Center For Ocean Sciences Education Excellence COSEE California
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Scientists! Broaden your impact

The Communicating Ocean Sciences courses provide opportunities for scientists to discuss their research with university students and to incorporate aspects of their research into science outreach in K-12 classrooms and informal science education institutions. It is an effective vehicle for educational outreach to K-12 students and the wider public through the efforts of the university students, and it benefits the public since concepts and topics about the ocean rarely appear in K-12 curriculum, standards, or assessments.

The courses are structured to be offered as part of undergraduate and graduate science course offerings (at UC Berkeley COS is co-listed by the departments of Integrative Biology and Earth and Planetary Sciences). Both courses can be used to fulfill requirements in both undergraduate science majors and requirements for graduate science students to complete a course in teaching methods. Undergraduate and graduate students are introduced to inquiry-based science teaching and learning theory through activities that focus on ocean sciences content. Pairs of students then apply what they learn by a minimum of 12 hours of practicum in K-12 classrooms (for COS-K12) or in informal science education institutions (for COSIA). Graduate students receive additional curriculum development and teaching experience to prepare them for likely future roles in university education.

We are currently inviting colleges, universities and informal science education institutions (e.g. museums, aquariums) to adapt and offer the COS-K12 and COSIA courses. Please look over our list of frequently asked questions for more information about the courses.

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