Ocean Literacy

The Copenhagen TransAtlantic Ocean Literacy meeting begins tomorrow, so it's an appropriate time for some background on the Ocean Literacy campaign.

In the US, the public was largely ignorant of the importance of the ocean their lives. Additionally, ocean science content did not fit easily into the US science education standards and there was no consensus on what was important to include in the classroom. The original intent in developing the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts was to support the inclusion of ocean science content in US science education standards.

The response was a grass-roots effort involving a wide variety of organizations, educators, scientists, and policy people  using inclusive, democratic, transparent process built on and credited past efforts. The process resulted in a definition of Ocean Literacy, the Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts, and the Scope and Sequence.  Several key organizations were instrumental in the development of Ocean Literacy, including the College of Exploration, the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS), Sea Grant, and Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE).

US-based Definition of Ocean Literacy

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.

The Ocean Literacy guide.

The Ocean Literacy Framework

Together, the Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts and the Scope and Sequence comprise the Ocean Literacy Framework.

The Essential Principles of Ocean Literacy

1: The 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 the 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.

For an overview of Ocean Literacy, please view the Ocean Literacy video from the College of Exploration.

The Scope and Sequence

Following publication of the Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts, the question remained: If you want students to understand the Ocean Literacy fundamental concepts by Grade 12, what would you teach in K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12? The resulting Scope and Sequence consists of the complete set of conceptual flow diagrams of all Ocean Literacy Principles for all grade bands. It is a logical, coherent approach to building complex ideas. Below is an example of the conceptual flow diagram for Essential Principle 1 for Grades K-2:

Portion of the Conceptual Flow Diagram for Ocean Literacy Principle 1, Grades K-2.

The conceptual flow diagrams of the Scope and Sequence, by Principle and grade band,  are available for download here.

Impact of the US Ocean Literacy Campaign

As the original intent of the development of the Ocean Literacy guide was to influence US national science standards, the impact beyond US borders was unanticipated. Since the publication of the original guide in 2005 ocean science educators, scientists and policy makers around the world have embraced, adopted or adapted the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts, including Portugal.

Numerous organizations have formed to facilitate Ocean Literacy in their home countries or regions, including International Pacific Marine Educators Network (IPMEN), European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA), Canadian Network for Ocean Education (CaNOE) and most recently the Asian Marine Educators Association (AMEA).

Significant milestones in Europe include the European Commission (EC) announcing an Ocean Literacy request for funding, resulting in the formation of the SeaCHANGE and ResponSEAble projects . Additionally, several TransAtlantic Ocean Literacy (TOL) meetings have occurred - Plymouth, UK in 2013, Gothenburg, Sweden in 2014, Lisbon, Portugal in June 2015 and Copenhagen, Denmark beginning tomorrow. The momentum in Europe is amazing!

ICES Marine Science Communicators meeting

Presenting to the ICES Marine Science Communicators
Photo credit: Line Reeh

This morning I was privileged to attend the networking meeting of the ICES Marine Science Communicators. Terhi Minkkinen extended an invitation to me after hearing of my visit to DTU Aqua. I provided a brief overview of how education and outreach can enhance research, including examples from the US Ocean Literacy campaign and COSEE-TEK.

The guest speaker today was Tracy Playle, who excited us all with a Prezi about challenges, content and audiences. She reminded us that we all work with fantastic scientists who thrive on the cutting edge of their respective discipline - they are innovators. In terms of utilizing social media, many of these innovators might be considered "laggards."  Perhaps this is why some feel tweeting should not be allowed during conference sessions as they believe when tweeting one is not "present." On the contrary, a good tweet can continue a discussion, generate interest in content, or simply bring people together in a social setting.

Tracy Playle
Image credit: Tracy Playle

The communicators provided a way to engage ICES 2015 conference attendees through a series of challenges via Twitter #CAPTUREICES2015. Challenges are issued, participants complete the challenges and earn points.For example, the first challenge was "First (easy) challenge! YOU EARN 100 points  (+additional 100 for each background selfie)." People were quite creative in terms of finding ways to include several people, including the use of mirrors!

