In the Palm of Your Hands

I saw this briefly on the news the other morning while I was bustling around getting around for work and I thought to myself, man I need to check that out. Well I am sure glad I remembered to do so - which by itself is accomplishment to celebrate!

The news segment was reporting on the global patterns of Great White Sharks and how a team was gaining new insights into said research through tracking devices. That alone is interesting to me but what I discovered next was just awesome.

The website is OCEARCH.org and the "team" is a non-profit organization founded by Chris Fischer. From the 'About Us' section:

"...OCEARCH enables leading researchers and institutions to generate previously unattainable data on the movement, biology and health of sharks to protect their future while enhancing public safety and education." 

And...

"OCEARCH is a leader in open source research, sharing data in near-real time for free through the Global Shark Tracker, enabling students and the public to learn alongside PhDs. The Landry’s-developed STEM Education Curriculum, based on the Global Shark Tracker and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), is being launched for grades 6-8 in the fall of 2013 nationwide. "

So not only are they gathering data that was previously unattainable but they are sharing it with the world for analysis as it happens and providing curriculum ideas for educators! What an amazing time to be on the planet.

STEM educators, and educators in general, take a minute check out the site / the curriculum then spend a few more minutes creatively thinking about how a resource such as this could find a way into your world.

Stay Positive.