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Classroom Resources

Online materials and classroom activities to help you excite you students about National Marine Sanctuaries and the ocean.

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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Resources

Distance Learning Programs

Can’t join us in person? Access free, pre-recorded programs or schedule a LIVE virtual interaction on sanctuary topics with associated lessons for your students!


Deep Sea Coral Communities Curriculum

Deep-sea coral communities, like the ones found in the national marine sanctuaries of the West Coast, are home to many diverse species. This curriculum takes students into the deep sea to identify the soft corals, hard corals, invertebrates and fish found in these communities and to investigate the unique biology of deep-sea corals. Learn the threats these animals face and what we can do help protect them.

 

Take A Virtual Dive in MBNMS!

Explore 360° virtual dives from the sanctuary, then complete a Scavenger Hunt Activity (422K PDF)!


Voices of the Bay

Voices of the Bay will introduce your students to Monterey Bay's rich fishing heritage as well as its relevance and value today.


MBNMS Feature Film “One Breath”

Watch this feature film showcasing the biodiversity of MBNMS and complete a Quiz Activity!


The Land-Sea Connection

Use a bathymetric map of the sanctuary along with activities designed to increase your students' understanding of science and geography.

 

Watershed Activity Guide (7.6M PDF)

A comprehensive watershed program including hands-on field and classroom activities, monitoring and restoration projects, bilingual worksheets and journal prompts so students can analyze and reflect on how each project relates to real world conservation efforts. The activity guide is adapted to specific sanctuary environments.

Watershed Model

A hands-on model to teach about urban runoff is available to check-out from the sanctuary by calling (831)-647-4201.


Additional Monterey Bay Sanctuary Resources


National Marine Sanctuaries Resources

Sanctuaries 360° Virtual Reality Lesson Plans

Explore 360° virtual dives videos from around the National Marine Sanctuary System, and download the associated lesson plans for your students!


Dungeness Crab Ocean Acidification Toolkit

This communication toolkit is designed for educators and communicators to use to teach others about the impact of ocean acidification on Dungeness crab.

 

Marine Debris Monitoring Toolkit (3.4M PDF)

This toolkit is designed to assist teachers in educating their students about marine debris and involving them in marine debris research and outreach. Using the toolkit, students conduct marine debris surveys and can enter their data into a national database, analyze monitoring results, and become involved in marine debris stewardship within their communities.

 

Connect to National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series

This webinar series will provide educators with educational and scientific expertise, resources and training to support ocean and climate literacy in the classroom.


Additional National Marine Sanctuaries Education Resources


NOAA Resources

NOAA Ocean Explorer

Compelling visuals and education materials related to ocean exploration. Visit the 2006 Davidson Seamount expedition.

 

NOAA Data in the Classroom

Investigate Earth processes using real data related to El Niño, sea level, water quality and ocean acidification

 

Additional NOAA Education Resources


NOAA Supported Resources

The Bridge: Ocean Sciences Education Center

Check out some of the most comprehensive marine education materials available on the web.

 

Ocean Literacy

Find out more about how to bring ocean content and essential principles of ocean sciences into K-12 classrooms.

 

Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence )COSEE)

Learn more about collaborations among scientists and educators to advance ocean discovery and make known the vital role of the ocean in our lives.

 

Reviewed: April 11, 2024
Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service

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