Ocean Literacy

Ocean Wise has combined our expert knowledge in ocean science, our ongoing research, and passion for the ocean to bring you Ocean Literacy Courses. These interactive and comprehensive online classrooms are perfect for educators and students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the ocean.

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Ocean Wise Courses

Our mission is to inspire the global community to be Ocean Wise by increasing its understanding, wonder and appreciation of our oceans. We have combined our passion, research and expertise on the ocean with the United States framework to bring you the Ocean Literacy Courses.

Student Courses

These online courses are free, self-directed, and interactive for students in grade 3 to 12, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the ocean. Students can take the course at their own pace, and earn exciting badges for every accomplishment they make throughout the course.

Educator Courses

Our Educator Resource Library is a comprehensive and curated collection of resources, lesson plans and classroom activities to help educators activate ocean literary curriculum in their classrooms. This free and easily navigated tool will have everything you need to bring the ocean to your students.

What is Ocean Literacy

Ocean literacy is the understanding of the ocean and our relationship with it. The ocean provides us with vital resources such as food and oxygen. It brings joy, transportation, inspiration and regulates our climate around the world. The ocean is a complex and incredible world for of wonder and tribulations. To help us understand and develop our relationship with the ocean, the Ocean Literacy Framework was developed.

Since this initial framework, Ocean Literacy has continued to evolve and improve, being implemented all around the world. Recently UNESCO, with collaboration from leading organizations and educators, created the Ocean Literacy For All Toolkit. This comprehensive document provides content and activities to support ocean literacy education in formal and informal education settings. Now Ocean Wise brings their expertise from over six decades of ocean research, conservation and education to advancing ocean literacy. These online platforms are the latest tool in our repertoire to help you discover and engage your connection to the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nothing – these courses are free and open to everyone.
You will need to create an account on the course you would like to take. Registration information can be found on each of the course and educator library. Select the classroom you would like to join, and follow the registration information provided in the Welcome Message.

Registration is free and requires an email address. Last names, or additional personal information, are not required. Adults may register themselves and add their students without having to provide email addresses for each youth. Instructions for this process can be found on the Ocean Literacy Elementary course.
The ocean is the perfect lens in which to teach many of the core competencies and curriculum requirements. We have curated the activities and resources to best support the BC New Curriculum. In each resource description, you will find the curriculum requirements and competencies that can be met.

While we have curated the course based on BC Curriculum, the application of the resources is endless.
In the United States, a community of scientists, educators, governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations worked collaboratively to develop the Ocean Literacy Framework.

Each Ocean Literacy Course as a Frequently Asked Questions page in it with more detailed information pertaining to each course. If you are looking for more information, or would like to provide feedback, please email us at [email protected]