult as it was, observing the ocean with a small and nimble ROV turned out to be the easiest part.

Researching the ocean’s many mysteries is never easy, especially when you’re using the latest in robotic technology. This is why programs for teachers generally include a field component where oceanographers can demonstrate how they conduct their research and the challenges they face. But in this story from Virginia Institute of Marine Science, you’ll never guess who catches the big fish this time.

Professors teach all the time. After all, that’s what professors do. But when confronted with young Boy Scouts, Professor George Maul found that if he was to truly inspire others with his passion for oceanography, he might have to adjust his teaching style. But he also found that the rewards were well worth it.

After falling overboard from a cruise ship, Pete Puffin spent many years voyaging the stormy seas at the mercy of ocean currents. Thanks to a collaboration between children’s book author and illustrator, Libby Hatton, and scientists from the Alaska Ocean Observing System, Pete’s story has a happy and scientifically accurate ending.