2026 Professional Development Opportunities

Exploring the Deep Ocean with NOAA

Educators of grades 6-12 are invited to join a NOAA Ocean Exploration facilitator and our Education Alliance Partners for a full-day, in person professional development workshop. Together we’ll dive into the diverse reasons for why it is important to explore the ocean and the variety of tools and technologies that drive how we conduct expeditions in some of the most remote places on the planet.

This fun-filled, full-day workshop will include:

• A brief introduction to NOAA Ocean Exploration and why and how we explore the ocean
• Several lessons and hands-on activities that support current science standards and classroom pedagogy to bring the excitement and mystery of deep-sea exploration alive for students
• Reflection and discussion with peer educators about how to implement these materials in the classroom
• A guided tour of additional free, online ocean education resources available from NOAA Ocean Exploration and the Deep Ocean Education Project website

Registration is required and space is limited. Registered educators will receive a collection of classroom-ready resources that includes student lessons, videos, fact sheets, and more to continue exploring the science and technology of the deep ocean in their classrooms. Additionally, educators that attend the full, day, in-person workshop will receive a NOAA Ocean Exploration Certificate of Participation and a $100 stipend. *This professional development workshop is an updated version of previous Exploring the Deep Ocean with NOAA, Why Do We Explore, and How Do We Explore workshops. 

This NOAA Ocean Exploration professional development for educators is offered in partnership with Education Alliance Partners and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

Fall 2026 Opportunities

All workshops are scheduled on Saturdays and run from 8:30am – 4:00pm local time.

Registration links will be provided below as soon as they become available.