Promoting ocean literacy among students in Brazilian schools

Promoting the principles, concepts, and dimensions of Ocean Literacy (OL) among children and youth is essential for enhancing society's understanding of the ocean's complexity and the causes and consequences of its degradation. This study details a project conducted over a year with 235 students from a public school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aged 8 to 15. Developed in partnership with schoolteachers, the activities encompassed theoretical lessons, laboratory experiments, field trips, and reading circles. These were grounded in the students' local context and integrated into the school curriculum. The project was evaluated through questionnaires and focus group interviews. Findings revealed not only learning and changes in attitude but also increased student engagement and a revitalized school environment. This project can be adapted for other regions and audiences. •Actions on Ocean Literacy at Brazilian Formal Education•Activities on Ocean Literacy at Schools•Students and Teachers engagement in Ocean Literacy activities•Natural and architectural landscape as didactic tools•Activities on Ocean Literacy to surpass curricula limitations