The ICES communicators are interested in continuing discussions about audiences, messaging and cooperation as well as agenda items for the 2016 conference. Contact Terhi Minkkinen directly for more information.

Visit to the Denmark Aquarium and ICES conferece

Entrance to the Denmark Aquarium.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

The Denmark Aquarium

This morning we met with Kai Frydendahl (COO) and Frederikke Krabek (Head of Education) of the Den Blå Planet (Denmark Aquarium). Our intent was to build on an existing partnership between the Aquarium and DTU Aqua on invasive species. Ideas for additional collaborative efforts included speakers from DTU Aqua for the Aquarium's lecture series, providing ocean science content for teacher professional development, and a hosting a day similar to the COSEE-TEK Ocean Science and Technology Day. We are also keen to find mutually beneficial outreach projects that can be written into grant proposals.

The Ocean Tank at the Denmark Aquarium.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Interactive identification interface for the Ocean Tank.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

ICES conference

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) 2015 science conference takes place in Copenhagen this week. The main objective of ICES is to "increase the scientific knowledge of the marine environment and its living resources and to use this knowledge to provide unbiased, non-political advice to competent authorities." In addition to attending sessions, we'll spend time networking with outreach, communications and policy colleagues to further explore common interests. Tomorrow I will provide an overview of a few US projects at the ICES Marine Science Communications Networking meeting.

 Although I was not able to attend a "meet and greet" event for US ICES attendees this morning, I did locate a few poster presentations by my NOAA colleagues. I hope to meet them over the next several days.

Wonderful Copenhagen

Flag of Denmark, the Dannebrog. According to legend, the flag
fell from the sky during the battle of Lyndanisse in 1219.

Denmark is part of Scandinavia along with Sweden and Norway. Unlike its Nordic sister countries, Denmark is relatively flat with ample farmland. It is a constitutional monarchy, with a Parliament and Queen Margrethe II. While the Queen is the formal head of government, she does not set policy or choose political leaders. She is a talented artist and costume designer.

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is an easily walkable (or bikeable) modern European city. My plan for my first weekend was to simply explore Copenhagen on foot. The weather was splendid for walking along the Strøget, relaxing in Tivoli Gardens, and finding the Rådhuspladsen, Rundetaarn and Botanical Gardens.

The Strøget is lined with many cafes and shops. It is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. At the western end  is the Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square). The Kongens Nytorv (Kings New Square) is the eastern boundary. Several additional (mostly) pedestrian streets radiate from the Strøget.

Walking along the Strøget.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square), featuring City Hall.

Rådhuspladsen.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Do you recall the fabulous children's stories by Hans Christian Andersen including The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea and The Snow Queen (the Disney movie Frozen was adapted from The Snow Queen)? H.C. (as he is known in Denmark) moved to Copenhagen at the age of 14 from Odense. His statue to the right of the Rådhuspladsen seems to look longingly at Tivoli.

Hans Christian Andersen statue across from Tivoli Gardens.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Walking through the Rådhuspladsen, you reach Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world. It is rumored that Tivoli was Walt Disney's inspiration for Disneyland. Tivoli boasts rides, restaurants, cafes and live entertainment. I find the gardens the most enchanting part of Tivoli.

The main gate of Tivoli Gardens.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Some of the magnificent plants and water features in Tivoli.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

I was thrilled to see the Tivoli Boys' Guard, a Tivoli tradition since 1844. The boys range in age from 8-16 and their uniforms are similar to those of the Royal Danish Guard.

The percussion section of the  Tivoli Boys' Guard Band.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Heading back along the Strøgetand up another pedestrian street (Købmagergade), I came upon the Rundetaarn (Round Tower). It is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. It's a great walk up the spiral ramp, and the reward is a fantastic view of Copenhagen!

The Rundetaarn.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

On the way back to my apartment, I took a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Garden. It was a wonderful spot to relax and do some birdwatching in the middle of Copenhagen.

