The ocean occupies over 70% of the earth's surface and affects everyone who lives on earth. From catastrophic storms to chronic sea level rise, the ocean affects our lives. Whether you live near the coast or inland, the ocean and its interaction with the atmosphere influences climate and weather. Movement of the ocean also affects the lives of aquatic organisms and the dispersion of human pollutants.

Taking the Pulse of the Ocean explores this inter-relationship through the eyes of ocean observing systems. Observing systems can be defined as collections of instruments that provide long-term, continuous data, often in real time or near real time. Until recently, ships have been the primary source of information about the ocean, but now the use of ocean-observing technologies has advanced the science to allow communication of the "health" of the coastal and global waters back to us. These new tools include remotely operated and autonomous vehicles, powerful acoustic and photographic imaging and mapping systems, and physical, chemical and biological sensors for making in situ or 'at the site' measurements.

Taking the Pulse of the Ocean Users Guide is a product of the Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence Mid-Atlantic. It is based on our experience of conducting this workshop for secondary school teachers over the past four year, and focuses on the science associated with coastal ocean observing systems for educators. The main objective of this program was to bring together scientists and educators to study ocean science through coastal observing systems and the information these systems can provide on physical and biological processes. The daily structure of the workshop included an introductory activity, science overview, classroom activities conducted by participants, field trips to extend thematic content, and an "apply to classroom" session. For each content section, we provide these components (please click on highlighted sections to view full content).

Section 1: Global Ocean Movement
Section 2: Coastal Ocean and Estuarine Circulation/Weather
Section 3: Dynamic Coastal Waters and the Food Web
Section 4: Ecosystem Health
Section 5: Under Represented Audiences--What Works?

Laura Murray and Deidre Gibson, Editors