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Ocean First Education brings the sea to life through high-quality, innovative marine science education and creates lifelong students and stewards of the sea.
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So, What is TIDES?

TIDES, Teaching Interdisciplinary and Experiential Sciences, is a multi-year, immersive marine science program for students ages 12+ that combines rigorous interdisciplinary science curriculum, hands-on learning, and confidence-building scuba training to unlock students’ natural curiosity and passion for the ocean.

As part of TIDES, students receive real-life experiences in marine research and scientific diving. These place-based learning opportunities provide a window into the careers of marine scientists, technicians, and field researchers. Students will practice critical thinking and data analysis, which together introduces them to the process of asking questions, defining problems, and carrying out investigations into real-world settings.

TIDES is ideal for any middle or high school interested in implementing a hands-on STEM program with a marine science focus. It is also a unique opportunity for a scuba shop to train future stewards of the ocean, helping them to garner the skills and abilities they’ll need to explore the ocean.
For more information about TIDES, email us today.

In the News
Water, Water Everywhere, Nor Any Drop to Drink

While the line is from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, it is true today, especially in South Africa and across many parts of the United States as we head into summer. The Earth is covered by water. In fact, about 72% of the planet’s surface is water, yet fresh, drinkable water is a commodity not readily available for everyone.

Perhaps you have heard of the water crisis around Cape Town, South Africa, where residence were reduced to using 50 liters, or less, of water each day? Stop and think for a moment about the water you use in your life. You shower, wash your hands, your dishes, brush your teeth, cook with it, drink it straight, and even flush it down the toilet. Fifty liters is just a hair over 13 gallons. Could you carry out your daily routine on 50L or less each day?

In an effort to get more people on board with water conservation, they targeted something simple - shorter showers. Playlists were created to help limit time spent in the shower. How long is your average shower? Now image getting all that done in 120 seconds! Yup, a two minute shower. The people of Cape Town were on tight restrictions when it came to water conservation in an effort to keep what water that was available moving through the system. These restrictions reduced water consumption by half, and along with a generous rainfall, moved the day the water would run out from July 2018, to some time in 2019. Still looming, but not an immediate threat. Citizens are encouraged to conserve water and restrictions are still in place, but in the meantime, scientists are working to create solutions.

In the United States, we witnessed a drought throughout much of California last year. This year will bring more. Here in Colorado, the snowpack we rely on to replenish much of our freshwater has been reduced, resulting in a projected 6th-driest year on record. While the U.S. seasonal drought outlook for May through August states, “Across the West, drought conditions persisted or expanded slightly under a general regime of above-normal temperatures and subnormal precipitation.” Also, NOAA doesn’t expect the drought conditions to lighten up as there isn’t significant precipitation in the forecast.

Summer is coming. What are you doing to reduce your water consumption?

Ocean View
Water Down the Drain

For some, dramatically limiting their water usage might be difficult, but for me, it has been relatively easy. About six months ago, my fiancé and I purchased a motorhome, rented out our house, and have been traveling the country ever since. Since the motorhome is designed to allow us to live “off the grid”, there are several water-saving features built into it.

Read more from Michael’s blog about his own journey using less water and living off the grid.

1 Topic : 5 Facts
How well do you know the ocean?
This regular feature will help acquaint you with our blue planet.
Topic: Water Conservation
  1. Check all of your faucets, pipes and toilets for leaks.
  2. Install low flow showerheads and toilets.
  3. Take shorter showers and turn off the water while you brush your teeth or shave.
  4. If you use a sprinkler system, set it for the evening, every two days, and don’t run it while it rains.
  5. If you’re a gardener, plant drought-tolerant plants. For all gardens, add mulch to reduce evaporation and discourage weeds.
Events and Announcements
Coming Soon!
  • World Oceans Day is June 8th. What have you got planned? Find out how you can participate in events near you.
  • The A Rising Tide scholars head to FL for their open water certifications and some lionfish surveying. Episodes air every Thurs. Keep up with past and future episodes by following us on YouTube.
  • New 360° Lesson Plans for grades 6-8 are up. Check them out!
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