Current world issues, such as global climate change and collapsing world fisheries, have local and global implications and are tied to ocean processes. The Communicating Ocean Sciences course was created for students interested in improving their teaching skills and ability to communicate about complex science concepts using inquiry-based pedagogy. The COSEE Island Earth course has been specifically adapted for Hawaii to include important concepts such as traditional knowledge and ways of knowing through a curricular framework that links indigenous concepts of environmental stewardship with ocean literacy principles. Students are also given the opportunity to apply these concepts in an educational setting at partner institutions. This course has previously been offered at the University of Hawaii Manoa, Maui Community College, Kapiolani Community College as well as other venues.
The goals of the course are to:
1) introduce future scientists to the importance of education, and the broader impact of their research;
2) introduce diverse students in science majors to possible careers in K-12 teaching;
3) encourage beneficial collaborations between ocean scientists and educators;
4) provide significant ocean sciences instruction and college-age role models for under-represented K-12 students.
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