How to Teach Children About the Ocean

The ocean is a vast space — beautifully intimidating, some would say. People have learned much about it over the decades despite it being still majorly unknown. Gaining this knowledge has only been possible by creating advanced technology. Researchers explore extensive depths and discover new creatures through the use of ocean technology. The feats this tech has accomplished are endless. 

Though the interconnection of ocean and tech is intricate, teaching it to children is straightforward and rewarding. They deserve to know how the ocean keeps the planet alive and sustains a diverse range of life within itself. Mighty as it is, even the ocean’s enormity can be condensed for those teaching their kids about the world.

Combining Technology and Oceanography

The Scientific Computer System created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association reads sensory data from NOAA ships. These ships travel distant journeys to collect data on specific oceanic regions. Some types of information they gather include ocean salinity, water depth and water temperature. Ship sensors send this information to the SCS, which the computer processes and displays for data specialists — some of it goes toward synthesizing weather forecasts.

Educate your children on the connection between the ocean and the weather — how does the water cycle come about? How does the ocean support plant and human life even in dry locations? The temperature of the ocean affects the atmosphere, creating storm systems and warming climates. Currents transport warm water to the poles and cold water to the tropics, regulating the Earth’s climate. Demonstrate storm formation and current patterns with age-appropriate activities.

While ship crews handle matters on the surface, engineers create durable submarines to reach depths formerly unknown to humans. The Deepsea Challenger reached a depth of 10,908 meters in its first expedition, now known as the lowest point on Earth. Plenty of simulations, videos and infographics exist for conveying the ocean’s immensity. The everyday educator can’t dive in without training and tech, but they can use knowledge from past submarine explorations to explain the ocean’s layers and extreme points.

The Future of Ocean Technology

Improved tech will enable parents and educators to teach their children about the seas with added detail and enthusiasm. Wind- and solar-powered saildrones travel to unexplored areas and gather information for new research. Artificial intelligence processes whale songs and identifies the species they originate from, which once took years to accomplish. Cameras equipped with specialized light-filtering tech pick up on bioluminescent sea creatures in pitch-black waters.

As tech changes and brings discoveries, so will science curriculums. Educators and students will benefit from finding fresh ways to discuss ocean conservation and exploration. The world needs scholars adept in these emerging technologies and willing to travel where no humans have been before. Raising a generation of ocean-conscious students will help accomplish this.

Discovering the Deep Waters

Teaching children about the ocean’s wonders makes them knowledgable and caring citizens. They may find inspiration to join ocean conservation efforts, take exploratory trips across the waters or become marine scientists. A seed of knowledge can quickly bloom into something bigger than oneself. Provide children with learning opportunities and see how they utilize them.