The Palm House in the Botanical Garden.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

A Great Blue heron.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Life at the Castle and a Visit to the Copenhagen International School

Charlottenlund Castle
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Life at the Castle: An Office in the King's Private Quarters, Royal Encounters and Grafitti

I share my temporary space (desk in the foreground) with Kirsten Thomsen, Ole Henrik Haslund and Ivo Grigorov. Recall that the building housing the DTU Aqua offices was a royal Danish summer residence, Charlottenlund Castle and the beautiful Charlottenlund Castle Gardens. The rumor is that our office was at one time part of the King's private quarters. He would literally lie in bed and shoot deer from the window.

Office space at DTU Aqua, formerly the King's private quarters.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Deer would come down into this valley - office window is on the second floor, far right.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Then there is the much more recent story of a member of the royal family knocking at the front door asking to use the toilet. Difficult to deny access - after all, it IS his property! And would you believe the Queen used to give certain guests a diamond so as to carve their name in the window??? I found the proof of this tale on the landing just off the dining room:

Name carved in Charlottenlund Castle window.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

More graffiti on a Charlottenlund Castle window.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Lunch with Thomas Kiørboe

Meals take place in what used to be the "Knights room," complete with fireplace and museum quality paintings of the royal family adorning the walls. Yesterday Ivo and I had lunch with the Director of the Centre for Ocean Life Dr. Thomas Kiørboe to discuss the goals of our project. Dr. Kiørboe is an internationally renowned plankton ecologist with an easygoing, friendly manner. Over the course of our conversation, he asked where my UConn office is located. Remarkably, he will be presenting a seminar on October 9 at UConn Avery Point as an invited guest of Dr. Hans Dam of the UConn Marine Sciences department! I'm sorry to miss the seminar on my home turf, but I have put Dr. Kiørboe in touch with members of our Avery Point faculty and staff involved in ocean science education and outreach projects.

DTU Aqua dining room.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Copenhagen International School

Yesterday afternoon, Ivo and I travelled to the Copenhagen International School (CIS) - via bicycle, of course - to meet with middle school science teachers. Classes at CIS are taught in English, which may help place DTU Aqua scientists who do not speak Danish.

At the Copenhagen International School (CIS).
Photo credit: Ivo Grigorov.

Our initial conversation with Brynna Vogt and Charlotte Knappe went very well! After presenting an overview of our ideas for potential collaboration, Brynna and Charlotte told us about CIS and the science curriculum. We discovered significant areas of overlap and mutual interest - in fact, Charlotte commented "Christmas just arrived in the Science department!" We also considered methods to evaluate the impact of visiting scientists, including the Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST). Brynna is quite familiar with DAST as she utilized it as part of her master's thesis. The conversation included a discussion about a session I'll be co-presenting with Dr. Meghan Marrero at the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA) conference. We've taken a new twist on DAST and the Draw-An Environment Test in piloting the Draw-the-Ocean test (DTO)!

We all left the meeting energized and made plans to take next steps, including a follow-up meeting in October.

Discussing potential collaboration between DTU and CIS with middle school science teachers 
Charlotte Knappe (center) and Brynna Vogt (right).
Photo credit: Ivo Grigorov.

Viewing images of the Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST).
Photo credit: Ivo Grigorov.

Centre for Ocean Life-Seminar 1 and Getting Around Copenhagen

Image credit: Centre for Ocean Life

Seminar for the Centre for Ocean Life 

The Centre for Ocean Life is a Villum Kann Rasmussen Centre of Excellence, working to better understand marine ecosystems by bringing together multiple marine science research disciplines.

Yesterday I provided a seminar for more than 20 graduate students, faculty and staff on how to develop societally relevant research questions through education and outreach. In addition to an explanation of my experience in research science and education and an overview of the Fulbright Specialist Program, topics included the Ocean Literacy campaign and highlights of the work of the Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE). Activities discussed included the results of the COSEE Scientist Engagement Survey, the COSEE-TEK Ocean Science and Technology Day, and the COSEE NOW Broader Impacts Wizard. The next seminar will focus on selecting an appropriate audience for a research project's the education and outreach efforts.

