Ocean Literacy:Ocean Literacy:Updates and Future DirectionsUpdates and Future Directions

Ocean Literacy:Ocean Literacy:Updates and Future DirectionsUpdates and Future Directions

Craig Strang, UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science, COSEE California

Sarah Schoedinger, NOAA Office of Education

Peter Tuddenham College of Exploration, COSEE CA & West

Lynn Whitley, USC Wrigley Institute, Sea Grant, COSEE-West

Diana Payne, Connecticut Sea Grant Program

Craig Strang, UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science, COSEE California

Sarah Schoedinger, NOAA Office of Education

Peter Tuddenham College of Exploration, COSEE CA & West

Lynn Whitley, USC Wrigley Institute, Sea Grant, COSEE-West

Diana Payne, Connecticut Sea Grant Program

OverviewOverviewOverviewOverview

• Brief History of the Ocean Literacy (OL) Campaign

• Review of the Ocean Literacy Principles• Ocean Literacy Scope & Sequence (S&S) for

Grades K-12• Ocean Literacy Web Site• Teaching Resources• What’s next?:

– How might you use the S&S– How should resources be presented– Core Standards

• Brief History of the Ocean Literacy (OL) Campaign

• Review of the Ocean Literacy Principles• Ocean Literacy Scope & Sequence (S&S) for

Grades K-12• Ocean Literacy Web Site• Teaching Resources• What’s next?:

– How might you use the S&S– How should resources be presented– Core Standards

A Brief History A Brief History of the Ocean of the Ocean

Literacy CampaignLiteracy Campaign

A Brief History A Brief History of the Ocean of the Ocean

Literacy CampaignLiteracy Campaign

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AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgmentsAcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments

• American public largely ignorant of importance of ocean in their lives and Ocean topics did not fit neatly into current national education standards and thus were largely ignored

• Ocean scientists not involved in education

• No consensus on what was important to include in classroom

• American public largely ignorant of importance of ocean in their lives and Ocean topics did not fit neatly into current national education standards and thus were largely ignored

• Ocean scientists not involved in education

• No consensus on what was important to include in classroom

The Challenge:The Challenge:The Challenge:The Challenge:

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The Response:The Response:• Natl. Centers Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE),

National Marine Educators Association, National Geographic, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Sea Grant, College of Exploration, Lawrence Hall of Science, and many individuals, organizations, and small groups

• A mechanism was developed to build consensus:

• Inclusive, democratic, transparent process, Work mostly done online

• Built on and credited past efforts,

• No institutional ownership. Institutions and scientists lent authority and credibility

• Natl. Centers Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE), National Marine Educators Association, National Geographic, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Sea Grant, College of Exploration, Lawrence Hall of Science, and many individuals, organizations, and small groups

• A mechanism was developed to build consensus:

• Inclusive, democratic, transparent process, Work mostly done online

• Built on and credited past efforts,

• No institutional ownership. Institutions and scientists lent authority and credibility

• Ocean literacy was defined• Essential Principles were identified and supported by fundamental concepts• These principles and concepts were aligned to National Science Education Standards• An archive of this work can be seen at:

www.oceanliteracy.net

• Ocean literacy was defined• Essential Principles were identified and supported by fundamental concepts• These principles and concepts were aligned to National Science Education Standards• An archive of this work can be seen at:

www.oceanliteracy.net

The Result:The Result:The Result:The Result:

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• 2002: National Geographic: Oceans for Life workshop• 2003: National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) Ad Hoc Committee on Science Standards• 2004: Online workshop to define Ocean Literacy• 2005:

– Iterative review process of draft framework and definition– Brochure published summer 2005

• 2006-2009: – Four drafts of the Scope and Sequence developed,

reviewed, and refined at numerous in-person and virtual meetings

• 2010: publication of the Scope and Sequence

• 2002: National Geographic: Oceans for Life workshop• 2003: National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) Ad Hoc Committee on Science Standards• 2004: Online workshop to define Ocean Literacy• 2005:

– Iterative review process of draft framework and definition– Brochure published summer 2005

• 2006-2009: – Four drafts of the Scope and Sequence developed,

reviewed, and refined at numerous in-person and virtual meetings

• 2010: publication of the Scope and Sequence

Significant Events in the Development of Significant Events in the Development of OLEPFC & the Scope and SequenceOLEPFC & the Scope and Sequence

