The idea for OIP crystallized when the founders discussed the possible intersections of teaching and research activities on Puget Sound. From a teaching perspective, we found it difficult to locate data and inquiry-based curricula about the Puget Sound estuarine environment. This was compounded by a lack of boat-based research opportunities for students, particularly those from the many regional community colleges that offer oceanographic instruction. From a research perspective, the oceanographic properties of Puget Sound are generally undersampled in both space and time. Both environmental monitoring programs and oceanographic research projects need more data than they are currently able to collect. OIP helps solve both problems by combining on-water, inquiry-based education with research quality data acquisition.
To educate students, teachers and community members through scientific inquiry on Puget Sound. Oceanographic activities and locations are driven by the science requirements of partners such as the Washington State Department of Ecology or the University of Washington's PRISM project. OIP participants become scientific partners by contributing data to current research projects and long-term databases while learning about the marine environment.
25 July 1999 |
Our first cruise! Students get excited by collecting field data in an Ocean 101 class. |
December 1999 |
OIP Coffee hour. Several principals get together to dream about OIP possibilities. |
Spring 2000 |
OIP continues operations and we keep dreaming! |
November 2000 |
OIP incorporates as a non-profit organization. |
August 2001 |
OIP acheives IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. |
September 2001 |
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April 2002 |
OIP Cruise #30 is a success, even in 30 knot winds! |
August 2002 |
OIP offers our first cruise to the general public. Instructors and participants gaze at tall ships while collecting data! |
September 2002 |
OIP gives the ranger talk at Camano Island State Park. |
December 2002 |
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April 2003 |
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September 2003 |
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September 2003 |
OIP presents a poster comparing our partcipants' data to a numerical model output from PSMEM partners at the ERF 2003 conference. |
September 2003 |
OIP recieves a grant from The Russell Family Foundation to conduct a workshop bringing together parties interested in marine science education on Puget Sound. |
October 2003 |
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| October 2007 |
OIP presents a poster comparing our partcipants' data to a numerical model output from PSMEM partners at the PSGB 2007 conference. |
| July 2008 |
OIP co-hosts fieldtrip with COSEE-OLC for the NW Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) Conference. |
| August 2008 |
OIP hosts a fieldtrip aboard the UW's R/V Thomas G. Thompson. |
| September 2008 |
OIP and COSEE-OLC receive COSEE Collaboration grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). |
Thanks to all our volunteers, ship providers and contributors. OIP would not be a success without you!
