What Do Students Know about the Ocean? Assessing Ocean Literacy at the California State University Maritime Academy Alex Parker, Colin Dewey, Steven Runyon, and Cynthia Cudabeck The California State University, Maritime Academy Cal Maritime Ocean Initiative Maritime Education Summit October 18, 2014

Next Steps First Cal Maritime Ocean Initiative Assess Ocean Literacy at other maritime colleges Strategize with others on how to promote the Ocean across the curriculum Serve as a clearing house for undergraduate ocean curriculum

US Commission on Ocean Policy, September 2004 Pew Ocean Commission Report, June 2003

“…a new era of ocean literacy that links people to the marine environment. Through enhanced marine education and awareness, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, fisherman, farmers, business and political leaders – indeed all citizens – with a greater understanding and appreciation for the oceans”. The Pew Oceans Commission 2003, p. 91. “While most people do not recognize the number of benefits the ocean provides,…, many do feel a positive connection with it… This connection can be a powerful tool for increasing awareness of, interest in, and responsible action toward the marine environment, and is critical to building an ocean stewardship ethic, strengthening the nation’s science literacy, and creating a new generation of ocean leaders.” U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy 2004 p. 122

Cal Maritime has an OPPORTUNITY and OBLIGATION to promote Ocean Literacy.

1.Promoting ocean literacy and an ocean stewardship ethic among maritime professionals. 2. Integrating the ocean across the maritime curriculum. Cal Maritime Ocean Initiative In 2014 we started the Cal Maritime Ocean Initiative with the goals of:

How “Ocean Literate” are Cal Maritime students? To what extent does the Cal Maritime curriculum build “Ocean Literacy” skills? How can we best increase “Ocean Literacy” in our curriculum? Questions

Defining Ocean Literacy “…having an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you—and your influence on the ocean“. The Center for Ocean Education Excellence (COSEE) was established in part to develop a framework for improving ocean literacy outcomes.

An ocean literate person: 1)understands the essential principles and fundamental concepts about the ocean. 2)can communicate about the ocean in a meaningful way. 3) is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources. – COSEE, 2013 Defining Ocean Literacy

Defining Ocean Literacy 7 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 the earth. 3.The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate. 4.The ocean made 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.

Phase I: Incoming Class Survey Administered to incoming students during summer 2014 (n = 314). Response rate 54% Incentives for Completion - 14 Multiple Choice –Ocean Content Areas - 21 Likert-type Scale – Ocean attitudes and values 2 Essays: What interests you? How do your actions influence ocean?

CMA USD NCSU MBHS Truman Phase I: Comparing with other Academic Populations

Cal. Maritime Academy, N = 170 U. of San Diego, N = 25 Truman College, N = 25 North Carolina State, N = 293 Mountain Brook H.S., N = 100

Phase I: Survey Results – Ocean Knowledge Content

Which of these distances is closest to the average depth of the ocean? Phase I: Survey Results – Ocean Knowledge Content

CMAMBHSTrumanUSDNCSUExperts

Phase I: Survey Results – Ocean Knowledge Content

Phase I: Survey Results – Ocean Values I am familiar with the environmental issues facing California

Phase I: Survey Results – Ocean Values Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Strongly Agree Neutral I have enough background knowledge to write a substantive letter to my congressman

Phase I: Survey Results – Ocean Values My actions influence the health of the ocean I have a personal responsibility to work for the health of the ocean Disagree Disagree Agree Strongly Agree Neutral Agree Disagree Neutral Strongly Disagree

Phase I: Survey Results – Ocean Values

To what extent does the Cal Maritime curriculum build “Ocean Literacy” skills? How can we best increase “Ocean Literacy” in our curriculum? Next Steps

Spring 2015 survey of graduating seniors – 2015 “Ocean Literacy” Faculty Learning Community representing each academic area Next Steps

Marine Science at Cal Maritime Cal Maritime students may choose to complete a 15 unit minor in Marine Science. Current course offerings include: Biological and Physical Oceanography Chemical and Geological Oceanography Marine Biology Oceanographic Instrumentation and Analysis Independent Study

Marine Science in the Laboratory Winkler DO TitrationChlorinity DeterminationNutrient Analysis

Plankton Net DeploymentNiskin Bottle SamplingSecchi Measurement Marine Science in the Field

Cal Maritime Student Ocean Literacy Outreach at the Lawrence Hall of Science – The Water Cycle

Cal Maritime Student presenting original research at the CSU Chancellor’s Office

How do we support Ocean Literacy across the curriculum? Next Steps

Cal Maritime Ocean Initiative Assess Ocean Literacy at other maritime colleges Strategize with others on how to promote the Ocean across the curriculum Serve as a clearing house for undergraduate ocean curriculum