Lesson overview

This lesson will build on prior knowledge of marine environments. Students use globes and atlases to map the locations and key physical features of the oceans. Students will learn the names and notable characteristics of iconic species from different ocean habitats. They then use the information sheets to develop their knowledge and understanding of how humans use the ocean, presenting their findings in a fact-sheet.

Learning outcomes

• Review prior knowledge of the ocean
• Describe the physical features of the ocean
• Compare and contrast the features of marine species
• Explain how humans use the ocean
• Reflect on learning

Lesson steps

1. Ocean habitat introduction (5 mins)
   Students are introduced to the marine environment and share their prior knowledge.
2. The blue planet (30 mins)
   Students study atlases and globes to map the world’s oceans, their physical features and the important marine ecosystems.
3. Competing creatures (10 mins)
   Using information about a variety of marine species and habitats, students compare their features.
4. Humans and the oceans (10 mins)
   Students list the different ways humans use the ocean and start to consider the consequences of human impact.
5. Reflection (5 mins)
   In pairs students recall three new things they learnt today. Students reflect on what else they would like to know and share questions with a partner.

England

Geography Key Stage 4

• Illustrate the concept of interrelationships within a natural system
• Recognise and describe distributions and patterns of both human and physical features

Science Key Stage 4

• How do communities of species and ecosystems interact with each other?
• Positive and negative human interactions with ecosystems