adopt a float: a One Ocean education program

In today’s world, an ocean-literate society is more important than ever. People need to understand the Ocean's critical role in sustaining life on Earth, so that they can make informed decisions and engage meaningfully in discussions and in responsible actions.
This is why the Ocean literacy movement is so crucial and where Ocean sciences education comes in. Ocean literacy is about much more than just knowledge; it’s about developing the skills, values and culture needed to engage with Ocean issues at every level of society. It encourages lifelong learning for example through hands-on educational experiences, both formal and informal, to help people connect with the Ocean and its resources.
This is precisely what the adopt a float program offers. Designed for (school) students of all ages, across the globe, this program provides a scientific, cultural, and civic approach to the Ocean and marine sciences. Through this educational program, students are not just passive learners—they actively engage with Ocean research. They can follow and accompany underwater robots on their scientific journeys, meet with researchers, and access real-time data that helps us better understand and protect the Ocean.
By adopting a profiling float, an underwater robot used in the global OneArgo Ocean observation program, students participate in cutting-edge Ocean sciences. These robots dive up and down through the Ocean, measure a range of physical, chemical, and biological properties, all of which are available in real-time and open access. As the robots explore, students track their progress and discover the scientific data collected.
But the program goes beyond robots and data. It’s a holistic educational experience. It provides a platform for students, and educators to connect with researchers, share knowledge, and discover e.g. Blue careers. The program also offers extensive educational resources, professional development for educators, and invites wider community involvement—such as parents and school staff.
In our communication, we will inform about the adopt a float program and highlight the use of an exceptional scientific tool in Ocean education. We will show how underwater robots can “open a window” for students (and teachers/educators) to the Ocean, to multidisciplinary research and many ocean-related topics.
Now in its 15th year, the adopt a float program has fostered an extensive network that includes scientific institutions like Ifremer, European infrastructures like Euro-Argo, the private sector, associations, educational authorities, and European Blue Schools. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how this initiative opens doors to scientific careers and inspires the next generation of Ocean leaders. Through this program, we are not just teaching about the Ocean – we’re empowering students, educators, and scientists to become active stewards of our Blue Planet and its future.