Meet the Explorer: Bringing Ocean Mysteries to Life with Diva Amon and Sea Pigs
If you want to see curiosity light up a classroom, try saying this: “Today we’re learning about sea pigs.”
Pause.
Wait for the reactions.
Yes, the snorts, the raised eyebrows, the inevitable “Those can’t be real.”
And then comes the magic.
One of the best things about the National Geographic Learning (NGL) Biology curriculum is how it connects students to real scientists doing real work right now. Not just names in a textbook, but Explorers actively discovering more about our world. Meeting someone like Diva Amon, a deep-sea researcher, turns biology into an adventure.
A key feature of the NGL curriculum is the iconic yellow rectangle. It’s more than a design—it’s a Window to the World, showing students that what they’re reading connects to real people, places, and discoveries. Seeing it reminds them they’re stepping into a living scientific story, not just a textbook, and helps them imagine themselves as part of a global community of explorers.
Who Is Diva Amon and Why Should Students Care?
Diva Amon studies the deep ocean floor, one of the least explored places on Earth. While students might think “everything’s already discovered,” Diva’s work shows otherwise. Large portions of the deep sea remain unmapped and mysterious.
In the curriculum, students don’t just read about the ocean—they explore Diva’s questions, tools, and challenges. Her work shows how biology connects to technology, conservation, and human impact, especially as climate change and deep-sea mining threaten these fragile ecosystems.
For students who think science is just memorizing facts, meeting Diva reframes it as curiosity, problem-solving, and persistence. That’s exactly where the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices fit in.
NGSS Connection: Asking Questions & Defining Problems
Ask, “What do you think lives at the bottom of the ocean? Sharks? Whales? Giant squids?” Then show images of deep-sea creatures, including sea pigs. Students move from “That’s weird” to “Why does it exist?”
Classroom example:
Diva starts with questions. The deep ocean floor is a mystery, and her questions are open-ended—perfect for student inquiry. You can start there, as well.
Student questions:
- What questions do scientists still have about life on the ocean floor?
- Why might the deep sea be harder to study than other ecosystems?
- What would you investigate if you were part of Diva’s team?
Enter the Sea Pig (Yes, Really!)
Sea pigs, or Scotoplanes, are deep-sea sea cucumbers. They’re pink, slightly see-through, and move across the seafloor on tube-like feet—which is why they look like little underwater pigs.
Sea pigs play a key role in recycling nutrients from sinking organic matter, helping the ecosystem survive in a place with very little food. Even the oddest creatures have an important job.
NGSS Connection: Developing and Using Models
Students can’t visit the deep ocean, so they rely on models, diagrams, images, or simulations to understand these ecosystems. In the NGL Biology digital materials, students even get to investigate the seafloor in a virtual lab, where they collect samples and analyze them—bringing deep-sea exploration to life right on their screens.
Student questions:
- How does a sea pig’s body help it survive in extreme conditions?
- What would a deep-sea food web look like?
- What’s tricky about learning from models instead of direct observation?
Analyzing Data: Life in Extreme Conditions
Diva uses remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), cameras, and sensors to collect data. Students can analyze images or charts to notice patterns, like where sea pigs live or what they eat.
Student questions:
- What patterns do you see in sea pig locations?
- What kind of data helps scientists understand their populations?
- How can pictures serve as evidence?
Explaining & Solving: Adaptations and Ecosystems
Students use evidence to explain how sea pigs recycle nutrients and support their ecosystem. They can also think about human impacts, like deep-sea mining or pollution, and explore possible solutions.
Student questions:
- Should humans explore deep-sea resources? Why or why not?
- What evidence supports protecting these ecosystems?
- How does Diva’s research guide conservation decisions?
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Diva’s work is great for debates. Should humans explore or exploit the deep sea? Students can use her research to support their ideas.
Student questions:
- How do sea pigs help the deep ocean ecosystem?
- What evidence shows they’re important?
- How might humans affect these ecosystems, and what could reduce harm?
Communicating Science
Reading about Diva helps students practice summarizing evidence and sharing ideas clearly. Explorer stories make science personal and approachable.
Student questions:
- How do scientists communicate discoveries?
- How does learning about a real explorer change how you see biology?
- What would you include if teaching others about sea pigs?
Making Science Human
Diva’s story shows students that scientists are real people, not just names in a textbook. Her career path shows curiosity, persistence, and creativity—science is about asking questions, testing ideas, and never assuming “everything’s known.”
Classroom example:
Groups can analyze deep-sea images and create mini “expeditions,” explaining adaptations, roles in the ecosystem, and human impact. Even the sea pig group, chosen for humor, can spark some of the best discussions.
Exit Ticket/Reflection Prompts
- What surprised you most about life on the ocean floor?
- How did Diva’s work change how you think about scientific discovery?
- What question about the deep ocean would you explore further?
Dive Deeper!
From early literacy to advanced coursework and career pathways, Cengage School brings together trusted resources to support student success. Through leading brands including National Geographic Learning, Big Ideas Learning, Gale, and Thorndike Press, we deliver authentic content and engaging learning experiences across every subject.
National Geographic Learning, part of Cengage School, offers K–12 programs in print and digital formats, with a focus on science, social studies, and English language learning. Designed to support College and Career Readiness, these programs connect real-world content with engaging instruction to help students build knowledge and skills for the future.
Learn About Diva Amon
- Diva Amon – Official Website
Full bio, research projects, and links to her deep-sea expeditions. Perfect for understanding her career and scientific approach. - National Geographic – Diva Amon Feature
A teacher- and student-friendly article highlighting her work, motivations, and the importance of exploring the deep ocean. - Speseas.org – Marine Research & Education
Showcases Diva’s research team and how she combines science with outreach and conservation.
Explore the Deep Sea and Sea Pigs
Sea Pigs (Scotoplanes) – Wikipedia
Clear overview of sea pigs: anatomy, behavior, and role in the deep-sea ecosystem. Great for student research or curiosity dives.
- National Geographic – Weird and Wonderful Deep-Sea Creatures
Gallery of deep-sea animals with descriptions—perfect for visual learners and discussion starters. - NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
Information on ocean exploration technology, ROVs, and the scientific process in action. Teachers can use this to explain how Diva collects data from inaccessible environments.
Classroom Use Ideas
- Discussion Starter: Show the sea pig images and ask students what adaptations they notice.
- Research Project: Assign small groups to create “Deep-Sea Explorer Profiles” based on Diva Amon and her team.
- Evidence-Based Argument: Have students use these resources to debate whether humans should explore or protect the deep-sea ecosystems.
About the Author
Mindi Johnson was an elementary and middle school teacher before moving into administration, serving as a high school principal. During her time as an administrator, Mindi helped design online courses for her district and train teachers in online course implementation. At Cengage School, Mindi serves as a Content Specialist, working with schools and teachers to successfully implement our digital products, providing support to teachers and districts throughout their product adoption. Outside of work, Mindi is a mom to four grown children, a Meme to seven grandbabies, loves to travel, and tries to spend as much time under the water scuba diving and exploring as possible.
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