Category Archives: Schools

School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2024

Ocean Events 2024

 

In a world where environmental concerns are taking center stage, we see it as our duty to captivate and enlighten young minds about the critical significance of the ocean. Our aim is to instill in them a profound understanding of why the ocean is vital to all of us and to inspire them to want to take an interest in it as something that is precious and needs to be cherished.  We believe that the best way to do that is to make learning engaging and fun. What better way to do that than to focus on topical ocean events that happen throughout the year? So, here is our School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2024…

 

World Ocean Day UN Decade of Ocean Science 2021-2030

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) is a global initiative aimed at promoting international cooperation and collaboration in ocean science to achieve sustainable development goals.

The decade focuses on enhancing scientific knowledge of the ocean, developing innovative technologies, and fostering partnerships to address the challenges facing the ocean and coastal areas. The overarching goal is to ensure a healthy and resilient ocean that can support current and future generations.

Vision: To deliver the ‘science needed for the future we want’

Outcomes:

  • A clean ocean where sources of pollution are identified and reduced or removed
  • A healthy and resilient ocean where marine ecosystems are understood, protected, restored and managed.

UN Video   Offical site

World Whale Day 2024World Whale Day: 18 February 2024

In 1980, World Whale Day originated in Maui, Hawaii, with a focus on raising awareness about the challenges faced by whales in oceans worldwide. Annually observed on the third Sunday of February, this special day is dedicated to celebrating all aspects of whales and emphasizing the importance of their well-being. Useful info and resources.

 

Clean Up Australia DayClean Up Australia Day 2024, 3 March

Clean Up Australia inspires and empowers communities to clean up, fix up and conserve our environment. Find out more

 

 

SeaWeek 2024SeaWeek 2024, 2-10 March

Australia’s national public awareness initiative aims to spotlight community awareness, inform, and foster an appreciation for the sea. This week-long annual event provides an excellent platform to advocate for educational matters regarding the marine environment. The theme for this year centers around Ocean Literacy Principle 2: The ocean and life within it significantly influence the Earth’s features.

It focuses on our relationship with the natural world and the fact that healthy seas mean healthy people and calls on all of us to take some responsibility for the health and well-being of our coastal and marine environments. More info.

UN Ocean Decade Conference, Spain. April 10-12 2024UN Ocean Conference 2024

Three years after the initiation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), this worldwide conference is scheduled to unite the Ocean Decade community and its partners. The event aims to commemorate accomplishments and collaboratively establish future priorities for advancing the goals of the Decade. More info

 

World Ocean Day 2024World Oceans Day: 8 June 2024

The focal point of the 2024 United Nations World Oceans Day is ” Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.” The annual day seeks to renewd enthusiasm for the conservation and protection of the ocean and our vast blue planet as a whole. Official Guide  Activity ideas for schools

 

World Sea Turtle Day: 16 June 2024

World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated on 16 June annually as it is the birthday of Dr. Archie Carr, the so-called “father of sea turtle biology.”  His research highlighted the plight of sea turtles and drove community support to protect them and celebrate them annually on World Sea Turtle Day. Turtle facts

 

Plastic Free July 2024Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to reduce their plastic usage during the month of July. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and inspire people to make conscious efforts to minimize their plastic consumption.

Participants in Plastic Free July commit to avoiding the use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, bottles, straws, and packaging for the entire month. The campaign provides resources, tips, and challenges to help individuals make sustainable choices, adopt plastic-free habits, and contribute to reducing plastic pollution.

Shark Awareness Day: 14 July 2024

Sharks get a huge amount of bad press, yet on average one person is killed by a shark in Australia each year and heaps more are killed by horses and cows!! Without sharks in Australian waters, many ecosystems would not be sustainable, and we would be denied the pleasure of exploring amazing underwater habitats such as the world’s largest natural wonder, Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The impact on tourism and economies would be huge. Shark Awareness Day aims to separate fact from myth and promote a positive image for these amazing creatures. Shark resources.

