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New England Ocean Sciences Education Collaborative  
 

 
 

About Ocean Literacy

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.

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 list of seven Essential Principles and 44 Fundamental Concepts that currently define Ocean Science Literacy. This definition is the result of discussions among 100 scientists and educators, and serves as a national standard for ocean science education.  Visit the national OSL website for more.

 

Look for us at the 2008 National Science Teachers' Association Annual Meeting!

Session #1453,  Saturday, March 29  11am to 12 pm Boston Marriot Copley Place 

The New England Ocean Science Educatioin Collaborative (NEOSEC): A Partnership to Promote Ocean Science Literacy

Presenters: Diana Payne, Lauren Rader, JB Kavaliauskas

Abstract: The New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative is a group of ocean science education institutions across New England dedicated to promoting the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts.

With the understanding that participating institutions can gain more by acting as a regional organization than individually, we have dedicated a portion of our time and energy to collaborative opportunities. One such activity was our Ocean Science Literacy Summit, an inaugural conference for ocean science education facilitators (i.e., the bridge-builders between scientists and educators); ocean scientists; school and education department administrators; teachers; science writers; and policy makers held in November, 2006.

A major focus has been the translation of cutting edge ocean research into the classroom and public media. This session will present this collaborative organization's initiation, common mission and goals, operating procedures, and the successes and shortcomings of our inaugural summit. 

We invite anyone interested in joining our organization, starting a similar local, regional, or national partnership, or learning about translating research into educational materials to participate.  

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

  
   

This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0215456. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation"