These Key Stage 4 (KS4) Science lessons allow students to investigate water pollution. Students work scientifically to explain what microplastics are and where they come from.
In this lesson, students develop their understanding of how human actions can have a negative impact on the marine environment. The context of this lesson is investigating the amount of microplastics that students use every day in personal hygiene products.
This full lesson includes:
Lesson overview and teacher guidance
Student Sheet 3a How much microplastic?
Student Sheet 3b Microplastics summary worksheet
Student Sheet 3c Hunting microplastic home learning
Slideshow 3 How much microplastic
Activity Overview How much microplastic?
Subject Update 4 Marine plastics
Subject Update 5 Marine plastics facts and figures
This is Lesson 3 of 7 in the Plankton, Plastics and Poo unit of work, which is based on current research being conducted at the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The unit consists of enquiry-based lessons which support students to work scientifically by simulating the researchers’ investigations, and encourages students to the use their findings to have a wider impact.
The resource uses innovative methods to bring cutting edge science to the classroom, including:
- Using real field and laboratory data.
- Practical investigations that replicate the work of the scientists.
- Using social media to connect with the scientists.
- The opportunity to connect with scientists through Skype in the classroom events.
All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
In this Key Stage 4 (KS4) lesson, students work scientifically to explain how humans affect the marine environment.
The ocean is worth $49.7 trillion per year to the global economy and its beauty is priceless. People, every day, all over the world, use the ocean for a whole variety of purposes: but what impact does this human activity have on the ocean, the organisms that live there and on us?
This full lesson includes:
Lesson Overview & Teacher Guidance
Slideshow 2 Human impact on the marine environment
Student Sheet 2a Card sort for bioaccumulation
Student Sheet 2b Human impacts summary
Student Sheet 2c Human impacts summary (higher)
Subject Update The marine carbon cycle
Answer Sheet for Student Sheet 2b & 2c
Subject Update 3 Trophic cascades
This is Lesson 2 of 7 in the Plankton, Plastics and Poo unit of work, which is based on current research being conducted at the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The unit consists of enquiry-based lessons which support students to work scientifically by simulating the researchers’ investigations, and encourages students to the use their findings to have a wider impact.
The resource uses innovative methods to bring cutting edge science to the classroom, including:
- Using real field and laboratory data.
- Practical investigations that replicate the work of the scientists.
- Using social media to connect with the scientists.
- The opportunity to connect with scientists through Skype in the classroom events.
All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
This lesson is part of the Key Stage 4 (KS4) science unit, Plastic, Plankton and Poo.
In this lesson students work scientifically to explain the importance of zooplankton in the marine carbon cycle. Students will learn the importance of zooplankton as primary consumers in the community and as part of the marine biological pump in the global carbon cycle.
This full lesson includes:
Lesson Overview & Teacher Guidance
Slideshow 1 Why should we care about zooplankton?
Student Sheet 1a The importance of zooplankton
Mark scheme for Student Sheet 1a
Subject Update Copepods
Subject Update The marine carbon cycle
This is Lesson 1 of 7 in the Plankton, Plastics and Poo unit of work, which is based on current research being conducted at the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The unit consists of enquiry-based lessons which support students to work scientifically by simulating the researchers’ investigations, and encourages students to the use their findings to have a wider impact.
The resource uses innovative methods to bring cutting edge science to the classroom, including:
- Using real field and laboratory data.
- Practical investigations that replicate the work of the scientists.
- Using social media to connect with the scientists.
- The opportunity to connect with scientists through Skype in the classroom events.
Students work scientifically using models to explain the impacts of Arctic ice melting.
Polar explorer, Ann Daniels puts this lesson into context, sharing her experiences of supporting Arctic fieldwork.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 6 Can ice melting in the Arctic really cause sea level rise?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 6 Sea level rise
Student Sheet 6a Is all ice equal?
Student Sheet 6b Storyboard
Subject Update 4 A melting Arctic
Subject Update 5 All about ice
Six enquiry-based lessons introducing ocean science concepts for ages 11-14.
These lessons and activities are full of practical ideas to bring carbonate chemistry and marine biology to the science classroom. All lessons demonstrate science at work and are based on recent research conducted in the Arctic. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Discovery Zone. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Students work scientifically by using analytical techniques in a systematic way to identify mixed up samples of ocean water.
The context of the lesson is a mix up in a lab which students have to use their skills to solve.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 5: Ocean detectives
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 5: Ocean detectives
Student Sheet 5a: Ocean detectives
Subject Update 2: Thermohaline circulation
Six enquiry-based lessons introducing ocean science concepts for ages 11-14.
These lessons and activities are full of practical ideas to bring carbonate chemistry and marine biology to the science classroom. All lessons demonstrate science at work and are based on recent research conducted in the Arctic. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Media Zone. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Students work scientifically by assessing the risks of working in a lab and the more extreme environment of the Arctic.
The context of the lesson is Dr Victoria Hill’s work into how algal growth is affected by the changing photoperiod in the Arctic.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 4: How do we investigate photosynthesis in the Arctic safely?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 4: How do we investigate photosynthesis in the Arctic safely?
Student Sheet 4a: How do we investigate photosynthesis in the Arctic safely?
Student Sheet 4b: Hazards of working in the Arctic
Six enquiry-based lessons introducing ocean science concepts for ages 11-14.
