Data from the new NASA PACE mission shows phytoplankton in the waters off the coast of Southern and Central California.
The story of oceans is the story of life. Oceans define our home planet, covering the majority of Earth’s surface and driving the water cycle that dominates our land and atmosphere. Data collected by NASA’s Earth-observing instruments help scientists understand how Earth’s ocean supports a vast diversity of life and the role it plays in influencing global temperature, weather patterns, climate, and food supply.
This Earth to Sky Virtual Course, February 10 - 26, 2026, will explore the story of our oceans. This is a professional development opportunity for place-based interpreters and informal educators.
What is an Earth to Sky Course?
Our workshops provide you with a fantastic opportunity to connect with NASA ocean science, scientists, and data and then synthesize this information with cutting edge science communication strategies.
In addition to class time, you will work on your own each week, and meet with your coach in a small group for support. During the course, you will develop an action plan for a science communication product or program that you will implement at your home site.
We ask that you bring your own experience, expertise, and ocean story with you. An Earth to Sky course nurtures the robust sharing of ideas, experiences, and aspirations for science communication. We invite all of our participants to participate fully in the course and our community of practice.
Details:
- Pre-assignments will take approximately 4 hours to complete.
- This course will be completed over three weeks.
- This course will meet on Tuesday and Thursday each week for 2.5 hours each day.
- Each Wednesday, participants are required to complete 2.5 additional hours of asynchronous work that will include meeting with their coach or participating in office hours with facilitators.
- Each session starts at 5 pm EST / 2 pm PST / 12 pm HST / 8 am ChST.
- Registration is free.
- The course will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. An account is not required to participate.
Schedule:
- Week 1: February 10 - 12.
- Week 2: February 17 - 19.
- Week 3: February 24 - 26.
All applicants must register for our community before submitting an application.
Questions or comments can be directed to the course coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We hope to see you online soon!
“How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is clearly Ocean” Arthur C. Clarke, Nature 8 March 1990