One Ocean

Background Info

Life on Earth would not be possible without the ocean. When viewed from space, our planet is a world covered with water. All living things are intimately tied to this water in so many ways. Yet, despite its importance, a 2003 report by the Pew Oceans Commission determined that the United States' general public knows very little about the ocean.

But why is this important? To understand how the ocean impacts our lives daily, we need to understand how it influences weather and climate, that its inhabitants produce much of the oxygen we breathe, that the life found in the ocean feeds us, and how its currents are used to connect humans around the Earth, as well as the myriad of ocean life forms that inspire and amaze us. When a person is literate in how the ocean impacts humanity on a daily basis, they are given the tools to better protect the ocean through their daily behaviors and their voting habits.

This guide was developed to support teachers in teaching topics with real-world context, and provide them with the background to feel competent and comfortable when teaching about the ocean. It provides a solid introduction to the ocean and the ocean literacy principles in an accessible and reader-friendly manner. In addition to general information about the ocean, the guide includes numerous education features, such as teaching tips and student thinking, that help to connect the content to classroom practice.

Scroll through our resources above and click to download the book or individual chapters. Having trouble downloading? Use the links below.

One Ocean: Full Teacher Guide
Chapter 1: The Ocean System
Chapter 2: Ocean and Water Cycling
Chapter 3: Biodiversity in the Ocean
Chapter 4: Reduction of Ocean Biodiversity
Chapter 5: Health Concerns for People and Wildlife
Chapter 6: Changes in Ocean Temperature and Chemistry
Chapter 7: Solutions for Our Ocean

Credits

Media Credits

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Writer

Rachel J. Fisher, M.S. Biology
E. Tucker Hirsh, M.S. Environmental Science and Management
Amanda P. Jaksha, M.Ed. Teaching and Teacher Education
Meghan E. Marrero, Ed.D. Science Education
Marcia S. Matz, M.A. Design
L. Jeremy Richardson, Ph.D. Physics
Tara G. Treiber, B.A. Natural Sciences: Ecology

Designer

Cindy Olson

Editor

Lindsey Mohan
Kristen Dell, National Geographic Education Programs
Chelsea Zillmer

Educator Reviewer

Meghan E. Marrero, New York State Marine Education Association (NYSMEA)
Catie Boarts, Heal the Bay
Tara G. Treiber, Heal the Bay

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