Updated Ocean Literacy Guide Now Available!
The NMEA Ocean Literacy Committee is pleased to announce the publication of Version 3 of “Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Sciences for Learners of All Ages.” This guide replaces Version 2 published in March 2013. Thanks to the efforts of the community (you!) to spread the word about Ocean Literacy, the stock of printed copies was depleted. The need to reprint gives us the opportunity to widely share the Alignment of Ocean Literacy to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the new NMEA Ocean Literacy website devoted to sharing Ocean Literacy resources.
Much has happened since March 2013
Although the 7 Essential Principles and 45 Fundamental Concepts remain the same, new resources have been developed, and international Ocean Literacy initiatives in many countries and languages have taken root. When the guide was last published, the final version of the NGSS had not yet been released. Since then, members of the NMEA Ocean Literacy Committee took on the arduous task of aligning the Ocean Literacy concepts in the guide and the Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence for Grades K-12 to the NGSS. In addition, the International Ocean Literacy Survey (IOLS) has been developed and tested in 19 languages to help assess progress toward achieving our ocean literacy goals. Several recorded webinars have explored the four components of the Ocean Literacy Framework (Ocean Literacy Guide, Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence for Grades K–12, Alignment of Ocean Literacy to the NGSS, and the International Ocean Literacy Survey). Additionally, a presentation toolkit on Ocean Literacy is now freely available online.
International Developments
Ocean Literacy has a much more prominent presence in international education and policy initiatives than in 2013. In addition to the development of the IOLS, new organizations have been established and Ocean Literacy has been integrated into international ocean research such as the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance and UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Want a copy immediately?
A version suitable for printing on letter-size paper is available for download as a PDF. Hard copies of the guide, which include an 18”x 17” poster of the principles and concepts, can be requested by sending an email to education@noaa.gov. (Please note that due to COVID-19, mail and correspondence will be delayed.)
Join Us!
The Ocean Literacy Campaign is an ongoing process. To find additional ocean literacy resources and participate in fostering ocean literacy in your community visit www.oceanliteracyNMEA.org and join the National Marine Educators Association.