Category Archives: Schools & Curriculum

Year 7 Science Incursions in Brisbane

 

Ocean Life Education’s Classification Program

Ocean Life Education’s year 7 science incursions in Brisbane provide students with a solid foundation of a variety of ocean-focused themes in line with the Australian Curriculum. One of our most popular programs is Classification, which focuses on helping students organize their understanding of the world around them, enhancing critical thinking and observational skills.

During our Classification incursions, students will explore the grouping of living organisms based on their observed features, functions, and adaptations for survival. They will understand the reasons behind animal classification and discover both similarities and differences among various marine animals. Additionally, the importance of scientific communication will be emphasised, and students will engage in simple classification exercises of marine species using scientific conventions for naming species.

 

Simple Classification of our Marine Animals

We bring a fascinating and diverse range of live marine animals along to our science incursions, including a baby shark, a freshwater turtle, a variety of sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins. This enables us to look at a range of classifications first hand. For example, our echinoderms…

 

Sand Sea StarEchinoderms

Sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers are all classified as echinoderms – named for the spines or bumps covering the outer surface of the bodies (Greek root word echino– meaning spiny; Latin root word –derm meaning skin).

Children learn that echinoderms, despite their diverse appearances, share two key features that distinguish them from other animals: a water vascular system and five-sided radial symmetry. These characteristics are fundamental to their movement and body structure, highlighting the unique adaptations of this fascinating group.

The water vascular system in echinoderms consists of canals filled with seawater that aid movement, feeding, nutrition, and respiration. Hydraulic pressure allows tube feet to extend and retract, enabling them to move around and interact with their environment.

The pentamerous radial symmetry structure of echinoderms makes the body strong as a five-segment skeleton is stronger than a four- or six-sided one (because the line of weakness cannot run directly across the body).

Our sea stars, urchins and cucumbers offer a fitting example of all these characteristics and the children have fun while learning to classify them themselves. We also discuss how our shark and turtle may be classified but in less detail.

 

Marine Classification – Table Activity Classification Activity Table

Here, students observe our live marine animals and then apply their learning to categorise animals themselves into a table. This is a great activity for year 7 science as students become scientists, drawing their own conclusions from the data and observations.

 

Marine Classification – 3 Minute Video

In this short film, Ocean Life Education’s Director of Education, Richard Coward, highlights key Classification learning points using our marine animals as examples and explains how animals are grouped according to the way their bodies look and function. It’s a great precursor to an incursion, which can be watched with students as a quick taster and talking point in advance of our visit.

 

Primary Science ExcursionIncursions in Brisbane & Excursions to the Coast!

While our science incursions in Brisbane are a fantastic way for us to bring the sea to students who might not get the opportunity to visit the coast, we also offer the option of experiencing Classification during an excursion to the coast. Our team meet the students at a designated spot, and we explore and research the environment together before returning to our live marine animals to put things into context.

 

Classification for Younger Students

If you are also teaching younger students, another great way to prepare for our Classification science incursion is with our Classification Card Activity in which student use classification cards to work out which headings different marine animals could be classified under.

A Note About Year 7 Curriculum Science

This incursion aligns with the Australian Curriculum content description ‘Science Understanding’ under the sub strand of ‘Biological Science’ for year 7’…

Investigate the role of classification in ordering and organising the diversity of life on Earth and use and develop classification tools.

Imprinting a Love of the Ocean: Cultivating Future Environmental Advocates

At Ocean Life Education, we believe that “you protect what you know and love.” Our mission is to instil a deep connection to the ocean in children, inspiring them to become passionate advocates for marine conservation.

Our dedicated team brings this vision to life through engaging science incursions that showcase the wonders of marine environments. We aim to create memorable experiences filled with hands-on learning and exploration. By sharing our enthusiasm and knowledge, we strive to spark a lifelong appreciation for the ocean in every child we reach.

Find out more about year 7 science incursions in Brisbane.

Year 3 – Life Cycles

Year 1 – Habitats

Our Primary Incursions

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Year 3 Science Incursions in Brisbane

 

Ocean Life Education’s Life Cycle Program

During Ocean Life Education’s exciting “Life Cycles – The Birth and Growth of Animals” incursion students will dive into the fascinating world of marine animals to uncover the unique life cycles of various sea creatures. By interacting with a diverse array of marine life, they gain insights into reproduction, birth, and growth stages across different species and experience first-hand differences that exist between living and non-living things. This incursion highlights examples from iconic local marine animals, focusing on sharks, whales and turtles to ensure it is relevant to local students. Keep reading to find out more about our Year 3 Science Incursions in Brisbane.

 

Link to Primary Programs

Exploring Marine Reproduction

During this engaging incursion, we highlight the different ways in which our ocean creatures come into the world.

Our sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins offer wonderful examples of exterior fertilization…where adults release eggs and sperm into the water. And our sharks and freshwater turtles provide living proof of how interior fertilisation occurs in other species.

