Alice Bailey (Alaska Ocean Observing System) and Ali Chene (Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System) brought the Backyard Buoys Project to life for students in Sitka, Alaska. In partnership with the Sitka Sound Science Center, the team engaged 7th grade classrooms at Blatchley Middle School in a hands-on exploration of ocean science.
On day one, students dove into the Backyard Buoys Project, comparing ocean observing in Alaska and the Pacific Islands. They explored how coastal communities in both regions deploy Sofar Spotter buoys to collect real-time data on waves and ocean conditions. Students learned how the project began, how communities are using the data today, and how wave information connects to everyday decisions—from understanding ocean patterns to improving boating safety. Students also discovered how to access and explore buoy data themselves using the Backyard Buoys smartphone application.
On day two, the AOOS–PacIOOS team connected the project to students’ current curriculum, examining how ocean movement influences the spread of invasive species. Students collected and interpreted wave data, then considered the broader ecological implications—linking physical ocean processes to real-world biological impacts. The lesson transformed abstract concepts into tangible insights, showing how ocean data can illuminate the connections between science, ecosystems, and community resilience.
The Sofar Spotter buoys brought ocean science to life and helped spark new connections in the classroom—momentum Bailey and Chene are excited to build on!