Significant Events in the Development of Significant Events in the Development of OLEPFC & the Scope and SequenceOLEPFC & the Scope and Sequence

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• Numerous special conferences devoted to Ocean Literacy around the world

• A model for other science literacy efforts• Essential principles used as key messages in informal

education products and programs• Influence on content of elementary, middle and high

school instructional materials on a global scale• Influence on US state curricula (Maryland, Michigan,

Florida, California) and national textbooks• College courses Communicating Ocean Sciences now

taught in more than 20 Universities in the US• Transformation of our thinking

• Numerous special conferences devoted to Ocean Literacy around the world

• A model for other science literacy efforts• Essential principles used as key messages in informal

education products and programs• Influence on content of elementary, middle and high

school instructional materials on a global scale• Influence on US state curricula (Maryland, Michigan,

Florida, California) and national textbooks• College courses Communicating Ocean Sciences now

taught in more than 20 Universities in the US• Transformation of our thinking

Ocean Literacy Campaign: Ocean Literacy Campaign: Impacts Impacts

Ocean Literacy Campaign: Ocean Literacy Campaign: Impacts Impacts

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Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean.

Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean.

Ocean Literacy: definitionOcean Literacy: definitionOcean Literacy: definitionOcean Literacy: definition

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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 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.

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 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.

Ocean Literacy: definitionOcean Literacy: definitionOcean Literacy: definitionOcean Literacy: definition

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What are the most important things toWhat are the most important things to know about the ocean?know about the ocean?

Ocean Literacy 7 Essential Principles:Ocean Literacy 7 Essential Principles: Ocean Literacy 7 Essential Principles:Ocean Literacy 7 Essential Principles: 1. Earth has one big ocean with many features.

2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth.

3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.

4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.

5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

6. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

7. The ocean is largely unexplored.

1. Earth has one big ocean with many features.

2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth.

3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.

4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.

5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

6. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

7. The ocean is largely unexplored.

Ocean Literacy Scope & Ocean Literacy Scope & Sequence for Grades K-12Sequence for Grades K-12Ocean Literacy Scope & Ocean Literacy Scope &

Sequence for Grades K-12Sequence for Grades K-12

• If you want students to understand the OL fundamental concepts by Grade 12, what would you teach in K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12?

• Scope & Sequence: a logical, coherent approach to building complex ideas

• Matches learning theory, cognitive science

• Addresses misconceptions

• If you want students to understand the OL fundamental concepts by Grade 12, what would you teach in K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12?

• Scope & Sequence: a logical, coherent approach to building complex ideas

• Matches learning theory, cognitive science

• Addresses misconceptions

Some DefinitionsSome DefinitionsSome DefinitionsSome Definitions

• Concept Map

• Conceptual Flow Diagram

• Learning Progression

• Scope & Sequence

• Concept Map

• Conceptual Flow Diagram

• Learning Progression

• Scope & Sequence

Concept MapConcept MapConcept MapConcept Map

• Graphic representation showing relationships among concepts (Novak 1972)

• Concepts connected by labeled arrows in downward branching hierarchy

• Constructivist approach to learning and assessment

• Graphic representation showing relationships among concepts (Novak 1972)

• Concepts connected by labeled arrows in downward branching hierarchy

• Constructivist approach to learning and assessment

Conceptual Flow DiagramConceptual Flow DiagramConceptual Flow DiagramConceptual Flow Diagram

• Type of concept map• Shows logical, coherent instructional

sequence• Depicts content from one essential

principle for each grade band• Nested hierarchy, directional• Consensus regarding one way to teach an

essential principle for a grade band

• Type of concept map• Shows logical, coherent instructional

sequence• Depicts content from one essential

principle for each grade band• Nested hierarchy, directional• Consensus regarding one way to teach an

essential principle for a grade band

Example:Example: Branch of a Branch of a Conceptual Conceptual

FlowFlowDiagramDiagram

Example:Example: Branch of a Branch of a Conceptual Conceptual

FlowFlowDiagramDiagram

For Grades 3-5, concept A2 in Principle 1 is connected to concept B3 in Principle 3

