The book’s publisher, Current Publishing
Corp., asked Wiley and others serving on the committee to review the content of
each book chapter. The eight nationwide committee members identified where the
book aligned with NMEA ocean literacy standards and where it needed
improvements.
“So many things are affected by the ocean,
including climate change with the potential rise in sea level,” Wiley said. “It
is important to have a citizenry that is familiar with why the ocean is
important and how it impacts all our daily lives.”
Using marine science to teach basic
scientific principles is an effective and engaging way to interest students and
help them perform at the level set by the state’s educational standards, Wiley
said. For example, he commonly uses marine sponges to teach general physics
principles rather than other land-based examples.
Dean Allen, vice president and general manager
for Current Publishing Corp., said the Life
on an Ocean Planet textbook offers abundant resources and flexibility to
allow teachers, regardless of their marine science experience, to easily teach
the course. The textbook, which is geared towards students in 10-12 grade
levels, is part of a curriculum that also includes a laboratory and activity
disc and a teacher’s curriculum guide and digital resource package.
“We are extremely pleased with the results
and proud of the contribution Mark and the Ocean Literacy Committee provided,”
Allen added. - story and photo by Rebecca Zeiber, N.H. Sea Grant science writer |
