Ocean First Education is an online platform that provides innovative and dynamic marine science courses for students of all ages.
Whether you are a teacher, a school, a homeschooler, or an independent learner, Ocean First Education can help you explore the wonders of the ocean and learn about its importance and value.
In this article, we will introduce you to Ocean First Education and its features, benefits, and courses.
What is Ocean First Education?
Ocean First Education is a digital marine science curricula provider that founded in 2008 by Graham Casden, a passionate ocean advocate and educator.
It’s mission is to inspire new depths of learning and connection to the ocean through interactive experiences, engaging content, and live oceanic data.
Ocean First Education offers a variety of online courses that cover topics such as marine biology, ecology, conservation, exploration, and more.
The courses cater to students ranging from middle school to adult learners, and they align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Moreover, these courses prioritize STEM, seamlessly weaving together science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills and concepts.
Ocean First Education’s user-friendly platform facilitates the delivery of these courses, granting students the freedom to access the materials at their convenience and from any location.
The courses feature rich content, student guides, assessments, interactives, narrated videos, and high-definition photography.
The courses also include 360° virtual field trips and lesson plans that allow students to immerse themselves in the ocean environment and learn from real-world scenarios.
Why Choose Ocean First Education?
Ocean First Education is more than just an online course provider.
Ocean First Education has several advantages over other online learning platforms, such as:
- Quality: Ocean First Education’s courses are created by experts in the field of marine science and education. The courses based on the latest research and technology, and are updated regularly to reflect the current state of the ocean.
- Flexibility: Ocean First Education’s courses are self-paced and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Students can learn at their own speed and convenience, and revisit the materials as often as they need.
- Affordability: Ocean First Education’s courses are reasonably priced and offer great value for money. Students can choose from short courses, full courses, explorer series, or virtual field trips according to their needs and interests.
- Support: Ocean First Education provides excellent customer service and technical support to its users. Students can contact Ocean First Education via email or phone for any questions or issues they may have.
- Impact: Ocean First Education’s courses are not only informative but also inspiring. Students who take Ocean First Education’s courses gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ocean and its inhabitants. They also become more aware of the challenges and threats facing the ocean, and learn how they can take action to protect it.
What Courses Does Ocean First Education Offer?
Ocean First Education offers a wide range of online marine science courses that cater to different levels, interests, and goals. Some of the popular courses include:
- Marine Megafauna: This course introduces students to some of the largest and most charismatic animals in the ocean, such as whales, sharks, turtles, rays, seals, and more. Students will learn about their biology, behavior, ecology, evolution, conservation status, and human interactions.
- Coral Reefs: This course explores the diversity and importance of coral reefs around the world. Students will learn about the structure and function of coral reefs, the organisms that live on them,
- Marine Mammals: This course examines the fascinating group of mammals that have adapted to life in the ocean. Students will learn about their anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, communication, social structure, and conservation issues.
- Ocean Exploration: This course takes students on a journey of discovery into the unknown realms of the ocean. Students will learn about the history and methods of ocean exploration, the technologies and tools used by explorers, the challenges and risks involved, and the discoveries and mysteries that await.
- Ocean Literacy: This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the essential principles and concepts of ocean science. Students will learn about the origin, composition, movement, and variability of the ocean
You can find more courses on their website, or browse their course catalog.
How to Begin Your Journey with Ocean First Education?
If Ocean First Education’s courses pique your interest, you have the opportunity to enroll by creating a free account on their website.
You can then browse their course catalog and select the courses that suit your needs and interests.
You can also check out their blog for more information and updates on their courses, research projects, events, and more.
Ocean First Education also offers licensing and development options for schools, districts, organizations, or individuals who want to use their courses or create their own custom courses.
You can contact them via email or phone for more details.
Ocean First Education is more than just an online course provider.
It is a community of ocean enthusiasts who are passionate about learning and sharing their knowledge of the ocean.