The Power of Poop, the Circle of Life

SCIENCE Marine biologists unravel baleen whales’ remarkable “manuring mechanism”—and secrets of the ocean food web. (NPR) Let our resources fill you in on all you ever wanted to know about marine food webs but were afraid to ask. Discussion Ideas Read the typically terrific article (with illustrations!) by one of my very, very favorite journalists, Bob Krulwich. Then, compare this photo of whale poop with this … Continue reading The Power of Poop, the Circle of Life

Help Map Ocean Plankton

SCIENCE A new study is calling on the world’s sailors to help map the oceans’ phytoplankton, microscopic organisms that form the bedrock of marine food webs. (BBC) Use our resources to learn how plankton makes the world go ’round. Watch this video to learn how to use the free Secchi app—then use it! Want more information on plankton? Of course you do! Watch this awesome … Continue reading Help Map Ocean Plankton

Creature Feature: Ocean Animals

From 2009-2012, National Geographic Education Programs was honored to receive two grants from Oracle totaling two million dollars. These funds were used to address issues in ocean science and geography, including the impact of human activities on the ocean and ocean conservation. With the help of Oracle, National Geographic Education Programs was able to create more than 500 unique ocean education assets (all available for … Continue reading Creature Feature: Ocean Animals

Update: Expedition to the Desventuradas Islands

Two weeks ago, we announced the latest and greatest National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition to the Desventuradas Islands. Located 853 kilometers (530 miles) off the coast of Chile, the Desventuradas are one of the most mysterious and unknown places in the Eastern Pacific. Very little scientific information is known about this (essentially uninhabited) “blue spot” on the map. In fact, the area surrounding the Desventuradas … Continue reading Update: Expedition to the Desventuradas Islands

Forget white, we’re seeing blue. Join us.

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. —André Gide You may have heard the old adage about the “white spots on the map.” This month, forget the “white.” We here at National Geographic are seeing “blue.” Did you know that 98% of the ocean remains unexplored? There’s only one world ocean, but there’s more than one … Continue reading Forget white, we’re seeing blue. Join us.