Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a move to equip educators with resources to empower students to explore ocean exploration careers and learn about the local deep ocean, 41 island educators participated in the “Exploring the Deep Waters of American Samoa” professional development workshop at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in late August, shortly prior to the start of the new school year.

The fun-filled, two-day workshop included an introduction to deep ocean science and how scientists explore the ocean with a focus on American Samoa’s ocean exploration history for areas deeper than coastal coral reefs. Educators worked hands-on with several lessons and activities from NOAA Ocean Exploration and Ocean Exploration Trust that support American Samoa’s current science standards and bring the excitement and mystery of deep-sea exploration alive for students.

Organized with the goal of enhancing educators’ understanding of the significance of ocean exploration, the event provided a comprehensive look at the tools and technologies used to explore the ocean. Participants had the unique opportunity to learn about the deep ocean's mysteries, delve into career connections in STEAM fields, and access a wealth of resources designed to enrich their classroom experiences.

The workshop was designed to complement the ongoing E Mamana Ou Gataifale deep-sea exploration expeditions underway in local waters led by Ocean Exploration Trust, which has spent over six weeks mapping and exploring poorly known deep-sea habitats to support science and management priority needs in American Samoa. Educators received timely training to bring expeditions into the classroom via telepresence-based programming to engage students and the public at the beginning of the school year.

“These interactions and networking events offer our teachers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of STEAM concepts and enhance their teaching practices and strategies to be able to deliver these concepts in their classrooms,” said Magdalene Augafa from the American Samoa Department of Education Office of Curriculum and Instruction. “Hands-on learning and locally relevant experiences like this event are always a plus.”

On Thursday, August 29th, participants had the opportunity to tour OET’s vessel Exploration Vessel Nautilus while in port in Pago Pago between the two E Mamana Ou Gatifale expeditions. Beyond workshop participants, this ship tour day welcomed over 115 students and community members to interact with cutting-edge technology and the international team of explorers aboard the ship, including American Samoan students with experiences at sea.

Attending educators and others across the island can continue to engage with these materials through funded lesson kits available to check out for free by contacting the NMSAS education team. Additionally, all educators can continue exploring the deep sea through upcoming expeditions with NMSAS’ sister sanctuary in Palau and across Oceania.

This workshop was made possible through the support of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA Ocean Exploration, the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, Ocean Exploration Trust, the American Samoa Department of Education, and the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.