Small Scientist: Promoting Ocean Science Literacy in Early Childhood Education Centres

The Small Scientist project translated peer-reviewed marine science research articles into children's literature for use as an Ocean Literacy tool in 303 kindergartens across Norway. The project was a collaborative effort to communicate ocean science through literary prose and illustrations in the book, "Callie og Vannveggen." By utilising rhyme scheme and traditional storytelling techniques, "Callie og Vannveggen" uses knowledge-based wonder to introduce the reader/listener to important topics in marine ecology. Topics such as copepod vertical migration, trophic interactions, oceanography, marine science sampling equipment, the scientific method and collaborative team efforts of both scientists and the (anthropomorphized) copepod friends. The use of emotions throughout the storyline promotes an emotional connection to life in the sea. The writing and illustration styles not only convey marine science information but presents opportunities for play-based learning for small children, thus lending to deeper retention of information. "Callie og Vannveggen" is a marine science story that takes place in Norway and based on Norwegian research. Having the regional setting is important to readers/listeners to draw a connection to their national natural history. Traditional science communication actions lean towards dry material, are limited in accessibility, and often have a mismatch between the ideas of the scientists and the needs of the end-user. Through collaborative teamwork from day 0, the Small Scientist project was able to create a product that communicated science, used age appropriate language and illustrations, and with guaranteed use by the end-user (Læringsverkstedet) as a national Ocean literacy learning tool.

Work on the Small Scientist project continues after funding from the Research Council of Norway was complete.

North SciComm is an Ocean science communication company in Norway. North SciComm promotes ocean literacy among the public. We specialize in innovative projects, reaching new target audiences to make scientific literature accessible to everyone. Our projects are collaborative efforts that cross disciplines, including graphic arts, visual arts, pedagogy, communication, and science. North SciComm is led by Andrea Bozman, PhD in Aquatic Biosciences – Marine Ecology.