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COSEE (Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence) Grant Opportunity FAQs

1) What is the COSEE grant opportunity?

The COSEE grant opportunity is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Ocean Sciences funding program that supports the creation and renewal of COSEE Centers. These Centers are expected to function together as a coordinated national network focused on ocean sciences education excellence.

2) Who is the funding agency for this opportunity?

The funding agency is the National Science Foundation (NSF), specifically within the Division of Ocean Sciences.

3) What is the main purpose of COSEE Centers?

The core purpose is to strengthen collaboration and communication between ocean science researchers and the education community so current ocean research is translated more effectively into high-quality learning experiences.

4) What problem is the COSEE program trying to address?

The program is designed to help bridge cultural and practical gaps that can exist between research institutions and education organizations. It does this by promoting long-term partnerships, shared goals, and mechanisms for ongoing exchange between these communities.

5) What kinds of activities are COSEE Centers expected to support?

COSEE Centers are expected to integrate cutting-edge ocean science into educational materials and programs that are accurate, engaging, and aligned with strong teaching practice. They are also expected to build partnerships and communication pathways between researchers and educators.

6) How does the program support ocean science researchers?

COSEE Centers are meant to support ocean researchers in learning more about how education systems function and how people learn, including exposure to pedagogy and the needs of different learner audiences.

7) How does the program support educators?

The program aims to strengthen educators' capacity to understand ocean science content and to deliver strong ocean sciences instruction and programming.

8) Does the program include public education and outreach goals?

Yes. Beyond classrooms, COSEE Centers are expected to contribute to public understanding by creating or distributing materials that help general audiences appreciate the ocean's role in daily life, national prosperity, and broader societal well-being.

9) What type of grant is this?

This is a discretionary NSF grant in the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" category.

10) What is the CFDA number and program area listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 47.050 (Geosciences).

11) How many awards does NSF anticipate making?

NSF anticipated making about 7 awards under this opportunity.

12) What is the estimated total funding level for the program?

The estimated total program funding level is $3,710,000.

13) What is the award floor for this opportunity?

The listed award floor is $2,800,000.

14) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement listed for this opportunity.

15) When was the funding announcement posted?

The funding announcement was posted on January 18, 2010.

16) What was the proposal deadline?

The full proposal deadline was April 15, 2010, for proposals for COSEE Centers.

17) What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Proposals may be submitted by U.S.-based, accredited academic institutions that award degrees in geoscience or environmental science, U.S. oceanographic research institutions, professional societies, nonprofit or not-for-profit consortia, informal science centers, museums, aquaria, and state or local education agencies.

18) Is eligibility based on a partnership model?

Yes. Eligibility is broad but structured around a partnership model, with specific collaboration requirements for each proposed COSEE Center.

19) How many partners must a proposed COSEE Center include?

Each proposed COSEE Center must include at least three partners.

20) What collaboration requirement applies to the types of organizations involved?

A key requirement is collaboration among three or more different types of eligible organizations.

21) What sectors must be represented in each proposed COSEE Center?

Each proposed COSEE Center must include representation from three sectors: (1) ocean science research institutions, (2) formal education institutions, and (3) informal education institutions.

22) What does "three sectors" representation mean in practical terms?

In practice, NSF is looking for centers that connect research expertise with both school-based learning environments and public-facing education venues. The intent is to create pathways for ocean science knowledge to reach students, teachers, and the wider public.

23) Where can applicants find the full solicitation details?

The announcement is associated with NSF Publication 10-527.

24) Where can applicants get technical support for accessing the opportunity through Grants.gov?

Technical support is available via NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.