Supporting ideas on properties of ocean water discussed in further detail

2 ideas that support bigger ideas of this branch

Major concept of this branch

Branch topic

Learning ProgressionLearning ProgressionLearning ProgressionLearning Progression

• Describes how students gain expertise within a discipline over time

• Shows how knowledge develops AND predicts how it builds over time – process and product

• Informed by learning science research• Provides evidence to validate Conceptual

Flow Diagram

• Describes how students gain expertise within a discipline over time

• Shows how knowledge develops AND predicts how it builds over time – process and product

• Informed by learning science research• Provides evidence to validate Conceptual

Flow Diagram

The Ocean Literacy FrameworkThe Ocean Literacy FrameworkThe Ocean Literacy FrameworkThe Ocean Literacy Framework

• The Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts

• The Scope and Sequence refers to the complete set of Conceptual Flow Diagrams for all Ocean Literacy Principles for all grade bands

• Together = Ocean Literacy Framework

• The Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts

• The Scope and Sequence refers to the complete set of Conceptual Flow Diagrams for all Ocean Literacy Principles for all grade bands

• Together = Ocean Literacy Framework

• Join NMEA (http://www.marine-ed.org)

• For hard copies of brochures and individual copies of the NMEA Special Report #3, contact the NOAA Outreach Office (outreach@noaa.gov)

• Ocean Literacy Principles and the Scope & Sequence at http://www.oceanliteracy.net as web pages and as .pdf (files are very large!)

• Join NMEA (http://www.marine-ed.org)

• For hard copies of brochures and individual copies of the NMEA Special Report #3, contact the NOAA Outreach Office (outreach@noaa.gov)

• Ocean Literacy Principles and the Scope & Sequence at http://www.oceanliteracy.net as web pages and as .pdf (files are very large!)

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For More Information and UpdatesFor More Information and UpdatesFor More Information and UpdatesFor More Information and Updates

• Web pages

• Downloadable .pdf

• CD with .pdf

• Hard Copy

• Web pages

• Downloadable .pdf

• CD with .pdf

• Hard Copy

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Which is Most Useful For You?Which is Most Useful For You?Which is Most Useful For You?Which is Most Useful For You?

Ocean Literacy Web SiteOcean Literacy Web Sitehttp://www.oceanliteracy.net

Ocean Literacy Web SiteOcean Literacy Web Sitehttp://www.oceanliteracy.net

Web Site Home PageWeb Site Home PageWeb Site Home PageWeb Site Home Page

CalendarCalendarCalendarCalendar

Submit Events to the CalendarSubmit Events to the CalendarSubmit Events to the CalendarSubmit Events to the Calendar

Conceptual Flow DiagramsConceptual Flow DiagramsConceptual Flow DiagramsConceptual Flow Diagrams

Web Pages for Conceptual Flow Web Pages for Conceptual Flow Diagrams for Each PrincipleDiagrams for Each Principle

Web Pages for Conceptual Flow Web Pages for Conceptual Flow Diagrams for Each PrincipleDiagrams for Each Principle

Links to Download at End of PageLinks to Download at End of PageLinks to Download at End of PageLinks to Download at End of Page

Articles from NMEA Special Articles from NMEA Special ReportReport

Articles from NMEA Special Articles from NMEA Special ReportReport

Research Newsfeeds by Research Newsfeeds by PrinciplePrinciple

Research Newsfeeds by Research Newsfeeds by PrinciplePrinciple

Keep Me Informed Sign UpKeep Me Informed Sign UpKeep Me Informed Sign UpKeep Me Informed Sign Up

Ocean Literacy ResourcesOcean Literacy ResourcesOcean Literacy ResourcesOcean Literacy Resources

• Classroom/science center resources educators can use to teach ocean sciences at their site– whole units/modules, lesson plans, videos, data

visualizations, posters, labs, text books, books, etc.

• Tools for professional development & presentations– Power Point, brochures, NMEA Special Report on OL– activities to demonstrate principles

• Research and supporting documentation– Research papers, journal articles, conference proceedings

• Classroom/science center resources educators can use to teach ocean sciences at their site– whole units/modules, lesson plans, videos, data

visualizations, posters, labs, text books, books, etc.

