K-12 Teacher Resources and Opportunities

Grants for Education in Microbial Science (GEMS)

C-MORE awards mini-grants (up to $1000) to K-12 public school teachers to foster awareness in microbial science. Funds may be requested for equipment, consumable supplies, substitute teacher compensation to enable the teacher to participate in shipboard or laboratory experiences, bus transportation for field trips, and other projects related to microbial science. Every grant requires a C-MORE sponsor, so we expect this program to significantly promote interaction between C-MORE scientists, other stakeholders in science and education, K-12 teachers and students. To find a sponsor, please visit the C-MORE team webpage. Any member of the C-MORE team, including graduate students, can serve as a sponsor. Learn more about it on the GEMS page.

Science Teachers Aboard Research Ships (STARS)

Approximately once a month, C-MORE and the Hawaii Ocean Time Series (HOT) program operate a four-day research cruise. K-12 teachers are invited to apply for the opportunity to join a C-MORE Scientist-Educator on selected cruises. Teachers will be able to participate in every aspect of sampling aboard the ship, and will be working alongside other teachers and scientists. Activities range from hands-on deck board sampling, processing and analysis of samples in the lab, as well as classroom exercises and lectures. Although teachers will learn about all aspects of oceanography during these cruises, particular emphasis will be placed on the exciting and emerging field of microbial oceanography! Learn more about it on the STARS page.

C-MORE Science Kits

C-MORE Science Kits offer lesson plans and materials for hands-on science activities in a self-contained format. Each kit provides the information and supplies necessary for educators to teach their students about a particular topic in microbial oceanography. These kits are easy to use and are a great resource for your classroom. Check them out!

The method behind the madness:
Understanding C-MORE’s microbial personality quiz

Photo of Methanococcus Download the dichotomous key and relationship trees (PDF) to discover how we characterized different marine microbes and incorporated them into our special microbe personality quiz. Once your students have identified their microbial match, you can use these resources to stimulate discussion in your classroom about how organisms are classified and about the broad range of attributes that enable organisms to occupy various niches.

“A Day in the Life of Alex Trebek” — Oceanography Jeopardy!

Photo of teacher and students Wrap up your high school marine science class with this fun review of important oceanography concepts (PDF). Use it as a guide to direct your lesson planning or modify it to reflect the material that you already covered. Oceanography jeopardy is educational, entertaining, and easy to run! This activity will engage your entire class and help students solidify the lessons that they learned over the semester.

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