Links
Inspiring Ocean Stories
SeaWeek - Below the Surface Video Resources
The Aliquam journey, following the kids from the land as they journey toward the oceans of Australia and New Zealand to take their first breath underwater in hope that the newfound experience and wisdom give a fresh appreciation of the importance of our oceans and that this knowledge can be taken back to their communities. "Aliquam is a generational fix that will change the oceans for the better, one story at a time "
2041 Foundation
In the year 2041, the fate of Antarctica will be decided. Join the 2041 Foundation for the remaining 20 years of their 50-year mission to preserve Antarctica as a natural reserve for science and peace.
Youth for Oceans
Ocean Youth is a leading ocean action & innovation organisation for youth. We are youth-led, science-based & work collaboratively to provide practical, educational & inspiring programs. Enabling youth to access a range of opportunities to enhance their problem solving, advocacy, and innovative thinking skills. As an OY Ambassador, you’ll connect with a like-minded community & learn how you can help our ocean and influence others to act too!
Teachers Resources by State/Territory
South Coast Sea Country NSW
The South Coast Sea Country education program is designed to fit within the NSW Stage 3 syllabus and the Year 5 and 6 outcomes of the Australian curriculum. It supports students learning about Sea Country using videos and classroom activities and can be followed up with hands-on experiences and excursions delivered by Sea Rangers and other local Aboriginal educators.
Shark Smart NSW
NSW DPI have developed a set of workbooks to help teachers use the work of the Shark Management Strategy as an example of authentic science and technology learning. The content of this website, the videos on this page and throughout the website will help students complete the workbooks. The workbooks are designed to support students in working towards NSW syllabus outcomes.
Marine Waters Western Australia
The Community Education team offer an exciting range of Fisheries education programs for teachers and students of all ages. Our programs provide students with facilitated hands-on learning experiences focused around the sustainability of the marine environment. Staff are located in the Perth metropolitan area and also in regional centres including Broome, Geraldton, Busselton, Albany and Esperance and service the surrounding local areas. All of our educational experiences and resources are linked to learning areas within the Western Australian Curriculum and also address the Sustainability cross-curriculum priority. Learning programs are based on current scientific methodology and data collection and revolve around three main themes: Aquatic biology and ecology, Science behind the management, People and communities.
Stuff Everyone Should Know About Australia (10 play TV series) - National
Do you know what a marine or freshwater midden is, and about their scientific, environmental, historical and sustainable importance ? Do you have an important site near you? Each episode of the amazing series “Stuff Everyone Should Know About Australia - (busting myths and celebrating truths)” is 8.5 minutes full of knowledge from native grains, fish traps, language, timeless technology, how storytelling had scientific origins , sustainable practices, cultural and art sites, and belief systems. This is a great resource to utilise for the cross-curriculum priorities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and Sustainability. For example, the first episode takes a closer look at some of the amazing First Nations cultural sites that can be found in our backyards and about some of the First Nations sustainability practices: Connecting to land, sea and sky.
Wildcard Sue Activities - National
Get to know about animals, environments and challenges to survive through creative exploration. Colouring-in and activity sheets are the perfect way to engage young people, and adults, in learning about wildlife and conservation issues. Discover Sue Liu's unique illustrations and celebrate Australia's native animals from the land, sea and sky.
A Dive Down Under with George the Farmer - National
Watch 'A Dive Down Under with George the Farmer' on YouTube for National Science Week and uncover exciting facts about the Southern Rock Lobster which live off of the South Australian coast, while hearing from a real live scientist from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI). Follow this up in the classroom with a free downloadable comprehension questions and Go Fish lobster activity!
Sea Shepherd offers the perfect platform to start discovering ocean education and dive deeper into conservation issues. For many years, we have been working in schools to share information about the ocean ecosystems, the marvelous species that inhabit the sea, threats to the ocean and how people can be involved with protecting marine life. Download our presentation information sheet to find out more. If you're a teacher, download our Australian curriculum guide for our presentations.
Marine education programs designed to inspire students of all ages to appreciate and take responsibility for the marine ecosystem. Follow the link for 20 Ideas & Activities for SeaWeek 2023 that will engage and inspire kids to want to learn more about and protect the ocean.
Marine Stewardship Council - National
Saltwater Schools an education initiative of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in Australia. The Saltwater Schools collection of free classroom resources supports marine education and ocean literacy for years 5 to 10. With a uniquely Australian feel, the program offers ACARA (v9) curriculum-aligned lesson plans and activities, award-winning videos, quizzes, events, competitions, awards, and school engagement opportunities to meet marine scientists like Dr. Adrian Gutteridge. Resources are grouped by subject, with additional collections for First Nations Fishing, World Ocean Day and National Science Week, Sharks, Tuna, Food Labelling, and Career Pathways.
