E&O Themes

The National Academy of Science (2007) in its landmark report, Rising above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, reported on the crisis in U.S. science and technology, and recommended key actions for restoring U.S. world leadership largely through improving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) efforts. Consistent with solutions to this crisis is NOAA’s Education Mission: to advance environmental literacy and promote a diverse workforce in ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, weather, and climate sciences to encourage stewardship and increase informed decision making for the Nation (NOAA Education 2008).

CI education and outreach needs to communicate the excitement of research and discovery. We envision education and outreach oriented on ocean exploration and directed toward a wide variety of ocean-related majors, students, partnerships, management groups, and the public, while specializing in hands-on exploration research and using new technological innovations. CIOERT education and outreach goals include:

  • Train the next generation of scientists, research managers, and policymakers through innovative graduate education.
  • Provide Experience: Mediate, mentor, and ensure interaction of outreach and education specialists and scientists during CIOERT-sponsored expeditions in order to communicate the excitement and importance of ocean exploration, research, and associated advanced technology development, and to develop the work force that NOAA will need to meet technical and scientific challenges of 21st century.
  • Use Media: Convey excitement and wonder of ocean exploration, advocate key messages, and provide timely updates on discoveries and missions through mass media, including Ocean Explorer Website and news coverage, and to showcase and use state-of-the art technology platforms.
  • Translate Science: Inform society (managers, Congress, public) about the development or potential for new and better ocean-related policies, practices or products that result from ocean exploration, research and advancement of ocean technology.

In support of the three research themes, CIOERT will train the next generation of scientists and NOAA employees through several activities, including:

  • providing a wide range of expertise and NOAA-related degree programs for university students;
  • increasing “hands-on” at-sea, multi-disciplinary opportunities for these students, including accredited courses taught by CI scientists, engineers, and educators; and
  • integrating graduate and undergraduate students and postdoctoral scientists into cutting-edge CI research projects.

Education and outreach activities in support of the three CIOERT research themes will serve NOAA’s mission to protect the nation’s natural resources, and strengthen ocean stewardship. An ongoing activity will be the development of a CIOERT Education Strategic Plan consisting of members of the CI team, their partners, and NOAA educators to develop a long-term program consistent with NOAA’s education mission and provide innovative educational products and services that improve STEM at all levels.