National Geographic EdNet  
Oceans

Living Color
Toxic nudibranchs—soft, seagoing slugs—produce a brilliant defense. A hard body and thick skin help armor Halgerda batangas against predators. Any that persist learn that the sponge-eater also exudes a toxin.

Photograph by David Doubilet
From "Nudibranchs," National Geographic, June 2008
Read the article »

 
What's New
August 20, 2008
 
Listen to exciting ocean topics: "Thank You Ocean" Podcasts
 
Teacher grants available from the National Environmental Education Foundation
 
Earth Day | April 22, 2008: Celebrate with Our Environment and Oceans for Life Community
 
New! PTA Environmental Action Kit
 
National Geographic Reports: The Challenge of Climate Change
 
What's New — All Items
Join Our Environment and Oceans for Life Community »
As a member, you'll receive our monthly
Education Update
E-Newsletter filled with the latest educational offerings and news from National Geographic.
You'll also be able to post comments, join a group, receive special offers, and more.
green flower
Learning About Our Environment

Learn more about:
• Climate Change
• Global Warming
• Global Fish Crisis
• State of the Earth
• Green Solutions
• Melting Glaciers
• Oceans Gallery
• National Parks
• Marine Sanctuaries

Explore photos, videos, news articles, magazine features, maps, and more in Environment and Education »

Our Changing Climate
Surface temperatures on Earth are warming at a pace that signals a decisive shift in the global climate. See how climate change is affecting the planet in the interactive map: The Warming Earth »

Photograph by NGS

Banner Image: Cayman Islands. Photograph by William R. Curtsinger
students looking at map
Teaching Resources


Need teaching materials on topics related to the environment and oceans?
Get lesson plans, maps, photos, news articles, books, videos, and more, related to articles featured in National Geographic magazine.

Environment and Oceans-related Classroom Companions
Earth Day
Volcanoes
Albatross
Carbon Crisis
Glaciers
Narwhals
Crittercam
Global Warming
Global Fish Crisis
Oceans
More »

Photograph courtesy NGS
Will Steger
Meet an Expert


From the Field
Hear directly from world-renowned scientists and explorers like Greg Marshall and Dr. Rita Colwell, including emerging scientists such as Dr. Dawn Wright.

Icy Adventure
Polar explorer Will Steger and his team of intrepid researchers are studying a fragile world on the brink of disaster. The Ellesmere Island Expedition team will conduct studies examining the impact of global warming on polar environments in an effort to bring worldwide attention to an international crisis.

Read about the Ellesmere Island Expedition »

Learn about Will Steger »

Photograph courtesy Will Steger Foundation, Elizabeth Andre
Brochures
Ocean Literacy


Why ocean literacy?
Ocean Literacy is an understanding of the ocean's influence on you and your influence on the ocean. We want to help students comprehend how and why all life on Earth arises from—and remains dependent on—our precious oceans.

Aligned with the National Geography and National Science Education Standards, the Essential Principles of Ocean Sciences will give you ideas on how you can incorporate our oceans into your teaching.

Request an Ocean Literacy brochure »

Ocean Literacy brochures. Brochure covers courtesy Kip Evans/NGA and NOAA
Photo of National Geographic atlas
Innovative Programs

How can you use our environment and oceans to teach to the standards? Learn more about the State of California's Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI), an unprecedented statewide program that embeds the topic of environment, including oceans, in its curriculum.

NEW!
PTA Environmental Action Kit from California EEI and My Wonderful World

Why is it critical to teach about our environment and the oceans?
Students need an accurate and complete understanding of our relationship with our natural resources... because it is their future.

Photograph courtesy State of California