Teachers
Welcome to the Teens4Oceans Teacher's Section.
Introduction:
Teens4Oceans (also known as T4O) was formed as a Colorado nonprofit corporation on December 15, 2010. Teens4Oceans' mission is to empower the next generation to become impassioned stewards for their oceans through education, science research, inquiry-based learning, and philanthropic initiatives. The organization is comprised of an advisory board of prominent educators, scientists and professionals, who guide the Board of Directors management team in managing the students and training them in professional scientific inquiry, development and delivery.
Teens4Oceans uses a multidisciplinary approach to teach students about scientific process in a hands-on format where real data are generated using science nodes. Science nodes are underwater camera systems that employ data acquisition probes to measure local physical parameters of the aquatic media in which the node is deployed. These units consist of webcams and data acquisition devices housed in waterproof housings along with the powering and network components associated with running the device. The video stream and data are processed over Ethernet and delivered to servers for dissemination to the public.
Data, video, and images generated from science nodes can be used in classrooms for a variety of purposes and grade levels. Our login systems allow various access levels to the database, in which educational modules are developed. These educational tools, modules and teaching resources for K-12 education in science, but can also be used in disciplines, such as English and Mathematics, to meet national standards. In addition, Teens4Oceans provides a platform and formula for middle and high school students to start T4O chapters at schools and within school districts.
How the Science Works:
Teens4Oceans provides scientifically relevant field experiences and remote research opportunities for students of all ages, and works with local agencies to establish research projects. We help school students acquire the skills necessary to become stewards of marine environments through professional engagement in the scientific community.
Through project-based research programs, data collected through student scientific inquiry are directed toward three specific populations:
- The scientific community through refereed journals.
- Local communities near relevant data collection sites. This in turn, is used in national governance and education through the Teens4Oceans website.
- Teachers: materials are made available to educators for classroom use
As part of Teens4Oceans' strategic plan, the organization will become a part of the larger scientific process and have direct impact in pertinent research. Teens4Oceans students, under the tutelage of the advisory board, will publish their findings in refereed scientific journals. Moreover, students will act as liaisons to relevant communities to educate and promote awareness of marine conservation. Engineering programs allow students to develop scientific equipment and acquire intellectual property rights. In addition, T4O teaches students the process of acquiring intellectual property for science nodes.
Working in the Community: Education and Outreach
Teens4Oceans will facilitate students becoming interns, as current members of the scientific community guide them through the process of producing scientific knowledge, viable data, and analysis. Teens4Oceans will publish findings and processes on the T4O website, which can be utilized in classrooms for peer based education and inquiry. In addition, the T4O organization will provide live streaming of on-site underwater science nodes in America’s exclusive economic zones (EEZs) free of charge to the public.
A program is currently underway to engage underwater photographers to work with taxonomists to develop a database of scientifically accurate images of marine organisms, which will be used throughout the Teens4Oceans educational program. This resource, in addition to standardized educational modules for use in the classroom, will assist students who cannot afford academic or project materials associated with their selected project by providing funds to purchase materials. Teens4Oceans also assists students who are unable to afford travel costs associated with the implementation of their project. Student assistance is awarded based on the individual’s need and the merit of the project.
Finally, Teens4Oceans will assist colleges, universities, schools or other nonprofit organizations with consulting, installation and maintenance of their scientific nodes. Teens4Oceans assess a fee for these services to cover costs.
CLICK HERE to access a general outline for teaching a course in Marine Science.