They need to know the power of a hurricane, the unrelenting nature of erosion, the influences of ocean currents such as El Nino and the warnings of ecosystem degradation that come in the form of algal blooms, fish kills and red tides. It is clear we need to keep teachers informed about new ocean discoveries, such as the deep-sea communities of crabs, clams and tube worms found hot vents. We as a adults, especially parents and teachers, must have more understanding of our nation's scientists and their discoveries and contributions to our society before we can expect the same from our children. One way to increase student interest in science, particularly marine science, is to stress the subject's relevancy. More and more teachers are trying to capture student attention and overcome the stigma of difficulty associated with science by showing children why the subject is important to them.
Environmental study allows students to observe and analyze science in their own backyards.
Science projects such as stream and river monitoring help children link the health of streams in their neighborhood to connecting rivers and eventually to the ocean. By making the topic relevant, students now understand the complicated concept of watersheds. It should be obvious that marine and coastal studies are not just for students in coastal states. The ocean, as part of the earth science curriculum, is studied nationally. Educators with the National Sea Grant College Program, the National Estuarine Research Reserves and National Marine Sanctuaries routinely receive questions from teachers in non-coastal states like Colorado and Kansas.