• Tools for professional development & presentations– Power Point, brochures, NMEA Special Report on OL– activities to demonstrate principles

• Research and supporting documentation– Research papers, journal articles, conference proceedings

What type?

OL Resources - ExamplesOL Resources - ExamplesOL Resources - ExamplesOL Resources - Examples• Life on an Ocean Planet - high school textbook (by

Current Publishing)• “An Introduction to Our Dynamic Ocean” – high

school course (COSEE Coastal Trends)• Learning Ocean Science through Ocean

Exploration - A Curriculum for Grades 6-12 ( NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research)

• Ocean Sciences Curriculum Sequence for grades 3-5, and Shoreline Science for grades 2-3 (Lawrence Hall of Science)

• The Fluid Earth (Hawaii Marine Science Studies)

• Life on an Ocean Planet - high school textbook (by Current Publishing)

• “An Introduction to Our Dynamic Ocean” – high school course (COSEE Coastal Trends)

• Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration - A Curriculum for Grades 6-12 ( NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research)

• Ocean Sciences Curriculum Sequence for grades 3-5, and Shoreline Science for grades 2-3 (Lawrence Hall of Science)

• The Fluid Earth (Hawaii Marine Science Studies)

What We Can DoWhat We Can DoWhat We Can DoWhat We Can Do

• Build our resource pagehttp://oceanliteracy.wp.coexploration.org/?page_id=137 or in the

Ocean Literacy Framework tab from the Home page

• Stay involved and help us help you

• Build our resource pagehttp://oceanliteracy.wp.coexploration.org/?page_id=137 or in the

Ocean Literacy Framework tab from the Home page

• Stay involved and help us help you

• Connecting Ocean Literacy to other literacy frameworks

– Climate, Earth, Atmosphere Microbial Oceanography

• Content regarding US Great Lakes, estuaries and Traditional Knowledge

– Great Lakes Literacy

• Connecting Ocean Literacy to other literacy frameworks

– Climate, Earth, Atmosphere Microbial Oceanography

• Content regarding US Great Lakes, estuaries and Traditional Knowledge

– Great Lakes Literacy

Future DirectionsFuture DirectionsFuture DirectionsFuture Directions

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• New Science Education Framework

– Effort led by National Research Council’s Board on Science Education

– Anticipated final release in early 2011

• New Science Education Framework

– Effort led by National Research Council’s Board on Science Education

– Anticipated final release in early 2011

Future DirectionsFuture DirectionsFuture DirectionsFuture Directions

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• Common Core Standards– Core ideas are the big ideas for each discipline

(or group of disciplines)

– Cross-cutting concepts get at the nature and practice of science

• Many of ocean literacy EPs and FCs fit into the “core ideas”

• Governors of over 2/3s of states have signed on to use these standards– “ACHIEVE” will be developing them

– Look for public comment opportunities as this work proceeds in 2011

• Common Core Standards– Core ideas are the big ideas for each discipline

(or group of disciplines)

– Cross-cutting concepts get at the nature and practice of science

• Many of ocean literacy EPs and FCs fit into the “core ideas”

• Governors of over 2/3s of states have signed on to use these standards– “ACHIEVE” will be developing them

– Look for public comment opportunities as this work proceeds in 2011

Future DirectionsFuture DirectionsFuture DirectionsFuture Directions

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• Promoting the development of skills and behaviors that result in sound decision making using that knowledge

• Promoting the development of skills and behaviors that result in sound decision making using that knowledge

Future DirectionsFuture DirectionsFuture DirectionsFuture Directions

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How can you help?How can you help?How can you help?How can you help?

Provide feedback!

Stay involved!

www.oceanliteracy.net

Provide feedback!

Stay involved!

www.oceanliteracy.net

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THE FOLLOWING SLIDES:THE FOLLOWING SLIDES:

Provide the fundamental concepts for each of the Provide the fundamental concepts for each of the 7 Essential Principles7 Essential Principles

Feel free to use them and place them Feel free to use them and place them appropriately in your presentation.appropriately in your presentation.

