Ocean First Education brings the sea to life through high-quality, innovative marine science education and creates lifelong students and stewards of the sea.
Here at Ocean First Education, getting students engaged in and excited about marine science is what we live for. One of the ways we do this is through our TIDES program. TIDES, Teaching Interdisciplinary and Experiential Sciences, is a multi-year, immersive marine science program designed for middle through high school students anywhere in the world. The program is not bound by geography and is available to curious students globally. How? The marine science content is available online and the scuba portion is arranged so that the student’s local dive shop can hit the ground running.
We’ve done all the legwork for you. We have created all of the documents and timelines needed to implement the program successfully. If you’re a teacher looking to start an afterschool program in marine science, or are looking to fill an elective, the TIDES program will work for you. If you are dive shop owner looking to expand your services, the TIDES program might be what you’re looking for to broaden your horizons. Additionally, if you’re a homeschool parent and want to include a little splash to your curriculum, we can help you find a local dive shop and set you up with the marine science content you need.
Having worked with schools in the Denver-Boulder area for more than five years, we’ve been able to fine-tune the program to fit a variety of needs. See for yourself!
2018 has been designated at the International Year of the Reef by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), an informal partnership between nations and organizations that strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world. This will be the third such designation; the previous years were 1997 and 2008. This dedication has been made in response to the increasing threats to and loss of coral reefs around the world in the hopes of increasing awareness and understanding about coral reefs and in support of international conservation, research, and management efforts. While previous years proved successful, with more than 65 countries participating in conservation, education, and research projects, it is the desire of the ICRI to broaden their reach in 2018 by encouraging government and non-government organizations to:
strengthen awareness globally about the value of, and threats to, coral reefs and associated ecosystems (mangroves and seagrasses);
promote partnerships between governments, the private sector, academia and civil society on the management of coral reefs;
identify and implement effective management strategies for conservation, increased resiliency and sustainable use of these ecosystems and promoting best practices;
and share information on best practices in relation to sustainable coral reef management.
2018 is the year of the reef; what does any of this mean to us? Well, if you’re an avid beach-goer, snorkeler, scuba diver, consumer of seafood, or you just appreciate the natural wonders of this planet, it’s a call to action. It is a reminder that one of the most diverse ecosystems on this planet is suffering and requires a little TLC from all of us.
There are a few things you can do to help spread the word about the state of the world’s reefs and perhaps improve their health over time. The first thing you can do is simple; share what you know. No, I’m not talking facts and figures (but feel free if you’ve got them!); I’m talking stories. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers why you care about the health and well-being of the coral reef. Share your experiences with them and maybe they’ll be curious enough to want to learn more or visit a coral reef on their own. Seeing is believing.
Go check one out for yourself, and bring your friends! There is no time like the present to visit a coral reef. Coral reefs generate millions in tourist revenue, so use your dollars to demonstrate the value of a healthy coral reef to the state or nation you want to visit. Leave a Yelp or Google review sharing your experience and your opinion about the state of the reef. We live in a well-connected world. Your voice matters. Use it.
How well do you know the ocean? This regular feature will help acquaint you with our blue planet.
Topic: Coral Reef
The Great Barrier Reef covers more than 2,600 miles and encompasses more than 500 islands.
Coral reefs act as a local filtration system, improving the surrounding water quality.
Given their proximity to land, coral reefs serve as a protective barrier against storm surge and waves.
Coral reefs cover less than 2% of the ocean floor, but are home to more than 25% of the species found in the ocean!
Coral are not plants! They are invertebrate animals that have a symbiotic relationship with a type of algae to help them generate energy from the sun. Corals use their polyps to grasp organic material from the water column.
Classes have started! Keep up with A Rising Tide and watch as eight young marine science enthusiasts engage in marine science and learn to scuba dive right here in Colorado.
