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Exploring Deep-Sea Ecosystems: Digital Tools for Grades 6-12
webinar
July 28, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Exploring Deep-Sea Ecosystems: Digital Tools for Grades 6-12

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Exploring Deep-Sea Ecosystems: Digital Tools for Grades 6-12

Date

July 28, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Location

Online

Cost

Free

Credit

Subject Digital Literacy and Citizenship • Professional Learning • Science
Grade Level Grades 6-12, Professional Development

About This Webinar

Bring deep-sea science to life through free, classroom-ready digital resources designed to engage students in real-world ocean exploration. This interactive virtual session introduces Exploring the Blake Plateau, an educational series from EarthEcho International developed in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Blake Plateau is a biologically rich yet largely unexplored deep-sea coral ecosystem off the southeastern United States, offering a compelling context for teaching biodiversity, Earth systems, and human impacts on the ocean.

Participants will experience a hands-on preview of activities from Exploring the Blake Plateau. Participants will engage with a simulated remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dive, analyzing a video feed from the Blake Plateau while using a structured Dive Log worksheet to observe and document what scientists see. Then, participants will explore the human history of the region by investigating known shipwrecks in and around the Blake Plateau, using a guided comparison activity to analyze two wreck sites. Together, these activities highlight the importance of scientific exploration, discovery, historical preservation, and the human connection to deep-sea environments, while modeling inquiry-based strategies that support observation, analysis, and evidence-based discussion.

Aligned with NGSS and Ocean Literacy Principles, the resources are designed for grades 6–12 and adaptable across a range of instructional settings. Educators will also learn about upcoming Fall 2026 content, including virtual events that connect classrooms with scientists, cultural leaders, and youth advocates working in ocean conservation. Participants will leave with practical instructional strategies, sample activities, and ideas for using technology to inspire curiosity, build ocean literacy, and empower students to explore the unseen depths of our ocean.

Participants will experience a hands-on preview of Chapter 1 activities, including the use of digital mapping tools to locate and analyze the Blake Plateau and a structured ecosystem comparison activity that helps students examine similarities and differences between deep-sea and shallow-water coral environments. The session models inquiry-based strategies that support geographic reasoning, systems thinking, and evidence-based discussion, while demonstrating how digital tools can deepen student engagement in virtual or in-person classrooms.

Aligned with NGSS and Ocean Literacy Principles, the resources are designed for grades 5–12 and adaptable across a range of instructional settings. Educators will also learn about upcoming Fall 2026 content, including virtual events that connect classrooms with scientists, cultural leaders, and youth advocates working in ocean conservation. Participants will leave with practical instructional strategies, sample activities, and ideas for using technology to inspire curiosity, build ocean literacy, and empower students to explore the unseen depths of our ocean.

Want more sessions to choose from? Check out all of the free, for-credit webinars in Share My Lesson's Summer of Learning 2026 series.

Speakers

Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski, Associate Director of Programs, Kasey headshotEarthEcho International 

Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski has been designing, developing and coordinating innovative digital programming for non-profit organizations since 2002. She has over 20 years of “on-air” experience as an educator and moderator for virtual interactive lessons. Over the years, Kasey has received innumerable accolades for her lively and engaging marine science and conservation presentations. She specializes in teen programs as well as public programming for adults, such as Science Cafes and professional development for educators and lifelong learners. Most recently, Kasey co-authored "Defining Interactive Virtual Learning in Museum Education: A Shared Perspective" (2019) in the Journal of Museum Education, Vol. 44, No. 3, 229–241.

Kasey specializes in the interpretation and translation of scientific research concepts and utilizes strategic framing techniques to lead complex conversations, such as those focused on climate change. She is an Alumni member of the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation, a year-long study circle that helps to bring climate change resources and training to communities of staff, volunteers and professionals. Kasey is a Certified Interpretive Guide for the National Association of Interpretation and has been a Certified Instructor for the Florida Master Naturalist Program. She is an active member of the National Marine Science Educators Association and the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.

Kasey has extensive knowledge in developing environmental curriculum, lesson plans and designing and coordinating traveling exhibits. Kasey has previously worked in the animal husbandry and rehabilitation fields, working with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, African penguins, California sea lions, Pygmy sperm whales, Rough-toothed dolphins and various species of sea turtles.    

Sponsors
Professional Credit

Share My Lesson webinars are available for one-hour of PD credit. A certificate of completion will be available for download at the end of your session that you can submit for your school's or district's approval.

In addition, Share My Lesson has arrangements in place as follows:

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