We are pleased to share two new educational posters that provide an in-depth view of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument.
One poster features a depth profile of the Marianas Trench Monument—the deepest place on the planet—that compares it to Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon. This helps to convey a sense of how truly deep it is—the deepest place on the planet. This poster directly links features and marine life in the Monument to 20 lesson plans for educators, students, and the general public.
The second poster features the geologic features and ecosystem species found within the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. It comes complete with an identification key that aids students in learning about this unique habitat to learn the scientific names.
The goal of these posters and lesson plans is to expand students’ understanding of the planet’s submarine geologic processes. These may provide scientists with clues to the origins of life on Earth. They also demonstrate how the species that are found at all depths in the Monument adapt, survive, and contribute to the ecosystem.
The posters were created by Ms. Rachel Strader. The Pacific Island Regional Office Communications Team and Monuments Program had the opportunity to partner with Rachel for 10 weeks as she completed her final “internship in the field” requirement for the California State University, Monterey Bay’s Natural Science Illustration program. Rachel has a B.S. in biology and a minor in sociology from Union College, Schenectady, NY and an M.E.M. in Coastal Environmental Management from the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham NC.
The posters are available to download and use with lesson plans.