Placing scientific research in a societal context.
Photo credit: Ivo Grigorov

A Bicycle Friendly City

Copenhagen rivals Amsterdam as the most bike-friendly city in the world. Each day, I can take a train (tog) or ride a bike to DTU Aqua.  Dedicated bicycle lanes are located between the pedestrian sidewalk and the street, and you can take a bicycle on most trains and the metro during non-peak hours. As I attempt to fully experience Danish culture, I'd like you to meet my main mode of transportation for my stay in Copenhagen!

Dedicated bike lane.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

A borrowed bicycle ensures easy access to the Copenhagen area - thanks Ivo!
Photo credit: Ivo Grigorov

DTU Aqua

Image credit: DTU Aqua

I am quite fortunate to spend my Fulbright experience at DTU Aqua. Our focus for this project is to demonstrate how research and education/outreach are mutually dependent to foster public acceptance of ocean science research, resources and policies. We also intend to create mutually beneficial partnerships between DTU Aqua and local formal and informal education venues.

DTU Aqua

My host institution is the National Institute for Aquatic Resources - DTU Aqua - part of the Technical University of Denmark. DTU Aqua’s mission is to conduct research, provide advice, educate at university level and contribute to innovation in sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic resources. Investigations include the biology and population ecology of aquatic organisms, aquatic physics and chemical processes, and ecosystem structure and dynamics while taking account all the relevant natural and anthropogenic drivers. DTU Aqua began in 1889 as the Danish Biological Station and has grown to include facilities in Lyksvad, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals.

DTU Aqua is located in Charlottenlund, just outside of Copenhagen. Offices have been housed within Charlottenlund castle (Charlottenlund Slot), a former Danish royal summer residence, since 1936.

Charlottenlund is located just north of Copenhagen.

Charlottenlund castle, home of DTU Aqua.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

DTU Aqua coordinates the EURO-BASIN project, helped draft the Galway Statement between the EU, US and Canada, and hosts the Centre for Ocean Life. 

Seminars at DTU

I will lead three seminars at DTU Aqua during my Fulbright experience. I will provide an overview of the Fulbright Specialist Program, outline the three seminars I will present for DTU graduate students, and discuss my work with NOAA Sea Grant, specifically my duties for Connecticut Sea Grant education in connecting ocean science researchers and educators. I will also highlight my experience as an evaluator for the NSF-funded COSEE-TEK and my involvement with Ocean Literacy campaign in the US, Europe and beyond.

The seminars focus on graduate students and post docs at the Centre for Ocean Life. Topics within the seminars include Ocean Science Research in a Societal Context, Non-experts' Perception of the Ocean, Sharing Ocean Science Research with Non-experts, Evaluating Your Education and Outreach Efforts and How Education and Public Outreach Can Benefit Your Career.

DTU Aqua Shellfish Center

During my stay, I will also visit the DTU Aqua Shellfish Center in North Jutland. I will meet with Education Center staff working on the SeaCHANGE project. 

DTU Aqua Shellfish Center is located in Nykøbing Mors on the LimFjord.
Image credit: GraphicMaps.com

SeaCHANGE

DTU Aqua is a partner in the EU-funded SeaCHANGE project, which "aims to bring about a fundamental 'Sea Change' in the way European citizens view their relationship with the sea by empowering them - as 'Ocean Literate' citizens - to take direct and sustainable towards healthy seas and ocean, healthy communities and ultimately - a healthy planet." I look forward to working with my SeaCHANGE colleagues!

The Fulbright Adventure Begins

Today I head for Copenhagen to begin my adventure as a Fulbright Specialist! All told, it will encompass 32 days based at the Technical University of Denmark's National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua). I will work with colleagues at DTU to build partnerships with local schools and informal education venues and provide seminars for graduate students and faculty.

The experience includes travels to Crete, Greece for the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA) conference and to the DTU Aqua Shellfish Center. In addition, I'll attend the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea ICES 2015 and help host a TransAtlantic Ocean Literacy meeting. Check back regularly to follow along! Tomorrow's post will feature my host institution, DTU Aqua.

Nyhavn
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Crete Aquarium
Photo credit: CretAquarium