COSEE: A National Success with a Regional Approach Craig Strang, Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley and COSEE California People dont understand the critical role the ocean plays in their own daily lives. Ocean discoveries are not translated into educational materials and experiences suitable for formal and informal learning. Communities of Color are disproportionately underrepresented in ocean sciences and in the enjoyment & use of ocean resources. Ocean sciences education needs to be coordinated on a national level. The Challenges A Brief History of the National COSEE Network 1999 NSF OCE White Paper Resulted in Advisory Committee 2000 Needs Assessment Workshop with 73 Participants Resulted in COSEE Workshop Report and 13 Recommendations 2001 NFS OCE Issues COSEE RFP 2002 First Awards are Made! Spark and nurture collaborations among scientists and educators to advance ocean discovery and make known the vital role of the ocean in our lives. COSEE Mission Central Gulf of Mexico COSEE/U.S. Navy The Centers COSEE California Signature: Formal Ed from K-Career COSEE West Signature: Los Angeles Basin Urban Schools COSEE Central Gulf of Mexico Signature: Scientists & Teachers Side by Side COSEE Florida Signature: Web Portal to Ocean Ed Resources The Centers COSEE Southeast Signature: Equity & Diversity COSEE Mid-Atlantic Signature: Ocean Observing Systems Education COSEE New England Signature: Informal Education COSEE Great Lakes Signature: Focus on Great Lakes The Centers COSEE Ocean Systems Signature: Systems approach to science COSEE Ocean Learning Communities Signature: Community Problem Solving Central Coordinating Office Signature: Coordinate & Lead Network, Voice in DC Accomplishments Dozens of Regional Programs & Partnerships Unified Response to Ocean Commission Report Unified Approach to Engaging Scientists & Educators Ocean Literacy through Science Standards Award Winning College Course: Communicating Ocean Sciences Why a Regional Approach? Ocean Literacy is an understanding of the oceans influence on you and your influence on the ocean. Just like all politics, all of the ocean is local! Why Natl/Global Context to the Regional Approach? Principle #1: There is Only One Ocean! The public cant understand local impacts without understanding the whole ocean as a single shared resource that supports all life. COSEE Thinks Nationally, but Acts Regionally There are 7 Essential Principles no matter where you live. Everyone needs to no them. They should be interpretted and applied regionally College Course Trains undergrads and graduate students to teach kids and the public about the ocean Developed & documented at UCB, replicated in 15 IHEs, adapted regionally Students remember why they love science, learn to care about E/PO and Broader Impact Communicating Ocean Sciences University of California, Berkeley In Summary Theres Only One Ocean--teach about it everywhere--we wont get another one COSEE is CoOL!