Web-Based Expeditions to the Seafloor

Objective:

Through near, real-time, web-based links to scientists at sea:

• Provide a stimulating learning environment as students share and participate in exploration of the deep ocean.
• Promote a better understanding of ocean sciences by the general public.

Ultimate Goal:

• The conceptual approach we develop will have broad application for ocean-going marine scientists, and will allow them to use similar techniques to promote ocean science education and public outreach in the future.

Strategy:

• Develop a web site for middle school (grades 6-8) and the general public to provide near real-time, daily access to deep submergence and oceanographic research conducted using the facilities of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).
• Test and refine this web site during four NSF-funded, multi-disciplinary field programs that will take place over the next two years (1999-2001) in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
• Provide access to our web site through computer links in selected museums and aquaria throughout the country.

Graph showing numbers of people accessing the Dive and Discover Site