EMSEA 2015 - Days 2 and 3

Image credit: EMSEA

EMSEA - Day 2

Sessions, Workshops and Open Space

The first full day of EMSEA 2015 had an amazing array of outstanding presentations and workshops! Dr. Meghan Marrero and I shared our work on Draw the Ocean and invited others interested in the topic to join us. Draw the Ocean is theoretically based on mental models and practically adapted from the Draw a Scientist and Draw the Environment tests. We began by asking session attendees to think about what comes to mind when asked to "Draw a Scientist." This became the basis for our presentation in explaining the successes and challenges in working with mental models.

Draw the Ocean presentation with Meg Marrero.
Photo credit: Ivar Babb

Prior to the lunch break, attendees were given the option of joining in one of four workshops: Storytelling, Communication, Marine Litter app or OL in curriculum. The workshops would be repeated on Day 3, providing an opportunity to attend two of the four workshops. Today I selected the Communication workshop, led by Geraldine Fauville, Anouck Hubert, and Jan Seys. The workshop provided a broad overview of a variety of communcation strategies and offered best practices for challenges often faced in each strategy.

The remainder of the day focused on Open Space or an "unconference." This allowed conference attendees to suggest topics based on their interest that perhaps may nto be addressed otherwise except at coffee or lunch breaks. People wrote ideas on post-it notes and placed the post-its on a "bulletin board" for others to see. People were able to sign up to join any group they wished - and to come and go from room to room as they pleased. Each group designated a note taker, with the assumption that notes would be emailed to the conference committee for posting on the EMSEA 2015 scheduler at a later time.

Before leaving for dinner at a "secret location," EMSEA 2015 attendees gathered for a group picture at the CretAquarium.

The EMSEA 2015 group picture!
Photo credit: Tom Dyer

Evening Event at Lynchnostatis 

EMSEA 2015 conference organizer Martha Papathanassiou was very quiet about the dinner location, wanting to surprise us all with a very Greek experience! The Cretan Open-air Museum Lynchostatis was a very interesting introduction to Cretan folk cultural heritage. There were many things to see including agricultural tools, handcrafts, local plants and plenty of music and dancing! 

Our evening dinner and entertainment venue!
Photo credit: Diana Payne

We had a guided tour of the grounds and dwellings on site, which were brought to this location. Our evening at Lynchostatis provided a great introduction to the heritage and culture of Crete. An interesting artifact was a tree with many carvings depicting the history of Crete.

Carved tree with the history of Crete.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Close-up of one of the images on the carved tree.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Our dinner was set in a beautiful outdoor area, with a stage that came alive with local musicians and dancers. EMSEA 2015 attendees did not hesitate when encouraged to join the dancers on stage!

Our dinner awaits!
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Lots of singing and dancing!
Photo credit: Susan Haynes

EMSEA - Day 3

Another great day of sessions focused on evaluation and innovative ways of promoting Ocean Literacy. We were again able to select from four workshop sessions in the afternoon. Today I chose the  Storytelling workshop which was very well attended an quite interesting!

The final major focus for EMSEA 2015 was to look ahead and begin to shape the way forward for Ocean Literacy in Europe and beyond. The EMSEA girls led a discussion about EMSEA beginnings and status, while current NMEA President Bob Rocha provided an overview of the structure of the organzation as an example.

So what should EMSEA look like in the future? How should it be organized? To try to answer these questions, the Eurpoean attendees divided into groups by regional sea while some non-Europeans were asked to facilitate the discussions. I worked with the group from the Baltic and North seas. The conversation centered on the structure of EMSEA as an organization. Several options were put forth, including grouping by regional sea, country, topic/issue or from a larger European standpoint. Each suggestions has its merits and challenges, which the EMSEA board will need to disucss prior to making decisions.

The day ended with prizes for the winners of "Aquarium Bingo" and some rest and relaxation prior to the field trip day.

See you at EMSEA 2016 in Belfast!!!

EMSEA 2015 - Day 1

Image credit: EMSEA

The 3rd European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA) Conference was held in Heraklion, Crete, September 28 -  October 1. The focus was on evaluating actions and methods and their impact on diverse audiences, including schools and aquariums. Time was also dedicated to looking ahead into the future and shaping 'the way forward' for Ocean Literacy in Europe and beyond.

Our day began in the auditorium of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research. Conference organizer Martha Papathanassiou kicked off the event, followed by a welcome from the EMSEA founders and a discussion of Ocean Literacy in Greece. 

EMSEA 2015 conference organizer Martha Papathanassiou.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

EMSEA girls Evy Copejans, Geraldine Fauville,and Fiona Crouch
give a warm welcome to EMSEA 2015 conference participants.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

Sigi Gruber then provided an overview of the EU Commission's Ocean Literacy intiatives.

Sigi Gruber, Head of Marine Resources Unit, DG Research and Innovation,
European Commission, talks about Ocean Literacy initiatives.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

The conference keynote speaker was Pierre-Yves Cousteau, founder of Cousteau Divers, a citizen science initiative to unite recreational divers for the study and protection of marine life. Pierre-Yves is the youngest son of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. He has multiple masters degrees in biochemistry, space science and business administration.  

Pierre-Yves works for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as a marine program officer, specifically on the Sea for Society project to foster environmental stewardship values within European cultures. He also works on the Catlin Sea View project to map coral reefs worldwide, and in developing strategies for Blue Growth, combining finance and conservation. He inspired EMSEA 2015 attendees with his knowledge ad passion for our common goals.

Following his talk he joined the EMSEA girls, NMEA Presidents, EU directorate leadership and others for pictures!

EMSEA founders and EMSEA 2015 conference chair with Cousteau!
Evy Copejans, Geraldine Fauville, Pierre-Yves Cousteau, Fiona Crouch, Martha Papathanassiou.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

NMEA Presidents with Cousteau!
Craig Strang, Susan Haynes, Pierre-Yves Cousteau, Diana Payne, Bob Rocha.
Photo credit: Ivan Conesa Alcolea

Ivan Conesa Alcolea, Piere-Yves Cousteau, Sigi Gruber.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

The evening was spent at the CretAquarium, exploring exhibits, enjoying refreshments, meeting new colleagues and catching up with friends from across the world. A great start to what will be a lively, exciting and fruitful experience!

Relaxing at the CretAquarium.
Photo credit: Tom Dyer

Sea anemone.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

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!

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