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1. Earth has one big ocean with many features1. Earth has one big ocean with many features

a. The ocean is the dominant physical feature on our planet Earth covering approximately 70% of the planet’s surface.

b. An ocean basin’s size, shape and features (such as islands, trenches, mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys) vary due to the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates.

c. Throughout the ocean there is one interconnected circulation system powered by wind, tides, the force of the Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect), the Sun, and water density differences.

d. Sea level is the average height of the ocean relative to the land, taking into account the differences caused by tides. Sea level changes…

e. Most of Earth’s water (97%) is in the ocean. Seawater has unique properties….

f. The ocean is an integral part of the water cycle and is connected to all of the earth’s water reservoirs via evaporation and precipitation processes.

g. The ocean is connected to major lakes, watersheds and waterways because all major watersheds on Earth drain to the ocean.

h. Although the ocean is large, it is finite and resources are limited.

a. The ocean is the dominant physical feature on our planet Earth covering approximately 70% of the planet’s surface.

b. An ocean basin’s size, shape and features (such as islands, trenches, mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys) vary due to the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates.

c. Throughout the ocean there is one interconnected circulation system powered by wind, tides, the force of the Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect), the Sun, and water density differences.

d. Sea level is the average height of the ocean relative to the land, taking into account the differences caused by tides. Sea level changes…

e. Most of Earth’s water (97%) is in the ocean. Seawater has unique properties….

f. The ocean is an integral part of the water cycle and is connected to all of the earth’s water reservoirs via evaporation and precipitation processes.

g. The ocean is connected to major lakes, watersheds and waterways because all major watersheds on Earth drain to the ocean.

h. Although the ocean is large, it is finite and resources are limited.

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2. The ocean & life in ocean shape features2. The ocean & life in ocean shape features

a. Many earth materials and geochemical cycles originate in the ocean. Many of the sedimentary rocks now exposed on land were formed in the ocean. Ocean life laid down the vast volume of siliceous and carbonate rocks.

b. Sea level changes over time have expanded and contracted continental shelves, created and destroyed inland seas, and shaped the surface of land.

c. Erosion, the wearing away of rock, soil and other biotic and abiotic earth materials, occurs in coastal areas as wind, waves, and currents in rivers and the ocean move sediments.

d. Sand consists of tiny bits of animals, plants, rocks and minerals. Most beach sand is eroded from land sources and carried to the coast by rivers, but sand is also eroded from coastal sources by surf. Sand is redistributed by waves and coastal currents seasonally.

e. Tectonic activity, sea level changes, and force of waves influence the physical structure and landforms of the coast.

a. Many earth materials and geochemical cycles originate in the ocean. Many of the sedimentary rocks now exposed on land were formed in the ocean. Ocean life laid down the vast volume of siliceous and carbonate rocks.

b. Sea level changes over time have expanded and contracted continental shelves, created and destroyed inland seas, and shaped the surface of land.

c. Erosion, the wearing away of rock, soil and other biotic and abiotic earth materials, occurs in coastal areas as wind, waves, and currents in rivers and the ocean move sediments.

d. Sand consists of tiny bits of animals, plants, rocks and minerals. Most beach sand is eroded from land sources and carried to the coast by rivers, but sand is also eroded from coastal sources by surf. Sand is redistributed by waves and coastal currents seasonally.

e. Tectonic activity, sea level changes, and force of waves influence the physical structure and landforms of the coast.

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3. Ocean is a major influence on weather & climate.3. Ocean is a major influence on weather & climate.

a. The ocean controls weather and climate by dominating the Earths energy, water and carbon systems.

b. The ocean absorbs much of the solar radiation reaching Earth. The ocean loses heat by evaporation and drives atmospheric circulation.

c. The El Nino Southern Oscillation causes important changes in global weather patterns because it changes the way heat is released to the atmosphere in the Pacific.

d. Most rain that falls on land originally evaporated from the tropical ocean.

e. The ocean dominates the Earth’s carbon cycle. Half the primary productivity on Earth takes place in the sunlit layers of the ocean and the ocean absorbs roughly half of all carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere.

f. The ocean has had, and will continue to have, a significant influence on climate change by absorbing, storing, and moving heat, carbon and water.

g. Changes in the oceans circulation have produced large, abrupt changes in climate during the last 50,000 years.

a. The ocean controls weather and climate by dominating the Earths energy, water and carbon systems.

