Back to Blog Listing

The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab’s Marine Education Center are opening new doors for students to explore the future of ocean science through a hands-on blue technology curriculum developed in partnership with Blue Robotics. Centered around the Blue Boat, an autonomous surface vessel (ASV), the curriculum introduces students to sonar technology, seafloor mapping, marine robotics and careers in the growing Blue Economy. 

Throughout the lessons, students step into the role of marine researchers as they observe real-time survey missions, investigate bathymetric maps and learn how scientists use technology to better understand and protect coastal environments. Students are introduced to different types of sonar and discover how these tools are used to map underwater habitats, support restoration projects, improve navigation and respond to environmental challenges along the Gulf Coast. 

3. Three children watch a small bright green autonomous surface vessel operating in a calm marsh waterway bordered by grasses and trees from a covered observation deck.
Students from Singing River Academy (Gautier, Mississippi) watch a demonstration of the Blue Boat while it maps Davis Bayou at the Marine Education Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. (Photo courtesy of the Marine Education Center)

Upper elementary version

To make the experience accessible across age groups, the curriculum was designed in two versions. An upper elementary version was created for the Marine Education Center’s Coastal Explorer program, where younger students are introduced to blue technology through demonstrations, interactive discussions and map exploration activities that connect advanced technology to the coastal environments they know. 

2. An instructor gestures toward a monitor and equipment setup under a canopy tent while several participants observe a demonstration of a bright green autonomous surface vessel beside a coastal dock.
A Blue Robotics team member showcases the blue boat to formal and informal educators at the Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. (Photo courtesy of the Marine Education Center)

Middle and high school version

A second version was developed for middle and high school students participating in Coastal Science Camp. In this program, students take a more active role in the survey process by working in teams to operate the Blue Boat, monitor incoming sonar data and create bathymetric maps using real survey data collected on the water. The experience gives students a closer look at the technology and teamwork involved in modern marine science and ocean exploration.

The new curriculum will also be integrated into the Marine Education Center’s Blue Tech Field Days, allowing even more students to engage with emerging marine technologies and learn about career pathways connected to the Blue Economy. In addition, the Marine Education Center is working alongside Blue Robotics to incorporate elements of the company’s Blue Tech Academy into Sea Tech Camp programming, helping students build technical skills while exploring real-world applications of marine robotics and ocean mapping.

1. A man stands on a dock beside a bright green autonomous surface vessel while demonstrating remote controls and monitoring equipment to a small group gathered under a canopy tent near a marsh shoreline.
A Blue Robotics team member showcases the blue boat to formal and informal educators at the Gulf Coast Research Lab. (Photo courtesy of the Marine Education Center)

As blue technology continues to shape the future of marine research, conservation and industry, partnerships like this help students connect classroom learning to meaningful experiences on the water. Through hands-on exploration and access to industry technology, students are gaining a firsthand look at the tools, careers and innovations driving the future of ocean science.

Meet the author

Lacy Lindsey

Marine Education Specialist, USM Marine Education Center

Lacy Lindsey works as a marine educator at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab's Marine Education Center. She creates and implements educational programming that includes... Read more

Catch the latest blogs!

New curriculum uses autonomous surface vessel to teach tech skills

The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab’s Marine Education Center are opening new doors for students to explore the future of ocean science through a hands-on blue technology curriculum developed in partnership with Blue Robotics. 

Lacy Lindsey

Read more

At home or out of town: What should you do when severe weather hits?

Imagine you are driving to a city 10 hours away that you’ve never been to before, and as you get closer to your destination, the sky gets darker. All of a sudden, the emergency alerts on your phone go off saying there is a tornado warning for the area where you are driving. 

Tracie Sempier, Ph.D.

Read more
Read more blogs