Education

Skype Goes Under Water

Jun 14, 2013 2:55 PM ET
Campaign: Skype in the Classroom

Social Good

by Andrew Schmidt

“My grandfather, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, would grab my hand and say to me ‘Allons Voir’ (lets go see). It is this insatiable curiosity that has been my most treasured inheritance.” -Fabien Cousteau.

In October, Fabien Cousteau (grandson of famed explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau) will be leading a record-breaking marine expedition known as Mission 31 living underwater in the Aquarius Laboratory for 31 days and spending 6–9 hours per day exploring the ocean.

The goal of Mission 31? To inspire the world to see and think differently about our oceans.

According to Cousteau, “Taking all modern ocean exploration into consideration, we have merely discovered around 5% of our oceans. It is only by going deeper and staying longer to observe and study that we can push our knowledge further to understand the interdependent connections we have with our ocean planet.  It is with this in mind that science and exploration meet as the foundation for Mission 31. My team and I will saturate our bodies with 3 times the normal nitrogen levels and live over 62 feet down in our “inner space’ station for a month so we can study and explore the undersea world unimpeded from the limitations that relegate the normal diver back to the surface.”

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and students across the world will be able to take part in this unique educational experience through Skype in the classroom. Schools will be able to participate in educational talks, collaborative lessons and live experiences from the world’s leading marine experts from all seven continents. Some of the themes available for teachers include:

  • Marine ecosystem and biodiversity
  • Conservation and marine management
  • Ocean resources
  • Climate change
  • Ecotourism
  • Human ocean connection

Click here for more available themes teachers can take advantage of.

This is only the beginning. Cousteau will be sharing his journey and discovery along the way – something that’s always been part of him. “Without the presence of mind and curiosity to ask the questions, there is little chance we can find the answers,” explains Cousteau.

To find out how to participate, keep an eye on our Skype in the classroom space. We’ll have much more to share about this program as we continue to plan for its launch.