Our Ocean Planet

Science / Geography | Ages 7-11

Our Ocean Planet is a series of 12 lessons designed for primary-level students who will discover the diversity and importance of Britain’s surrounding seas before heading on a round the world voyage. As they travel the oceans, they will be studying everything from the water cycle in the Arctic to penguin evolution in the Southern Ocean and a lot more in between.

Each lesson is introduced by a different expert from a diverse crew of experienced ocean scientists and explorers. They will set the students their mission which is based around a key question, with activities and resources to support group-based investigation and learning.


Lesson 1: The UK seas with Paul Rose

This introductory lesson sees students explore the seas and coasts of the United Kingdom with explorer and TV presenter Paul Rose.

Lesson 2: UK marine habitats with Dr Susana Lincoln

In this lesson, students learn about the five major marine habitats around the UK and the different conditions in each one.

Lesson 3: UK marine life with Dr Ceri Lewis and Dr Helen Findlay

This lesson uses a virtual ocean for students to explore the diversity, features and adaptations of marine life around the UK.

Lesson 4: Using our seas with Jennifer Gomez Molina

Students will investigate the main uses of the sea, before analysing data demonstrating the worth of the major marine industries to the UK economy.

Lesson 5: Our ocean voyage with Prof Alex Rogers

Students will learn about the names and locations of the world’s oceans before looking at some of the major marine features.

Lesson 6: The Arctic Ocean and the water cycle with Prof Mark Brandon

Students will visit the Arctic Ocean and learn about the water cycle. They will conduct a practical to link the ideas of temperature and evaporation.

Lesson 7: The Atlantic Ocean and climate with Prof Penny Holliday

Students will investigate the relationship between latitude and climate. Then they will explore the impact of ocean currents on climate.

Lesson 8: The Indian Ocean and classification with Sheena Talma

Students classify some organisms that are frequently thought to be other things, e.g. dolphins are mammals not fish and sponges are actually animals.

Lesson 9: The Pacific Ocean and plastic pollution with Jo Royle

Students will learn about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and then explore how the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) can be applied.

Lesson 10: The Southern Ocean and penguin adaptation with Dr Norman Ratcliffe

In this lesson, students travel to the Southern Ocean and the waters around Antarctica to study how penguins have adapted to this habitat.

Lesson 11: The Southern Ocean and penguin evolution with Dr Michael Dunn

By playing the Penguin Evolution Game, students will explore how penguins might have evolved to suit past environmental changes.

Lesson 12: Captain’s log

Students will create and deliver a presentation about their ocean voyage. They will learn presentation skills including delivery and slide design.



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