The Education Materials Collection is presented in two volumes: Volume 1: Why Do We Explore? (modern reasons for ocean exploration) and Volume 2: How Do We Explore? (exploration methods and associated technologies). Each volume begins with a lesson that guides students in broad investigation of the overall topic, followed by background information and lessons organized by key subject areas. Some of the lessons provided have been adapted from lessons previously developed for expeditions supported by the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, while others have been created specifically for the Okeanos Explorer education initiative. Whenever possible, hands-on activities are included that involve manipulations other than paper-and-pencil exercises or web-based research. The reason for doing this is that field science, and exploration in particular, depend heavily upon technology and problem-solving skills needed to create, use, and advance new technology.

Each lesson in the Collection supports the Next Generation Science Standards:

1. Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection, Volume 1: Why Do We Explore? Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations
2. Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection, Volume 2: How Do We Explore? Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations

Each lesson also supports the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts. This does not necessarily mean that a particular lesson fully develops the noted standards, principles, or concepts, but rather indicates that an educator may use the information in the lesson as a context or point of departure for addressing those standards.