NOAA Wants Feedback on Teacher at Sea Forms
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their Teacher at Sea program’s info collection, which helps teachers join scientists on research ships for 2-4 weeks. This update keeps the program running smoothly and ensures it meets legal requirements, with comments due by August 10, 2026. Teachers and the public benefit from this hands-on ocean science adventure, with no new costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Teachers: 2–4 Week Sea Research Trips
NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program selects educators to spend 2–4 weeks at sea working alongside NOAA scientists on research cruises. This opportunity is presented as professional development for educators and is intended to increase students' interest in STEM.
Application Time Burden and No Money Cost
The online application asks educators for personal and school information, teaching experience, lesson ideas, and two professional recommendations. NOAA estimates 275 respondents, the application takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, each recommendation takes 15 minutes, total annual burden is 481 hours, and the estimated total annual cost to the public is $0.
Final Report Requirement Removed
Participating educators are no longer required to submit a final report after their cruise as part of this information collection. NOAA removed the final report requirement in this submission to OMB.
Cruise Blogs and Shared Classroom Materials
Selected educators are expected to write a blog documenting their cruise and to develop classroom activities based on their experience; those materials are made available to other educators so they can benefit without going to sea. NOAA states these materials expand access to the experience for other teachers and students.
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