Coastal ocean observing technology transfer to educators

Coastal ocean observing systems provide an opportunity to connect scientific concepts, technology and careers to education. These systems also provide outreach opportunities for researchers to connect beyond their peers to the public. Use of real/near realtime coastal ocean observational data has local relevance and can generate excitement for teachers and students about the changes and patterns in the ocean environment. New collaborations, strategies and models must be forged between scientists and educators to meet challenges and provide benefits. Challenges include the identification of connections between coastal ocean observing science and precollege science standards and curricula, the design of effective professional development workshops to transfer technology to teachers, the development of Web-based observation data that is accessible to teachers and their students, and the construction and testing of model inquiry lessons, which include use of real/near real-time observations data and GIS maps. Benefits include outreach opportunities for researchers, inquiry-driven applications for precollege students and the introduction of coastal ocean observing to students with the outcome of a highly trained and diverse work force in ocean sciences for the future. Effective strategies for transfer require new opportunities for engagement between scientists and educators, sharing of credit, evaluations, and solid technical reviews of all products to ensure scientific and educational accuracy.