b. The ocean absorbs much of the solar radiation reaching Earth. The ocean loses heat by evaporation and drives atmospheric circulation.

c. The El Nino Southern Oscillation causes important changes in global weather patterns because it changes the way heat is released to the atmosphere in the Pacific.

d. Most rain that falls on land originally evaporated from the tropical ocean.

e. The ocean dominates the Earth’s carbon cycle. Half the primary productivity on Earth takes place in the sunlit layers of the ocean and the ocean absorbs roughly half of all carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere.

f. The ocean has had, and will continue to have, a significant influence on climate change by absorbing, storing, and moving heat, carbon and water.

g. Changes in the oceans circulation have produced large, abrupt changes in climate during the last 50,000 years.

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4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.

a. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere originally came from the activities of photosynthetic organisms in the ocean.

b. The first life is thought to have started in the ocean. The earliest evidence of life is found in the ocean.

a. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere originally came from the activities of photosynthetic organisms in the ocean.

b. The first life is thought to have started in the ocean. The earliest evidence of life is found in the ocean.

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5. The ocean supports a great diversity 5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.of life and ecosystems.

a. Ocean life ranges in size from the smallest virus to the largest animal that has lived on Earth, the blue whale.

b. Most life in the ocean exists as microbes. Microbes are the most important primary producers in the ocean. Not only are they the most abundant life form in the ocean, they have extremely fast growth rates and life cycles.

c. Some major groups are found exclusively in the ocean. The diversity of major groups of organisms is much greater in the ocean than on land.

d. Ocean biology provides many unique examples of life cycles, adaptations and important relationships among organisms (such as symbiosis, predator-prey dynamics and energy transfer) that do not occur on land.

e. The ocean is three-dimensional, offering vast living space and diverse habitats from the surface through the water column to the seafloor. Most of the living space on Earth is in the ocean.

a. Ocean life ranges in size from the smallest virus to the largest animal that has lived on Earth, the blue whale.

b. Most life in the ocean exists as microbes. Microbes are the most important primary producers in the ocean. Not only are they the most abundant life form in the ocean, they have extremely fast growth rates and life cycles.

c. Some major groups are found exclusively in the ocean. The diversity of major groups of organisms is much greater in the ocean than on land.

d. Ocean biology provides many unique examples of life cycles, adaptations and important relationships among organisms (such as symbiosis, predator-prey dynamics and energy transfer) that do not occur on land.

e. The ocean is three-dimensional, offering vast living space and diverse habitats from the surface through the water column to the seafloor. Most of the living space on Earth is in the ocean.

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5. The ocean supports a great diversity 5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.of life and ecosystems.

f. Ocean habitats are defined by environmental factors. Due to interactions of abiotic factors such as salinity, temperature, oxygen, pH, light, nutrients, pressure, substrate and circulation, ocean life is not evenly distributed temporally or spatially, i.e., it is “patchy.” Some regions of the ocean support more diverse and abundant life than anywhere on Earth, while much of the ocean is considered a desert.

g. There are deep ocean ecosystems that are independent of energy from sunlight and photosynthetic organisms. Hydrothermal vents, submarine hot springs, and methane cold seeps rely only on chemical energy and chemosynthetic organisms to support life.

h. Tides, waves and predation cause vertical zonation patterns along the shore, influencing the distribution and diversity of organisms.

i. Estuaries provide important and productive nursery areas for many marine and aquatic species.

f. Ocean habitats are defined by environmental factors. Due to interactions of abiotic factors such as salinity, temperature, oxygen, pH, light, nutrients, pressure, substrate and circulation, ocean life is not evenly distributed temporally or spatially, i.e., it is “patchy.” Some regions of the ocean support more diverse and abundant life than anywhere on Earth, while much of the ocean is considered a desert.

g. There are deep ocean ecosystems that are independent of energy from sunlight and photosynthetic organisms. Hydrothermal vents, submarine hot springs, and methane cold seeps rely only on chemical energy and chemosynthetic organisms to support life.

h. Tides, waves and predation cause vertical zonation patterns along the shore, influencing the distribution and diversity of organisms.

i. Estuaries provide important and productive nursery areas for many marine and aquatic species.