Coastcare Week 2024

Coastcare comprises volunteers from Australia who are passionate about safeguarding our remarkable coastal and marine environments. These individuals unite as one, forming a formidable force of 500 groups across Australia. Together, these groups actively contribute to making a substantial impact through sustained, practical solutions to address environmental issues in their respective localities. Coastcare Week serves as an annual campaign dedicated to celebrating the remarkable efforts of these community groups throughout Australia. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone’. More info

Check out our Annual Events Calendar for even more great reasons to celebrate the ocean in 2024.

Bring Learning to Life With A Live Marine Animal Program

Why not book in an Ocean Life Education program to compliment your teaching and bring it all to life. All programs are delivered by qualified Marine Educators with a passion for the ocean. They provide a lively, fun, and interactive experience with our live marine animals and are designed to educate and inspire schools and community to protect our precious marine environment.

We hoped you enjoyed reading our School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2024!

Here’s a link to our other news

Ocean Life Education: Coastal Habitats Educational Excursion

 

On a very windy but sunny Wednesday in October, Ocean Life Education’s Senior Marine Biologist, Richard Coward, facilitated a wonderful ‘Coastal Habitats’ focused educational excursion for the Bribie Island Home School group, with the help of the lovely Taz Winkler of Pumicestone Homeschoolers…

Educative Ocean Walk

As the tide was quite high and still coming in, we decided to run our Mangrove/Beach Habitat educative walk before the live marine animal exhibit session, in order to maximise on beach time and find as many wildlife remnant treasures as possible!

We walked the group to the beach where we discussed the importance of the mangrove and other beach habitats and why we need to protect them. We also noticed evidence of another habitat washed up on the beach…sea grass!

Seagrass & Mangrove Habitats are very important nursery areas for many of the creatures we find in our ocean and on our beaches, as well as being home to some iconic marine animals such as sea turtles, dugongs and the beautiful mangrove jack (a type of snapper).

Whilst walking, the children found many cool marine oddities such as a ‘sand collar’ (the jelly-like casing for moon snail eggs). We also discovered a sea urchin test (the brittle shell remnants of a sea urchin), blue blubber sea jellies –  aka jelly fish (which they aren’t – as they are not a fish but belong to the same group of animals as corals and sea anemones). Then there was the interesting vegetation such as the mangrove seed pods washed up on the beach, including one that had recently anchored and germinated….the exciting beginning of a new mangrove tree right there before us!

To complement the student’s prior theoretical homeschool learning, we discussed the flow of energy from one habitat to the other, and the fact that different habitats are connected. They were very enthusiastic and already had solid background knowledge of the aquatic environment and its inhabitants from their homeschool studies.

Live Marine Exhibits & Interpretation

The second part of the excursion took place in a pretty undercover area and focused on our team of live marine animals.

We discussed the creatures in great detail, examining adaptive traits and how all animals look and feel the way they do for a reason. We then explored what roll the animals played in their respective habitats and why we need to look after them and human impact on their environment.

Shark Artefacts 

The group was fascinated by our jawsome! (sorry!) sharks presentation which focused on our impressive collection of shark jaws. They learnt that shark teeth differ greatly in both size and shape, the reasons why and the varying diets that sharks have.

At Ocean Life Education, we like to use the term ‘Amazing Sharks’ so we discussed why we believe sharks are amazing, including their key role in ocean food chains and how they keep the ocean healthy by eating sick or dead animals and keeping numbers of other ocean dwellers in check.

The children also understood that sharks are not interested in eating people….however on very rare occasions they might make a mistake and bite into a human thinking it is a regular food source, such as a seal or large turtle. Together we examined why we need sharks in the ocean and why we believe that sharks deserve some positive PR for a change!

Thank you to an Awesome Group! 

We had a fantastic time with a bunch of upper primary to early secondary school aged kids who were polite, enthusiastic and had substantial knowledge of the marine environment. It was a pleasure to share this experience with a group of wonderfully appreciative home school kids!

Thank you to Pumicestone Homeschoolers for having us!

