The world's greatest cities and centers of civilization arose near or along major waterways providing access to the sea. Many people, no matter where they live, find the ocean and the life associated with it a fascinating topic. Although the ocean is characterized by high taxonomic diversity (over 90% of the animal phyla are represented in the ocean), less than 5% of the ocean has been explored. For students, the four-week oceanography unit described in this article can be the key to unlocking the broader connections between science, technology, and society. The unit was designed using the Multiple Menu Model, which emphasizes authentic content and processes and places the student in the role of a practicing professional. Students research, communicate, and think like a practicing oceanographer without actually getting wet. (Contains 5 figures.)