Fundamental Concepts for

Essential Principle 6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

6a. The ocean affects every human life. It supplies freshwater (most rain comes from the ocean) and nearly all Earth’s oxygen. It moderates the Earth’s climate, influences our weather, and affects human health.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade bands K-2, 3-5 and 9-12 mention concepts; Grade band 6-8 addresses concepts in depth.

6b. From the ocean we get foods, medicines, and mineral and energy resources. In addition, it provides jobs, supports our nation’s economy, serves as a highway for transportation of goods and people, and plays a role in national security.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade band K-2 mentions concepts; Grade bands 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 address concepts in depth.

6c. The ocean is a source of inspiration, recreation, rejuvenation and discovery. It is also an important element in the heritage of many cultures.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade bands K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 mention concepts.

6d. Much of the world’s population lives in coastal areas.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade band K-2 mentions concepts; Grade bands 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 address concepts in depth.

6e. Humans affect the ocean in a variety of ways. Laws, regulations and resource management affect what is taken out and put into the ocean. Human development and activity leads to pollution (such as point source, non-point source, and noise pollution) and physical modifications (such as changes to beaches, shores and rivers). In addition, humans have removed most of the large vertebrates from the ocean.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade bands K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 address concepts in depth.

6f. Coastal regions are susceptible to natural hazards (such as tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclones, sea level change, and storm surges).

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade bands K-2 and 3-5 mention concepts; Grade bands 6-8 and 9-12 address concepts in depth.

6g. Everyone is responsible for caring for the ocean. The ocean sustains life on Earth and humans must live in ways that sustain the ocean. Individual and collective actions are needed to effectively manage ocean resources for all.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade bands K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 address concepts in depth.