Explore our vital connection to oceans April 10-16.

Recognizing the importance of protecting the health of our ocean and understanding our dependence upon it regardless of its proximity, the National Environmental Education Week (EE Week) 2011 theme is Ocean Connections.

The ocean covers nearly three quarters of our planet’s surface, provides 70 percent of the oxygen in the atmosphere and houses about 20 percent of the known species on Earth. It regulates climate and weather and provides food and energy resources for humans worldwide. No matter how far from the coast, water in every stream or river eventually ends up in the ocean, and all life on Earth is dependent upon its health. More than half of all Americans live within 50 miles of the coast, but whether near or far, our lives are inextricably linked to the ocean.

Engage students with access to hundreds of ocean-related lesson plans and resources.

Participating educators will have access to hundreds of ocean-related lesson plans and resources plus opportunities to participate in educator webinars and interact with experts and scientists. They’ll also receive a grade-appropriate EE Week planning toolkit, certificates of participation and much more. In addition, EE Week will provide special resources, lesson plans and opportunities for educator professional development and student learning about the Gulf oil spill. Learn more by visiting www.eeweek.org/ocean_connections.

Register today by visiting www.eeweek.org/register, and join thousands of educators and students across the country in exploring our vital connection to the ocean during National Environmental Education Week, April 10-16, 2011.

For more information, check out my I Count for myEARTH blog.