This publication describes the Sustainable Seas Expeditions which is a five-year project of ocean exploration and conservation focusing on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) national marine sanctuaries. This resource book is the first in a two part series. This first teacher resource contains an introduction to the Sustainable Seas Expeditions and Web sites along with background information. There is a listing of the National Marine Sanctuaries, and four classroom investigations are included. Investigation One examines marine species. Investigation Two takes a closer look at one sanctuary. Investigation Three plans an expedition while Investigation Four designs a submersible. Investigation Five uses charts to explore marine sanctuaries. Invesigatio Six examines how an oil spill will affect a national marine sanctuary. Finally, Invesgiation Seven looks at a sea turtle's life cycle. A glossary and a listing of teacher resources are also provided. (SAH)