Friday is World Oceans Day! It’s a day worth celebrating. Here’s why:
Oceans make up an astounding two-thirds of our planet. The blue water generates the oxygen we breathe, feeds us, regulates our climate, and so much more (World Oceans Day).
As such, everyone plays a role in the enjoyment, exploration, and protection of this environment. While zoos and aquariums are leading the charge to positively impact ocean health, destination coastal resorts are also beginning to use tourism as activism by empowering visitors to learn about the challenges faced by the beautiful environments that surround them. Even in our everyday lives, we can do more to be conscious of our habits and daily actions and really make a difference.
- Regularly use reusable items instead of disposable items. This helps reduce the debris that ends up in the ocean, causing habitat destruction and danger to marine life.
- Regularly use nontoxic cleaners and mind the pesticides you use. This helps reduce the chemicals that find their way to the oceans via runoff and water in our drains.
- Mind your carbon footprint. Look for ways to reduce the energy you consume – the excess carbon emissions are increasing the acidity of the ocean, which affects the marine life, especially corals and coral reefs.
Exploring the Waters
The ocean, and sea life, is typically intriguing and inspirational for people of all ages, but there’s often an extra awe for young learners still dreaming of what they want to be when they grow up. And we can help foster the interest in ocean-related careers.
While careers in marine biology aren’t necessarily a new thing, emerging robotics technology utilized by marine biologists and scientists IS! Pitsco has developed a Career Expedition title called Remote Aquabotics. In this experience, students work with an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). They learn and demonstrate the correct operation of an ROV and also inspect and assess the ROV operation. They make adjustments to the ROV to complete presented tasks as well as explore careers in the STEM career cluster. ROVs are used in a range of industries, including dam inspection, subsea construction, police work, and archaeological finds, along with the defense industry (The Underwater Centre).
If your students aren’t quite ready for robotics yet but still want to dive in to the topic, there’s a sea of resources for learners of all ages and levels. Some of our favorite options:
Field Trip?
Planning to hit a coast or the gulf? Whether you’re planning to dive under the waves or surf on top of them during your summer break, we encourage you to do a little research before hitting the beach. Learn about the specific challenges surrounding the piece of water you plan to visit and see what you can do while there to reduce your impact. Make a list of some easy learning points for the young learners on the trip or collect souvenirs and photos to share with your students once you’re back in the classroom.
Let’s go! The ocean’s waiting.
More information:
“Marine Recreation Community Workshop”
“ROV Careers”
“Career Spotlight: How to Become an ROV Pilot”
“Engaging, Inspiring, Hands-On Programs”
“Curriculum”
TOPICS: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Science, Careers, Activities, Career Expeditions, Future Ready