Incredible Ocean Births

Students find out that not all animals are born the same way and that our sharks and freshwater turtles hatch from eggs as perfect miniature versions of their parents. Whereas our sea stars and sea urchins start out their life as a plankton, later going through dramatic change (metamorphosis) to become like their parents.

We love seeing the surprise on children’s faces as they contemplate these mind-blowing wonders of nature!

The Fascinating World of Shark Reproduction

Focusing on our sharks, we then discuss the three different ways in which they may be born, according to the species. Some sharks are born from eggs (like our little ones), some are born alive (like us), e.g. Great Whites, Tiger Sharks and Whaler Sharks, and then there are some like the Grey Nurse Shark that are a combination of the two.

Students love exploring sharks and discussing how and why they have evolved in these ways.

Shark Life Cycle Resources

Examining Local Case Studies – Humpback Whales

Some animals travel long distances as part of their life cycle, such as Humpback Whales that travel from Antarctica up into the tropical waters off Queensland’s coast to give birth to their calves in warmer waters. Through suckling their young, the females provide calves with the energy and precious fat stores needed to survive the long migration back down to the icy southern waters where they feed on plankton during the Antarctic Summer, before commencing the incredible journey again.

The humpback whale migration begins in May/June heading north off the Australian coastline. We can observe the humpback whales travelling back down to the Antarctic during the months of September and October.

Humpback Resources

Additional Topics Covered in our Life Cycles Incursion

Our Year Three life cycles incursion also teaches students about fundamental biological processes such as the need for food, reproduction, shelter-seeking behaviours, classifying the difference between living and non-living things, adaptation to habitats, and mobility.

Imprinting a Love of the Ocean: Cultivating Future Environmental Advocates

At Ocean Life Education, we firmly believe that “you protect what you know and love.” That’s why we’re dedicated to teaching children about the wonders of the ocean. By fostering a deep connection with marine environments, we aim to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates.

Our passionate team brings this mission to life through engaging science incursions, where our enthusiasm for the ocean is evident. It’s this genuine love and commitment that make our educational experiences truly unique and impactful. We’re excited to share our passion and knowledge, hoping to spark a lifelong appreciation for the ocean in every child we reach.

Find out more about our Year 3 Science Incursions in Brisbane.

A Note About Year 3 Curriculum Science: Biological Science

This incursion aligns with the Australian Curriculum content description ‘Science Understanding’ and under the sub strand of ‘Biological Science’.  AC9S3U01…

“Students classify and compare living and non-living things and different life cycles”.

 Useful links

Life Cycle Activities & Resources

Blog: Life Cycles of Ocean Animals for Schools

Ocean Life Education’s Life Cycles Video

Our Primary Incursions

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Year 1 Science Incursions in Brisbane

 

habitat incursions

 

Ocean Life Education’s Habitats Program

One of Ocean Life Educations most popular programs is our Habitats Program, which focuses on curriculum learning for students in Prep and Year One. It’s a wonderful interactive based learning experience that focuses on how living things have a few basic needs to survive. Read on to find out more about our year 1 science incursions in Brisbane…

A Voyage of Discovery

Students discover what a habitat is and that in order for an area to be a suitable habitat for an animal, it needs to provide the fundamental elements: food, water, shelter, air and oxygen.

brisbane incursionsExploring a Diverse Range of Habitats

Key habitat areas explored are rocky shores, sandy beaches, mangroves, sea grass beds, coral reefs, and the open ocean.

Find out more about diverse ocean habitats here.

 

How Ocean Animals Suit their Habitat

Students will discover that animals vary greatly, coming in different shapes and sizes, therefore requiring different types of habitat areas. They will find out through interaction, that our live display animals may live in one or more of these habitat areas and why.

This is a fun and exhilarating way for students to grasp all the key concepts about living things and their habitat.

Helping you Plan your Incursion

In the planning stages, we work with schools and home school centres to ensure your needs are met, and that we are focusing on what’s relevant to your teaching goals. If you have a special area of interest, we will concentrate on that.

Then, on the day of the incursion, our enthusiastic Marine Educators deliver highly educational, fun and engaging incursion that children will remember for a lifetime.

Our Primary Programs

Building Foundational Science Knowledge

These incursions will provide a dynamic and engaging way for Year 1 and Prep students to build foundational knowledge in science, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world and imprinting a sense of ownership for its wellbeing.

Imprinting a Love of the Ocean

We stand by the statement that you ‘protect what you know and love’ and believe that teaching children about the ocean will help create environmental advocates of the future.

Our whole crew is passionate about the ocean, and we think this is very apparent during our science incursions and what makes the learning experience with Ocean Life Education very special indeed.

 

 

 

Find out about our Ocean Habitats Excursions

Learn about wetland habitats here

A Note About Year 1 Curriculum Science: Biological Science

Our incursions sit under the Australian Curriculum unit ‘Science Understanding’ and under the sub strand of ‘Biological Science’.

Understanding Sciences

AC9S1U01

Identify the basic needs of plants and animals including air, water, food or shelter, and describe how the places they live meet those needs.

