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Beyond Terra firma: Bringing Ocean and Aquatic Sciences to Environmental and Science Teacher Education

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The Inclusion of Environmental Education in Science Teacher Education

Abstract

This chapter addresses the lack of discussion on ocean and aquatic science in environmental and science teacher education, contending that such content is essential to global Earth systems science literacy. To understand and teach the complex issues facing our planet (e.g., global climate change), educators must comprehend the multifaceted and interdependent nature of the Earth as a system, including the influence of human activity. This chapter discusses (1) the lack of inclusion of ocean and aquatic science concepts in both environmental and science teacher education and education in general, (2) challenges and opportunities posed by the lack of inclusion, and (3) recommendations and resources, with connections to science education standards and environmental education guidelines, to provide teacher educators and teachers with tools to enhance curriculum and instruction. An overview of national programs and initiatives is provided, including the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts, Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Sciences Bowl, Project WET, and Project WILD Aquatic.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Rosanne Fortner, Julie Lambert, Meghan Marrero, and Sharon Walker for their guidance and support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neag School of Education Department of Educational Psychology, Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut at Avery Point, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT, 06340, USA

    Diana L. Payne

  2. University of Rutgers, 10 Seminary Place, New Brunsuick, NJ, 08901-1183, USA

    Timothy D. Zimmerman

Authors
  1. Diana L. Payne
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  2. Timothy D. Zimmerman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Diana L. Payne .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , College of Education, Lehigh University, Research Drive, A113 Lacocca Hall 111, Bethlehem, 18015, Pennsylvania, USA

    Alec M. Bodzin

  2. SUNY Cortland, Cortland, 13045, New York, USA

    Beth Shiner Klein

  3. Seidel School of Education and Professio, Department of Education Specialties, Salisbury University, Camden Ave. 1101, Salisbury, 21801, Maryland, USA

    Starlin Weaver

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Payne, D.L., Zimmerman, T.D. (2010). Beyond Terra firma: Bringing Ocean and Aquatic Sciences to Environmental and Science Teacher Education. In: Bodzin, A., Shiner Klein, B., Weaver, S. (eds) The Inclusion of Environmental Education in Science Teacher Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9222-9_6

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