BUILDING OCEAN LITERACY: THE SOCALSEAS PROJECT

As a second-generation cohort of Agents of Change in SAGE 2YC (Supporting and Advancing Geoscience Education at Two-Year Colleges), we developed a multi-pronged approach to increase the visibility of Marine/Coastal Sciences in Southern California. Our approach included creating new pathways for students in order to increase the number of those who pursue degrees in marine/coastal sciences; nurturing of a network of colleagues from across southern California (SoCalSeas) who collaborate across campuses and disciplines; and developing resources for educators and students.

We will share some of the trials and successes of creating a new course (Coastal Oceanography) at the 2YC level that is transferable to 4YCs, as well as strategies for bringing faculty together to learn from and share with each other. Our workshops resulted in faculty toolkits for the classroom and beyond. Ideas for collaboration and sharing involved the creation of a SoCalSeas web page for posting classroom and field activities, cross-campus speaker series, and internship and research opportunities among area colleges and organizations.

As Change Agents we were able to utilize SAGE resources, expertise, and support to strengthen interest, communication and collaboration where coastal issues are exceptionally timely and relevant. As our efforts continue beyond the scope of the SAGE 2YC project, we invite you to join our community. Ride the wave with us!