Dive-In! National Week of the Ocean

Tuesday, 3/30/2010

Academy Award-winning director James Cameron explores Earth’s oceans in Aliens of the Deep.

Our oceans are the world’s last unexplored frontier - until now. Research and technology are making it possible to explore the oceans’ depths in ways never before thought possible.

National Week of the Ocean, April 4th-10th, provides an opportunity to take students on a virtual adventure through the ocean. Sponsored by the National Ocean Week marine education program in Ft. Lauderdale, the week encourages people to appreciate, protect and use the oceans wisely.

James Cameron did just that in our 2005 film ALIENS OF THE DEEP. An IMAX documentary, the film used cutting-edge digital technology to explore parts of the ocean so unique, they may be the foundation of life itself on this planet.

Aliens of the Deep studies the amazing life around the oceans’ hydrothermal vents, one of the most hostile environments on Earth.  It makes a connection between these creatures and the possibility for similar life in our galaxy. To expand upon the film’s ground-breaking science, Walden created a standards-based educator’s guide. The 5 activities build upon the themes and concepts in and film, and are perfect for students grades 5-8. Paired with the film, the activities will make a wonderful addition to any Week of the Ocean curriculum.

Watch the trailer for Aliens of the Deep below, and download the Aliens of the Deep Educator Guide here.

For additional Week of the Ocean resources and curriculum, please visit:

• NOAA: The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program seeks to increase the public awareness of America’s marine resources and maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration and educational programs. The NOAA website features free materials and resources for teachers and information about outdoor education programs.

• Heal the Bay: Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean. Heal the Bay’s website features activity books perfect for younger kids to help learn about the water cycle.

• Crayola: Crayola.com has posted National Week of the Ocean coloring pages, activity guides and lesson plans that are fun and engaging for younger students.

• Jason Science: The JASON Project connects students with great explorers and great events to inspire and motivate them to learn science. They have free web resources for teachers of students grades 5-8. While most of JASON’s cutting-edge, interactive programs are not free, their web “mission center” is free to teachers who register on their site.

Film and images © Disney Enterprises and Walden Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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