Ocean Science Literacy


Background

Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean. An ocean-literate person:

  • Understands the essential principles and fundamental concepts about the functioning of the ocean;
  • Can communicate about the ocean in a meaningful way; and
  • Is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.

COSEE Initiatives

COSEE New England has taken up Ocean Science Literacy as an important component of our work.  For example:
  • We staff and participate in the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC), which began as a COSEE NE initiative.
  • In a joint effort with the Census of Marine Life, Gulf of Maine Area, and the New England Aquarium, COSEE NE has produced a banner (pdf) listing the seven Ocean Literacy Principles for a public audience.  If you would like a printer-ready electronic file of the banner, please contact Pam DiBona, COSEE NE Manager.
COSEE NE has participated in developing Ocean Literacy Principles and standards.
  • In October 2005, several national organizations (National Geographic Society, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence, College of Exploration, and National Marine Educators' Association) published a brochure and report detailing 7 Essential Principles and 44 Fundamental Concepts that currently define Ocean Science Literacy. This definition is the result of online and face-to-face discussions among 100 scientists and educators, including COSEE-New England partners, and now serves as a national standard for ocean science education.
  • Science Content and Standards for Ocean Literacy is a product of workshops sponsored by National Geographic, NOAA, COSEE, NMEA, and the College for Exploration.  It describes and presents essential principles and fundamental concepts for creating an ocean literate world and aligns them with the National Science Education Standards.

National Ocean Literacy Campaign

National Ocean Literacy page

Science Content and Standards for Ocean Literacy is a product of workshops sponsored by National Geographic, NOAA, COSEE, NMEA, and the College for Exploration.  It describes and presents essential principles and fundamental concepts for creating an ocean literate world and aligns them with the National Science Education Standards.

Final report on the 2004 National Ocean Literacy Workshop (pdf)

Public Ocean Literacy - What residents of Southern California should know. The results of a CORE-sponsored workshop organized and facilitated by the Aquarium of the Pacific's Marine Conservation Research Institute.

Featured Resources

In each issue of COSEE-NEwswave, our biweekly electronic newsletter, we feature a website or resource that promotes Ocean Science Literacy.  Here are some examples:

A PowerPoint presentation on the development and principles of Ocean Science Literacy is now available on the COSEE-NE website. Developed by the COSEE network, download the slideshow and use it in presentations to classrooms, informal education groups, or family gatherings!

The World Ocean Observatory is dedicated to information, education and public discourse about the ocean.  The intent is to communicate the full spectrum of ocean issues — climate, fresh water, food, energy, trade, transportation, public health, finance, governance, recreation and culture.  The website contains links to ocean science, human uses, maps, databases, and more.  And the education section links to online curriculum and resources.

Virtual World of Whyville Whyville is a dynamic online learning community for children ages 8 to 15. Planning oceanographic cruises, asking questions and conducting experiments, exploring ocean habitats, collecting, analyzing, and discussing data with peers. This could be a description of a typical day at any major oceanographic institution, but this type of work (or play) will be taking place in Whyville – the successful online learning site for kids.

Working for Clams in Whyville: A BusinessWeek article by Heather Green takes a closer look at Whyville.

OceansLive.Org The National Marine Sanctuary Program and Immersion Presents (an after-school science education program) have launched OceansLive.Org, a marine science portal that offers live video and special content to educate about the ocean, including national marine sanctuaries. In addition to watching live video from research expeditions, the portal’s visitors can learn more about oceanography, marine life, conservation and preservation, marine research technologies, and the nation’s maritime heritage. To complement the video broadcasts, the portal offers lesson plans, videos, puzzles and games based on the marine environment.