Further reading…

Marine Habitats

Primary Programs

How the Great Barrier Reef Supports Biodiversity and Healthy Oceans

The Great Barrier Reef

 

Our planet is a delicate web of interconnected ecosystems, and few places exemplify this intricate balance better than the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder, a kaleidoscopic underwater world that supports an astonishing array of marine life. However, this magnificent ecosystem is facing unprecedented threats, and the need for its preservation has never been more critical. So, how Does the Great Barrier Reef Support Biodiversity and Healthy Oceans?

The Importance of the Great Barrier Reef:

  1. Biodiversity Hotspot: coral ocean

    • The Great Barrier Reef is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a staggering diversity of marine species, including coral, fish, mollusks, and countless other organisms.
    • It shelters around 400 species of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and various endangered species such as the dugong, green sea turtle and some shark species.
  2. Economic Value:

    • Beyond its ecological significance, the reef is a crucial economic asset. It supports tourism and fisheries, providing livelihoods for local communities and contributing billions to the Australian economy.
  3. Global Significance:

    • As the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef plays a vital role in the health of the global oceans. Its preservation is not just an Australian concern but a global responsibility.

Threats to the Great Barrier Reef:

  1. Climate Change: Coral reef

    • Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification due to climate change pose a severe threat to the reef. Coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, is becoming more frequent and widespread.
  2. Pollution:

    • Runoff from agriculture, industrial activities, and improper waste disposal contribute to pollution in the reef’s waters. This pollution can lead to nutrient imbalances, harming the delicate symbiotic relationships within the ecosystem.
  3. Overfishing:

    • Overfishing depletes fish populations, disrupting the delicate balance of the reef ecosystem. It also threatens the livelihoods of those dependent on fishing and undermines the reef’s ability to recover from other stressors.

Preserving the Great Barrier Reef:

  1. Climate Action:

    • Mitigating climate change is essential for the reef’s survival. Countries worldwide must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global temperature increases and subsequent coral bleaching events.
  2. Sustainable Practices: healthy ocean

    • Adopting sustainable fishing practices and reducing pollution from land-based activities are crucial steps. Implementing and enforcing regulations to minimize runoff and control fishing practices can help protect the reef’s delicate balance.
  3. Conservation and Research:

    • Investing in conservation efforts and scientific research is paramount. This includes coral restoration projects, monitoring programs, and initiatives to enhance the reef’s resilience to environmental changes.
  4. Education and Awareness:

    • Raising awareness about the importance of the Great Barrier Reef and the threats it faces is vital. Education fosters a sense of responsibility among individuals, encouraging sustainable choices and support for conservation efforts. Nurturing Ocean Stewards.

 

The Great Barrier Reef stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity of our planet’s oceans. Its preservation is not just a matter of national pride for Australia; it’s a global imperative. By addressing climate change, adopting sustainable practices, and investing in conservation, we can become guardians of the ocean, ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef continues to thrive for generations to come. The health of our oceans, and indeed the health of our planet, depends on the actions we take today to preserve this natural wonder.

Find out more about Human Impact with our free resources and our live marine animal programs.

Why the Ocean is a Great Theme for High Schools

 

High school education should be engaging, inspiring, and relevant. What better way to achieve these goals than by incorporating the fascinating world of the ocean into the curriculum? Take students on a journey beneath the waves, exploring the depths of marine biology, environmental science, and more. In this blog, we’ll explore why the ocean is a great theme for high schools, and we’ll dive deep into some captivating ocean-themed lesson ideas.

The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet, making it a critical part of our global ecosystem. Teaching about the ocean connects students to real-world issues like climate change, biodiversity, and conservation. Using the ocean as a theme we bring real-world relevance to learning. This is particulary possible where we are based in South East Queensland, as we can dive deep into local case studies such as the Great Barrier Reef and the annual humpback whale migration.

Why Teach with an Ocean Theme?

There are a number of reasons why teaching with an ocean theme benefits students’ learning. These include…

Marine Biology Careers

Inspiring STEM Education: It offers hands-on opportunities for scientific inquiry and exploration, sparking students’ interest in further study and STEM careers.

Environmental Stewardship: By studying the ocean and its challenges, students develop a sense of environmental responsibility. They learn about the importance of protecting our oceans and become more conscious of their ecological footprint. Nurturing Ocean Stewards.

