When students imagine think of coral reefs, often they picture vibrant reefs teeming with life. But deep beneath the surface, far beyond the reach of sunlight, lies another world of thriving coral, ancient creature and cutting-edge science. Thanks to a partnership between the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation (NMSF) and The University of Southern Mississippi’s Marine Education Center (MEC), educators can now bring this hidden world to life through the “Mysteries of the Deep” Traveling Trunk program.
These trunks transform classrooms into deep-sea exploration labs, helping students understand how scientists study and restore mesophotic and deep benthic communities (MDBC) in the Gulf.
Trunk overview
Each Traveling Trunk is a ready-to-use educational toolkit that shares real-world applications surrounding the science of deep-sea restoration. Designed for grades 3-12, every trunk includes two educational units designed using the 5e Model, educator guides and access to short films, documentaries, live-streams and other media resources produced through the Mysteries of the Deep project.
Developed by the MEC, the trunks connect students to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-led restoration of deep-sea habitats in the northern Gulf impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Materials cover ROVs, coral propagation, deep-sea mapping and more.
In addition to classroom activities, educators receive access to supplemental videos and an educator’s guide created in partnership with Mississippi State University Television Center, featuring segments like "Life at Sea" and "Deep-Water Corals" that highlight real-world restoration science.
Activities
Each trunk includes two engaging lessons designed to connect classroom learning to authentic ocean science:
Discovering the Deep
In this ROV (remotely operated vehicle) simulation, students step into the role of marine scientists conducting a deep-sea restoration. Using small robots, stopwatches and measuring tools, they calibrate and pilot their ROVs through a simulated seafloor course that mirrors how researchers explore coral habitats that exist hundreds of feet below the surface.
Students learn teamwork, problem-solving, and the importance of calibration in collecting accurate data, gaining insight into the challenges of working in extreme marine environments.
Mesophotic Mysteries: Deep water coral board game
This fast-paced board game transforms coral restoration science into a fun competition. Acting as restoration experts, players race to collect coral samples, navigate ROV challenges and overcome obstacles such as strong currents or equipment malfunctions. The game introduces core concepts like coral propagation, mapping and habitat assessment based on the real processes used by NOAA scientists restoring mesophotic and deep benthic communities.
Both activities align with national science standards and integrate STEM disciplines like physics, biology and engineering. They also encourage critical thinking about the intersection of science, technology and environmental stewardship.
About mesophotic and deep benthic communities
Mesophotic and deep benthic communities are found at depths between 100 and 1,000 feet below the surface. Here, limited sunlight and cold, high-pressure conditions create a challenging environment that supports a surprising diversity of life.
Scientists are only beginning to understand these habitats, which include black corals, sponges, algal nodules and deep-sea fish species. These ecosystems also serve as critical refuges for marine life like manta rays, grouper and whale sharks. However, they are vulnerable to damage from events such as oil spills and changing ocean conditions.
To protect and restore these fragile systems, NOAA and its partners engage in activities such as mapping and habitat modeling, species monitoring and coral propagation. These projects support the restoration of oil-impacted deep-sea communities.
Through the Traveling Trunk activities, students experience the same types of missions and problem-solving strategies used by scientists working to restore these deep-sea ecosystems, bridging the gap between the classroom and the cutting edge of marine conservation.
The “Mysteries of the Deep” Traveling Trunks make it possible for educators to bring the ocean’s hidden wonders into their classrooms. By exploring the same technologies, challenges and discoveries faced by real restoration experts, students develop a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s most mysterious habitats and the efforts underway to protect them for generations to come.
Learn more about the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation and its work to connect students with ocean science. If you are interested in checking out a trunk for your classroom, please contact [email protected].
Meet the author
Samantha Capers
Project Manager, USM Marine Education Center
Samantha Capers is a member of our Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Engagement and Education Team and serves as a project manager at The University of Southern Mississippi Marine Education... Read more
Phone: 228-818-8088
Email: [email protected]