What does 'Ocean Literacy' mean?

Over the last 18 years or so there has been a lot of interest in bringing the level of understanding about the ocean through education up to the surface. This has largely been lead from the Americas however many in scientists, teachers and informal educators in Australia have contributed and participated in generating some overall principles and concepts.

What is Ocean Literacy?

Ocean literacy is defined as 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;
• can communicate about the ocean in a meaningful way; and
• is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.

The Ocean LIteracy Framework is laid out on an aged basis for students and can be found at   http://oceanliteracy.wp2.coexploration.org/ocean-literacy-framework/

What is the Ocean Literacy Framework?

The Ocean Literacy Framework is comprised of two consensus documents:

• Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles of Ocean Sciences K-12 (also known as the Ocean Literacy Principles); and
• Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence for Grades K-12 (also known as the Scope & Sequence).

Both of these documents are also available in print and download forms.

Although it is not part of the Australian curriculum this is an important piece of work and readily available for those wishing to understand and communicate about the ocean.

Have a look - click here.