Our Ocean Planet

Science / Geography | Ages 7-11

  1. 1. The UK seas with Paul Rose
  2. 2. UK marine habitats with Dr Susana Lincoln
  3. 3. UK marine life with Dr Ceri Lewis and Dr Helen Findlay
  4. 4. Using our seas with Jennifer Gomez Molina
  5. 5. Our ocean voyage with Prof Alex Rogers
  6. 6. The Arctic Ocean and the water cycle with Prof Mark Brandon
  7. 7. The Atlantic Ocean and climate with Prof Penny Holliday
  8. 8. The Indian Ocean and classification with Sheena Talma
  9. 9. The Pacific Ocean and plastic pollution with Jo Royle
  10. 10. The Southern Ocean and penguin adaptation with Dr Norman Ratcliffe
  11. 11. The Southern Ocean and penguin evolution with Dr Michael Dunn
  12. 12. Captain’s log

UK marine habitats with Dr Susana Lincoln

Part of:

AXA Ocean Education

Lesson overview

The ocean is not a giant bathtub nor swimming pool, but is composed of different habitats like on land. In this lesson, students learn about the five major marine habitats around the UK and the different conditions in each one. In the following lesson, students will investigate the different types of marine life that live in each habitat.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify marine habitats and microhabitats
  • Describe the features of major marine habitats
  • Describe how some habitats change using science words

Lesson steps

  1. Mission statement from Dr Susana Lincoln (10 mins)
    Students are introduced to the variety of UK marine habitats by Dr Susana Lincoln.
  2. Habitats and conditions (15 mins)
    Students use a card sort activity to identify the different habitats and conditions in the seas around the UK.
  3. Marine habitat dictogloss (25 mins)
    Using a dictogloss activity, students refine their ideas about the different marine habitats and their conditions, including introducing the process of tides. Key words can be written on the board.
  4. The variety of the UK seas (10 mins)
    Students demonstrate learning through completing a marine habitats and conditions poster.
  5. Reflection (10 mins)
    Students reflect on their learning, considering what they have learnt, what connects to their prior knowledge and what they still want to know.