Alliance Partnerships

NOAA Ocean Exploration maintains long-standing Education Alliance Partnerships with aquariums, science centers, universities, and national marine sanctuaries to offer professional development for educators nationwide. These opportunities provide educators with materials and web-based resources to bring ocean science and exploration topics alive in their classroom. Educational Alliance Partnerships are supported through the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

Alliance Partner locations currently offering NOAA Ocean Exploration Professional Development Workshops
Learn more about our Alliance Partners:

Located on the Rio Grande River, the ABQ BioPark is the Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium and Tingley Beach. The Zoo is home to over 900 animals, many of which are in conservation programs. The Botanic Garden has 32 acres of exhibits, highlighting plants from the Southwest USA and around the world. The Aquarium exhibits native freshwater species and ocean animals. Tingley Beach has recreational fishing. We are the top tourist destination in New Mexico.

Learn more about the ABQ Biopark.

The Aquarium of the Pacific displays 12,000 animals that celebrate the planet’s largest and most diverse body of water, the Pacific Ocean. Beyond its world-class animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. The Education department strives to provide educators professional development opportunities that contribute to the implementation of NGSS.

Learn more about teacher resources offered at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Founded in 1971 by the State Legislature, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is Alabama’s marine science education and research institution. Located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, DISL is perfectly situated for a wide range of marine science activity. DISL serves Pre-K through gray with a wide variety of educational programs through Discovery Hall, University Programs and the Aquarium of Alabama.

Learn more about the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

The EcoExploratorio (EcoEX) is an independent initiative of scientific and technological education of Puerto Rico. It is for everyone and by everyone. EcoEX attracts people through living experiences, fosters curiosity and critical thinking, promotes shared knowledge and effective communication, and develops a growing love and respect for science. The mission is to inspire people to explore, share and protect the natural environment through science, engineering, mathematics and technology.

Learn more about the EcoExploratorio.

Located in Atlanta, GA, the Georgia Aquarium is a scientific institution that entertains and educates, features exhibits and programs of the highest standards, and offers engaging and exciting guest experiences that promote the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. As a leader in aquatic research and exceptional animal care, we are dedicated to fostering a deeper appreciation for our ocean and the animals that call it home.

The Georgia Aquarium is not offering NOAA Ocean Exploration professional development opportunities at this time.

Learn more about the Georgia Aquarium.

Located along the shore of Lake Superior, Great Lakes Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit that opened in 2001. Great Lakes Aquarium features animals and habitats found within the Great Lakes basin as well as other freshwater and marine ecosystems. Beyond its doors, Great Lakes Aquarium creates a sense of place through early childhood and youth programs, educator trainings, and free learning materials for regional educators.

Learn more about the Great Lakes Aquarium.

The National Aquarium, located in Baltimore, MD, seeks to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the Aquarium pursues a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet while meeting the needs of diverse communities locally and beyond. Their conservation work focuses on combating climate change, saving wildlife and habitats, and stopping plastic pollution.

Learn more about the National Aquarium.

The South Carolina Aquarium is an award-winning nonprofit that connects people with water, wildlife and wild places. Showcasing South Carolina habitats, from the mountains to the sea, it is also home to the Sea Turtle Care Center™, a rehabilitation facility for ailing sea turtles. Education is the heart of the Aquarium’s mission, reaching students and teachers worldwide through distance learning, free school programs, workshops and outreach.

Learn more about the South Carolina Aquarium.

Education and Outreach programs engage pre-college students, K-12 educators, and graduate students. The Education Team offers outdoor, coastal field trips, professional development opportunities, and experiential courses. Programs focus on coastal ecology, geology, watershed stewardship, ocean research, exploration & technology. We aspire to provide valued programs that educate, advance ocean literacy, and encourage everyone’s citizen scientist.

Learn more about the education and outreach programs at University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science.

The Waikīkī Aquarium, founded in 1904, is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States and a part of the University of Hawaii . Known for its vibrant displays of living corals and reef fish, the Waikīkī Aquarium's exhibits, programs, and research focus on the marine life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific.The Waikīkī Aquarium's mission statement is to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation and conservation of Pacific marine life.

Learn more about the education and outreach programs at Waikīkī Aquarium / University of Hawaii.

Professional Development

Learn more about the professional development opportunities provided by NOAA Ocean Exploration via our Education Alliance Partnerships.

Contact Us

Interested in learning more about or joining the Education Alliance Partnership program? Contact the NOAA Ocean Exploration Education Team at oceanexeducation@noaa.gov.



Last updated on February 12, 2024
Published May 5, 2018