Blueback file resources for teachers. Go to this link for the ATOM Study Guide to the Blueback film. Small charge of $5 . Blueback provides rich material for use in a variety of curriculum contexts. It would work particularly well as a stand-alone unit in junior secondary Years 7–8 with relevance to the following areas: English, The Arts and Media Arts. teachers are encouraged to use this resource to suit class focus.
Parks & Marine Centers in Australia
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority QLD
Australia’s reef management agency, leading a global effort to preserve and protect one of the planet’s most significant natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef.
ReefED QLD
Our education resources cover a range of topics to teach and learn about the Great Barrier Reef including climate change, sea country connection, sustainability, wetlands, threats to the Reef, biodiversity. Below you can find resources, including our Reef Beat poster series, science unit plans, student activity sheets, videos and much more! A one stop shop for all things Great Barrier Reef Education with links to International Initiatives.
Marine Parks in South Australia
Teachers can bring marine parks into their classrooms by utilising these Primary and Secondary Marine Parks in South Australia Waters education resources.
Marine Discovery Centre - South Australia
Our team at the Marine Discovery Centre hope to connect you and your students with the marine world through our interactive excursions and classroom activities. Learning experiences at the Marine Discovery Centre are facilitated by qualified marine scientists and a cultural educator. The Marine Discovery Centre is closely aligned with ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) particularly the cross-curriculum priorities of Sustainability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures.
National Marine & Ocean Organisations
Virtual Excursions Australia
Virtual Excursions create unique learning experiences for students of all ages. They hold events throughout the year enabling learners from across Australia to have access to high quality innovative educational content. Check out all the great events they have planned for SeaWeek!
Earth Echo Plastic Seas - Southern Coast
Philippe Cousteau and the EarthEcho team explored the second largest and fastest growing city in the country of Australia connecting with stakeholders, city planners, and citizen scientists in Melbourne during October 2018. Alongside 25 Expedition Fellows (teachers from Australia and the United States), Philippe learned more about how actions in the city can have dramatic consequences in the deep blue. We worked with local researchers and policymakers to examine the various sources of land‐based plastic pollution that has resulted in the waters of the iconic Port Philip Bay being recently described as plastic soup. From fleece fibers in wastewater to degrading buoys to beads in personal care products, our team examined the persistent presence of plastics in the wider context of other stressors on the system.
Take 3 for the Sea’s Ocean Classroom Initiative is your opportunity to make waves in the classroom! Designed with busy teachers in mind, this initiative simplifies the dive into pressing ocean issues like plastic pollution, climate change and marine conservation, and what we can all do to make a difference. Using a train-the-trainer approach, we equip educators with detailed lesson plans, teaching guides, engaging resources and hands-on content—no extra prep needed! Our FREE program delivers new engaging and exciting content every quarter throughout the year. Join us, and turn your classroom into a launchpad for the next wave of ocean heroes!
Whether you are looking to start your own Coastcare group to protect and manage your local coastal or marine environment, or need help promoting your group’s activities, we have created a few resources to help you get started. We have developed the following resources that can be used all year round by groups, individuals, facilitators, coordinators and councils to help build capacity in community environmental groups. The resources have been designed to be a guideline to assist groups get started, or strengthen their Coastcare and Landcare activities.
Ocean Geographic journals covering a range of topics including Box Jellyfish, Decorator Crabs, Nemo - Clowns of the Sea, Nudibranchs, Ocean Sunfish. Providing online marine resource, also busy behind the scenes working with a range of complimentary marine based projects that include; using ancient scientific techniques to showcase the inner workings of ocean life.
Returning the ocean to a healthy state, free from pollution and safeguarded for future generations. The ocean is a vital ecosystem that plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. Despite its importance, the ocean is facing unprecedented threats, leading to the rapid degradation of marine environments compromising the health and wellbeing of communities that depend on them.
Suggested Reading
Ocean Warriors - The Rise of Robo-Shark
By Candice LemonScott for Middle Grade Fiction. Being sent to a submarine to help restore extinct sea creatures for summer camp is not exactly Kai’s idea of fun. Then he discovers a cyborg great white shark in the ocean, but no one believes it could be real. After all, the last shark vanished years ago. Now he must prove the shark exists and save the species. Except not everyone likes the idea of bringing the great white back from the brink.
Related teachers notes & suggested activities
The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. This page celebrates our kids' books that have been recognised in the CBCA's Book of the Year Awards since the launch of our children's publishing program in 2015. Include:
Oceans of Plastic by Tracey Gray;
On the Trail of the Plains-wanderer by Rohan Cleave, Julian Teh;
A Shorebird Flying Adventure by Jackie Kerin, Milly Formby
The Voyage of Whale and Calf by Vanessa Pirotta, Samantha Metcalfe.