Cross-subject Learning: Ocean-themed lessons naturally integrate various subjects, such as science and geography. This interdisciplinary approach enriches students’ understanding and helps them see the connections between different fields of study.

 Ocean Themed Lesson Ideas

Below are some great lesson ideas which may be supported by Ocean Life Education incursions or excursions.

Classification – Exploring the Diversity of Life

Uncover the vast range of marine species that inhabit the ocean and their unique characteristics. StudentsClassifying Humpback Whales learn about why and how we classify and order species, enhancing understanding of the diversity of the underwater world and discovering similarities with our own, all while gaining hands-on experience with our captivating live animal team – turtles, an epaulette shark, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers.

Follow up: Students can explore marine biodiversity and dive into the incredible diversity of life in the ocean. From microscopic plankton to magnificent whales, students can research and present on different marine species.

 

Unravelling Energy Flows: Food Chains, Food Webs, and Ecosystems

Students explore food chains and food webs, delving deep into the fascinating relationships of who consumes whom within an ecosystem and how energy flows. Within each ecosystem, every organism occupies a distinct trophic level or position in the food chain or web. We explore the trophic pyramid, spanning from producers to primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers, and even apex predators, all the way down to the vital decomposers. This lesson also touches on the concept of the interdependence of species.

Follow up: Students can choose a marine species of their choice and create a detailed food web infographic.

Human Impact on the Ocean – Ocean Pollution & Conservation fast fashion ocean dump

Examine the profound influence of human activities on our oceans, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and oil spills. Understand how our actions have reshaped these vital ecosystems and learn about the strategies and solutions needed to protect our marine environment for future generations. As our society has expanded and evolved, the repercussions of our actions have rippled through ecosystems, biodiversity, climate patterns, and more.

Follow up: Discuss local conservation efforts and solutions and encourage students to brainstorm ways they can contribute to ocean protection.

Read our blog: Nurturing Ocean Stewards.

Investigate Adaptation – Exploring the Extraordinary Evolution of Marine Life

We journey into the world of marine organisms and their remarkable ability to evolve and adapt to their ever-changing environment, ensuring their survival. We highlight specific adaptations like camouflage and students learn about the incredible survival strategies that have allowed creatures to thrive in some of the ocean’s most challenging habitats.

Follow up: Students apply their learning to an ocean animal of choice and examine how it has adapted to its environment.

 

Hands-On Learning and Field Trips

To truly immerse students in ocean-themed curriculum topics, consider incorporating hands-on learning experiences and field trips: Ocean themed field trips

Ocean Life Incursion: Our programs are tailored to the curriculum and offer an up-close look at marine life and ecosystems in an interactive manner.

Ocean life Education Excursions: Where proximity permits, we take students to the coastline to examine topics such as biodiversity and ecosystems, adaptation and human impact.

Beach Cleanups: Organize school beach cleanup events to teach students about the impact of plastic pollution on coastal environments and wildlife.

Guest Speakers: Invite marine scientists, conservationists, or local experts to speak to your class about their work and research in the field of marine science.

Link to blog: How to get Involved in a SE Queensland Beach Clean

 

Bring Local Real-World Relevance to Learning Humback Whale Teaching Resources

In Queensland, Australia, The Great Barrier is an excellent example to use as a basis for studying key curriculum themes, connecting students to real-world issues like climate change, biodiversity and ecosystems, and conservation. In addition, we are incredibly lucky to have over twenty thousand humpback whales migrate along our coast each year. This incredible spectacle can be used to inspire kids and for case studies covering a wide range of curriculum themes.

Teaching curriculum topics with an ocean theme not only engages high school students but also empowers them to become informed and environmentally conscious global citizens. Through interdisciplinary lessons, hands-on experiences, and a focus on local real-world issues, educators can inspire the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and ocean enthusiasts. So, take the plunge and let the ocean be your classroom—it’s a journey worth exploring!

 

Other Useful links

Ocean Life Education Programs & EventsOcean High School Programs

 

 

 

Local Conservation Groups

Or Brisbane

Other organisers…