The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE): A National Success Story

Abstract

This article focuses on the success achieved over a three year period by the National COSEE Network which is comprised of seven regional Centers and one Central Coordinating Office (CCO). This success is based on a Network of professionals who are proactive and passionate about ocean sciences and education; embrace a common focus; exhibit extraordinary teamwork; involve multiple partners; understand the need for both grassroots and national leadership; work toward making its unique and collaborative infrastructure seamless; and implement effective strategic planning. Specifically, COSEE focuses on: serving as a catalyst and portal in engaging scientists and formal/informal educators to "bridge the gap" between current research and its relevance to precollege teachers and their students, informal educators, and the general public within museums, science centers, and aquariums; determining what it is all people should know about our watery planet to be considered ocean literate; working toward enhanced diversity in the workforce; implementing regional and national evaluation plans; developing a mechanism to infuse ocean sciences into existing and future State and National Science Education Standards; and disseminating high-quality COSEE resources, based on sound science. The National COSEE Network is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR).