We will explore the seven Ocean Literacy Principles developed by the Ocean Literacy Network over eight weeks. These principles were developed to teach students what is essential to know about the ocean. This is a course based in oceanography, highlighting current issues in the Gulf of Maine and beyond, with a focus on each of the principles:
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 made the earth habitable.
The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
The ocean is largely unexplored.
Instructor Anneliese (Lili) Pugh has been an informal educator much of her adult life. She received her Masters degree in Oceanography from the University of Maine, stationed at the Darling Marine Center. Lili was a Teacher/Naturalist for Massachusetts Audubon Society before moving to Maine. After receiving her Masters she went back to the Darling Marine Center as the K-12 Education Coordinator. Most recently, she has been part-time Faculty at the University of Southern Maine, teaching a marine biology laboratory course. She is passionate about teaching anyone, and is super excited about introducing people to anything that has to do with water, including plankton, river monitoring, and swimming — in addition to all things ocean.