Our Primary Incursions

Here’s a link to our other news

And a link to our programs

Coolum Coastcare – Environmental Group

Ocean Life Education – School Incursions

Human Impact Teaching Resources for Schools in Australia

 

In Australia, the unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystems make understanding human impact on the environment especially crucial. Teaching students about human impact not only fosters environmental awareness but also encourages responsible citizenship. To support educators in Australia in this task, a variety of teaching resources tailored to the local context are available. In this blog post, we will explore some valuable human impact teaching resources designed specifically for schools in Australia.

Why Teach About Human Impact in Australia?

Australia’s diverse landscapes, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback, are home to countless unique species and Great-Barrier-Reef- ecosystems. However, these environments are increasingly threatened by factors such as climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution. By educating students about human impact, we can empower them to appreciate and protect Australia’s natural heritage. This knowledge can inspire future generations to make eco-friendly choices and advocate for environmental conservation.

Top Human Impact Teaching Resources for Australian Schools

1. Educational Websites

Cool Australia

Description: Cool Australia offers a wide range of free educational resources, including lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities focused on sustainability and environmental conservation.

Features: Curriculum-aligned content, teacher guides, and resources that highlight Australian-specific environmental issues.

Eco Warriors

Description: Eco Warriors provides engaging online resources, games, and activities designed to educate primary school students about environmental stewardship.

Features: Interactive learning modules, printable worksheets, and multimedia resources with an Australian context.

National Geographic Kids Kids Nat Geo

Description: National Geographic Kids offers a range of articles, videos, and interactive activities that explore environmental issues and human impact.

Features: Engaging content, quizzes, and classroom resources suitable for primary school students.

Books

“The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss 

Description: This classic children’s book explores the consequences of environmental destruction in a whimsical and memorable way.

Features: Engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and valuable lessons about conservation and stewardship. The Lorax

“The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rainforest” by Lynne Cherry

Description: This beautifully illustrated book introduces students to the concept of deforestation and its impact on rainforest ecosystems, providing a global perspective on human impact.

Features: Rich illustrations, a compelling narrative, and themes that resonate with Australian environmental issues.

“Possum Magic” by Mem Fox

Description: While not strictly an environmental book, “Possum Magic” celebrates Australian wildlife and landscapes, making it a great starting point for discussing human impact.

Features: Charming illustrations, a captivating storyline, and opportunities to explore themes of conservation and biodiversity.

“One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia” by Miranda Paul

Description: This inspiring true story introduces students to the concept of recycling and the importance of community One Plastic Bag involvement in environmental conservation.

Features: Beautiful illustrations, a compelling narrative, and themes of empowerment and sustainability.

Interactive Workshops and Programs

Ocean Life Education

Description: Inspirational hands on learning with live marine animals and knowledgeable marine educators delivering engaging incursions and excursions throughout SE Queensland and northern NSW. Based on the Australian curriculum or tailored to special interests.

Features: a diverse range of live marine animals, artifacts and resources.

Kids Teaching Kids

Description: Kids Teaching Kids is a national education initiative that empowers students to become environmental leaders through peer-to-peer learning and collaborative projects.

Features: Student-led workshops, environmental action projects, and opportunities for schools to connect and share ideas across Australia.

Earthwatch Australia

Description: Earthwatch Australia offers immersive citizen science programs that allow students to participate in hands-on research projects focused on local environmental issues.

Features: Field-based learning experiences, expert-led expeditions, and curriculum-aligned resources that encourage scientific Kids Teaching Kids inquiry and environmental advocacy.

Curriculum Guides

Ocean Life Education

Description: Inspirational hands on curriculum based programs complemented by resources, supporting schools and childcare settings to teaching curriculaum topics.

Learning with live marine animals and knowledgeable marine educators delivering engaging incursions and excursions throughout SE Queensland and northern NSW. Based on the Australian curriculum or tailored to special interests.

Features: Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, includes practical tools for implementing sustainability initiatives. Educators arrived with a diverse range of live marine animals, artifacts and resources and host events as well as incursions and excursions.

ResourceSmart Schools

Description: ResourceSmart Schools offers a comprehensive sustainability program with curriculum resources, professional development opportunities, and support for schools across Australia.

Features: Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, includes practical tools for implementing sustainability initiatives, and fosters whole-school engagement.

CERES Education

Description: CERES Education provides hands-on sustainability education programs, resources, and workshops tailored to Australian schools.

Features:Curriculum-linked activities, teacher guides, and student-led projects that promote environmental awareness and action.

Summary

Teaching primary school students about human impact in Australia is essential for nurturing a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship. With the help of these tailored resources, educators can engage students in meaningful learning experiences that highlight the importance of conserving Australia’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. By integrating these teaching tools into the curriculum, we can inspire young Australians to become informed and active participants in shaping a sustainable future for their country and the planet.

Our Programs

We will work with you to ensure that our programs are tailored to suit your needs.

Click here to learn about our inspirational programs.

Useful links

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