What is Ocean Literacy?
Having ocean literacy, means that we grasp the nature, significance and meaning of our relationship with the ocean. Even if we live in the middle of a continent, the ocean impacts our lives through weather patterns, climate and resources. At the same time, we can impact the ocean through our activities, our choices and as consumers. The Ocean Literacy Network designed this diagram to illustrate the 7 principles of Ocean Literacy and an interactive version of this is available on their website by clicking the image below.
(Source: Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Sciences for Learners of All Ages Version 2, a brochure resulting from the 2-week On-Line Workshop on Ocean Literacy through Science Standards; published by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Published June 2005, revised March 2013)
What We Write About
Do all good science books need to be non-fiction? We don't think so. Are all good stories fiction? Absolutely not. In this space we are highlighting books, illustrations and poetry that hit that sweet spot where all 3 overlap, taking every letter of the acronym S.T.E.A.M. into thoughtful consideration. We're focusing in on ocean literacy, but this blog is a passion-driven project so we may veer course from time to time.
We are also diving into Next Generation Science Standards. NGSS was developed by scientists, engineers and teachers to introduce students to concepts through exploration and true engagement. There are three dimensions the standards are established on:
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1. Science and Engineering Practices, are what scientists do to better understand the world around them through asking questions, literature research, discussion, designing experiments and observation.
2. Crosscutting Concepts are big ideas that apply to all disciplines of science, like "matter is neither created or destroyed" is relevant in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
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3. Disciplinary Core Ideas are what is known in science, like how currents move water around the globe or that photosynthesis is an essential process to life in the ocean.
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For more information about NGSS, please visit their website.
Next Generation Science Standards
editors
Photo by Jen VanderHeide
Danielle S. deJonge
Danielle deJonge grew up close to Lake Michigan, and continued her education by the shores of Lake Superior while completing her BA in English with a minor in Environmental Conservation from Northern Michigan University. deJonge later received her Secondary Education English Teaching degree from Calvin University, and has since taught a wide variety of literature and composition classes in Michigan, while also pursuing writing and further education in literature and pedagogy. deJonge is passionate about being outside and going to the library.
Lindsay K. Moore
Lindsay Moore is an artist and writer with roots in Northern Michigan. She studied marine biology and fine art at Southampton College on Long Island and figure drawing at the Art Students League of New York, and earned her master of science in medical and scientific illustration from Medical College of Georgia, now Augusta University. She is the author and illustrator of Sea Bear: A Journey for Survival and Yoshi and the Ocean: A Sea Turtle's Incredible Journey Home. After living in many lovely cities around the Great Lakes and across the globe, Lindsay now works and lives with her family in the woods of Northern Michigan.