Here at the Ocean Conservation Trust, we have put together a set of resources to help young people learn about the ocean in their classroom at school. The resources are designed to be flexible and adaptable for use in a variety of settings, but most importantly they use the ocean as a hook to teach National Curriculum subjects.
The Ocean is the largest living space on the planet and sustains countless plants and animals in a wide variety of habitats. Whether you have an Ocean view or live miles from the coastline, you are inextricably linked to the Ocean. The Ocean is essential for all life on our blue planet.
Ocean literacy is defined as:
An understanding of the Ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the Ocean
Ocean literate people can communicate about the Ocean in a meaningful way, and are more able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding this invaluable asset.
There are seven Ocean literacy principles that provide a learning platform for sound Ocean knowledge:
There are seven Ocean literacy principles that provide a learning platform for sound Ocean knowledge:
- The Earth has one big ocean with many features
- The Ocean and life in the Ocean shape the features of the Earth
- The Ocean is a major influence on weather and climate
- The Ocean makes Earth habitable
- The Ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
- The Ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected
- The Ocean is largely unexplored