August 30: What Happened Today In History

Happy Birthday, Sylvia Earle!

Although my last name is Earle, too, this well-respected oceanographer is not a relation of mine. (I wish she was!)

Sylvia Earle became famous in the 1970s as she led a group of five female aquanauts 50 feet deep into the ocean to live for two weeks in a small

underwater home during Mission 6 of the Tektite II project. Earle continued to do scientific research but used her fame to become a public speaker, writer, and film producer as she advocated more research on oceans and ocean life, and as she urged people to be more environmentally conscious.

Some of the highlights of her career include being chief scientist for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence.

She is sometimes called “Her Deepness” or “The Sturgeon General.”

Learn more about the oceans.

• Here are some ideas for young children.

• Here are some games and puzzles for older kids.

• Check out the website of the organization Earle headed (NOAA) for information about the ocean and photo galleries about the ocean.