Americans have an abiding interest in the ocean. A recent public opinion survey found that we are nearly unanimous in our recognition of the role the seas in providing food, climate control, and rainfall. This natural fascination with the ocean realm, especially among young students, makes it a compelling focal point for the teaching of science. When you bring ocean science into the classroom, you are teaching all of the classical sciences at one time. When measured against the various content categories of the national standards for science education, ocean science studies are a near-perfect integrating mechanism.
Ocean science is still a science of untold discoveries in Earth's last frontier.
Each research cruise raises as many new questions as it answers old ones. New issues such as coastal hazard mitigation and sustainable development of mineral resources will demand even stronger ties between the social sciences and ocean sciences. Ocean science provides new opportunities for engaging the love of learning in students and preparing them for their future roles as responsible citizens, exercising their stewardship responsibilities for our ocean planet. We can make a visible contribution to enhanced K-12 science and math literacy and we can leverage our collective productivity by teaching through the exciting and inherently motivating medium of the oceans, loved by all Americans.