Life on Earth could not exist without marine microbes. They produce half of the oxygen on the planet, helped to create the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, and form the base of the marine food web. Microbes make Earth livable for the rest of us! See the resources below for a wide range of materials related to marine microbes, including lesson plans, hands-on activities, games, videos, and teacher professional development opportunities.
This study evaluated the composition of floating mats in the Indian River Lagoon. They found that the majority of the mats were comprised of Lyngbya, a common cyanobacteria.
Dive down to the depths of the ocean with world-renowned oceanographer, Dr. Edie Widder, and explore the concepts of interdependence through inquiry-based activities for middle school science.
Objectivity is the ability to observe and report something without personal bias. In this study, clams were evaluated for their tolerance to temperature and salinity.
Scientists can be creative. Observational studies of the Indian River Lagoon resulted in a creative approach to determine if cyanobacteria is edible to sea urchins. Creativity helped to streamline experimental technique and make the job of scientists much easier.
Researchers at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) are on the edge of scientific discovery. They are working to discover the mysteries of Karenia brevis (K. brevis), the dinoflagellate responsible for many of Florida’s red tides.
In this activity, created by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, students will investigate eight types of Harmful Algal Blooms, including an example of how scientific perspectives can change rapidly as a result of new research.
In this webinar, the ITEST Learning Resource Center and COSEE (Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence) showcase curriculum materials on topics ranging from biomedicine to engineering design to ecology to ocean sciences.
During this webinar, experts Rob Ferguson, Paulo Maurin and Cathy Sakas from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) share their knowledge and ideas for compelling classroom activities on watersheds and introduce participants to NOAA's Rivers to Reefs Program.
This web page from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History's Ocean Portal contains a wealth of information for educators - including lesson plans, materials, and resources - on the Gulf oil spill.
How can we make the invisible - visible, particularly the toxins and various forms of pollution we find in the Indian River Lagoon? The ORCA team has developed a technique to identify toxins in sediments (FAST) and deployed water quality monitoring equipment (KILROY) to determine the source of toxins and their rate of accumulation.
This resource contains links to hands-on activities, lesson plans, and background information on scientific resources for middle and high school educators, plus information on Florida Science Standards and Principles of Ocean Literacy.
Frequently asked questions and answers about crude oil. Responses prepared by Dr. Sharon Walker, Director of Education and Outreach at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and COSEE Central Gulf of Mexico PI.
While some teachers enjoy their summer vacations by spending time with family, playing tennis, and sleeping in, over 200 science, mathematics, and technology teachers have participated in real-world industry experiences through the Industry–Education Partnership (IEP) program at Mississippi State University.
This bibliography was compiled by the NSF-funded COSEE Diversity Working Group and provides an overview of resources (organizations, policy documents, research studies, intervention studies, etc.) that relate to broadening participation in the sciences.