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6. The ocean and humans 6. The ocean and humans

are inextricably interconnected.are inextricably interconnected.

a. The ocean affects every human life. It supplies freshwater (most rain comes from the ocean) and nearly all Earth ﾕ s oxygen. It moderates the Earth ﾕ s climate, influences our weather, and affects human health.

b. From the ocean we get foods, medicines, and mineral and energy resources. In addition, it provides jobs, supports our nation ﾕ s economy, serves as a highway for transportation of goods and people, and plays a role in national security.

c. The ocean is a source of inspiration, recreation, rejuvenation and discovery. It is also an important element in the heritage of many cultures.

d. Much of the world’s population lives in coastal areas.

a. The ocean affects every human life. It supplies freshwater (most rain comes from the ocean) and nearly all Earth ﾕ s oxygen. It moderates the Earth ﾕ s climate, influences our weather, and affects human health.

b. From the ocean we get foods, medicines, and mineral and energy resources. In addition, it provides jobs, supports our nation ﾕ s economy, serves as a highway for transportation of goods and people, and plays a role in national security.

c. The ocean is a source of inspiration, recreation, rejuvenation and discovery. It is also an important element in the heritage of many cultures.

d. Much of the world’s population lives in coastal areas.

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6. The ocean and humans 6. The ocean and humans

are inextricably interconnected.are inextricably interconnected.

e. Humans affect the ocean in a variety of ways. Laws, regulations and resource management affect what is taken out and put into the ocean. Human development and activity leads to pollution (such as point source, non-point source, and noise pollution) and physical modifications (such as changes to beaches, shores and rivers). In addition, humans have removed most of the large vertebrates from the ocean.

f. Coastal regions are susceptible to natural hazards (such as tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclones, sea level change, and storm surges).

g. Everyone is responsible for caring for the ocean. The ocean sustains life on Earth and humans must live in ways that sustain the ocean. Individual and collective actions are needed to effectively manage ocean resources for all.

e. Humans affect the ocean in a variety of ways. Laws, regulations and resource management affect what is taken out and put into the ocean. Human development and activity leads to pollution (such as point source, non-point source, and noise pollution) and physical modifications (such as changes to beaches, shores and rivers). In addition, humans have removed most of the large vertebrates from the ocean.

f. Coastal regions are susceptible to natural hazards (such as tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclones, sea level change, and storm surges).

g. Everyone is responsible for caring for the ocean. The ocean sustains life on Earth and humans must live in ways that sustain the ocean. Individual and collective actions are needed to effectively manage ocean resources for all.

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7. The ocean is largely unexplored.7. The ocean is largely unexplored.

a. The ocean is the last and largest unexplored place on Earth--less than 5% of it has been explored.

b. Understanding the ocean is more than a matter of curiosity. Exploration, inquiry and study are required to better understand ocean systems and processes.

c. Over the last 40 years, use of ocean resources has increased significantly, therefore the future sustainability of ocean resources depends on our understanding of those resources and their potential and limitations.

d. New technologies, sensors and tools are expanding our ability to explore the ocean.

e. Use of mathematical models is now an essential part of ocean sciences. Models help us understand the complexity of the ocean and of its interaction with Earth ﾕ s climate. They process observations and help describe the interactions among systems.

f. Ocean exploration is truly interdisciplinary. It requires close collaboration among biologists, chemists, climatologists, computer programmers, engineers, geologists, meteorologists, and physicists, and new ways of thinking.

a. The ocean is the last and largest unexplored place on Earth--less than 5% of it has been explored.

b. Understanding the ocean is more than a matter of curiosity. Exploration, inquiry and study are required to better understand ocean systems and processes.

c. Over the last 40 years, use of ocean resources has increased significantly, therefore the future sustainability of ocean resources depends on our understanding of those resources and their potential and limitations.

d. New technologies, sensors and tools are expanding our ability to explore the ocean.

e. Use of mathematical models is now an essential part of ocean sciences. Models help us understand the complexity of the ocean and of its interaction with Earth ﾕ s climate. They process observations and help describe the interactions among systems.

f. Ocean exploration is truly interdisciplinary. It requires close collaboration among biologists, chemists, climatologists, computer programmers, engineers, geologists, meteorologists, and physicists, and new ways of thinking.