Oceans for beginners

Cross-curricular | Ages 11-14

This series of three lessons sets the scene for students who are about to commence the science, geography or design and technology Ocean Plastics 11-14 units of work, or as a standalone unit to introduce the idea of ocean literacy.

The lessons introduce students to the breadth and depth of the ocean and the wonder of the creatures that inhabit it. The unit explores some of the many ways we depend on the ocean and asks students to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment expressing their concerns about ocean health. The unit then reviews what is meant by ocean plastics pollution and encourages students to critically appraise information from different media sources. Students then go on investigate possible career opportunities within this field.

At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 3 unit - Ocean Plastics 11-14 Science, Geography or Design and Technology.


Lesson 1: Our wonderful oceans 11-14

This lesson introduces students to the marine habitat and the wealth and diversity of life found in the ocean.

Lesson 2: Our ocean and us 11-14

In this lesson students learn about the concept of ecosystem goods and services and then reflect on how dependent we all are on the ocean.

Lesson 3: Our ocean in crisis 11-14

Students explore the issue of marine plastics pollution and use their critical thinking skills to determine the validity of sources of information.



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