These lessons and activities are full of practical ideas to bring carbonate chemistry and marine biology to the science classroom. All lessons demonstrate science at work and are based on recent research conducted in the Arctic. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Media Zone. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Students work scientifically by developing and using a model (a food web) to formulate hypotheses.
The context of the lesson is Dr Ceri Lewis’ investigating how ocean acidification might affect the plankton at low trophic levels and the cascade effects at higher levels. The lesson builds on students’ prior knowledge of interdependence.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 3: How does ocean acidification affect communities?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Student Sheet 3a: Arctic food webs
Student Sheet 3b: Arctic organisms
Subject Update 1: Ocean acidification
Subject Update 3: Trophic cascades
Six enquiry-based lessons introducing ocean science concepts for ages 11-14.
These lessons and activities are full of practical ideas to bring carbonate chemistry and marine biology to the science classroom. All lessons demonstrate science at work and are based on recent research conducted in the Arctic. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Discovery Zone. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Students work scientifically by writing a method to test a hypothesis and then practise this in an exam setting.
The context of the lesson is Dr Ceri Lewis’ work into the impact of ocean acidification on copepods; a type of zooplankton with calcium carbonate shells.
The lesson builds on students’ prior knowledge of the environmental impact of anthropogenic CO2 production.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 2 How does ocean acidification affect organisms?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 2 Investigating how ocean acidification affects organisms with shells
Student Sheet 2a Investigating how ocean acidification affects organisms with shells
Subject Update 1 Ocean acidification
Six enquiry-based lessons introducing ocean science concepts for ages 11-14.
These lessons and activities are full of practical ideas to bring carbonate chemistry and marine biology to the science classroom. All lessons demonstrate science at work and are based on recent research conducted in the Arctic. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Discovery Zone. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
A practical lesson where students work scientifically and develop their literacy skills by writing a conclusion using the ‘Point Evidence Explain’ technique from English.
The context of the lesson is the work of Dr Helen Findlay who is investigating ocean acidification: ‘the other carbon problem’.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 1: Are humans causing ocean acidification?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 1: Are humans causing ocean acidification?
Student Sheet 1a: Are humans causing ocean acidification?
Student Sheet 1b: Practical instructions
Subject Update 1: Ocean acidification
Six enquiry-based lessons introducing ocean science concepts for ages 11-14.
These lessons and activities are full of practical ideas to bring carbonate chemistry and marine biology to the science classroom. All lessons demonstrate science at work and are based on recent research conducted in the Arctic. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Digital Explorer Media Zone. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
In this lesson students investigate the insulating properties of materials and consider how the adaptations of Arctic organisms help develop these.
The context of the lesson is helping to develop new clothing for Tyler Fish, one of the Catlin Arctic Survey explorers.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 4: How do humans and animals keep warm in the arctic?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 4: Investigating insulating materials
Student Sheet 4a: Investigating insulating materials
Student Sheet 4b: Scientific poster template
Student Sheet 4c: Scientific poster template (advanced)
Student Sheet 4d: Blubber gloves
It forms Lesson 4 of 5 from the Frozen Oceans 7-11 unit of work. Take your class to the North Pole with this cross-curricular investigation of the Arctic Ocean. The lessons progress to cover varied topics and skills needed for a science research expedition in the polar regions. Themes include Arctic food webs, training like an explorer, expedition food, insulation and clothing, the impacts of melting ice and conducting a press conference. The lessons can also be combined into a Polar Challenge Day. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Students develop their understanding of simple food chains or webs and scientific vocabulary through making an Arctic life mobile.
They will also be introduced to the work of marine scientist, Dr Ceri Lewis, who has worked in the Arctic investigating the impact of environmental change on this fragile ecosystem.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 1: What organisms live in the Arctic?
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Activity Overview 1: Arctic mobiles
Student Sheet 1a: Researching Arctic organisms
Student Sheet 1b: Arctic organisms cards
Student Sheet 1c: Arctic life mobiles
It forms Lesson 1 of 5 from the Frozen Oceans 7-11 unit of work. Take your class to the North Pole with this cross-curricular investigation of the Arctic Ocean. The lessons progress to cover varied topics and skills needed for a science research expedition in the polar regions. Themes include Arctic food webs, training like an explorer, expedition food, insulation and clothing, the impacts of melting ice and conducting a press conference. The lessons can also be combined into a Polar Challenge Day. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
In this KS2 science lesson, students travel to the Southern Ocean and the waters around Antarctica to study penguins. Students will learn about the adaptations that allow penguins to survive. This lesson can be used as an introductory lesson to the topic of evolution for upper Key Stage 2 students, which is the focus of Mission 10
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 10 The Southern Ocean and penguin adaptation with Dr Norman Ratcliffe
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Student Sheet 10 Penguin adaptations (students are directed to use an online interactive Thinglink to complete their research)
It forms Lesson 10 of 12 from the Our Ocean Planet resource, which is designed to support Key Stage 2 teachers to teach all aspects of the ocean. It can be used as a full topic with over 20 hours of classroom activities or using a pick and mix approach. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.
Five enquiry-based lessons introducing ocean science concepts for ages 11-14.
These lessons and activities are full of practical ideas to bring carbonate chemistry and marine biology to the science classroom. All lessons demonstrate science at work and are based on recent research conducted in the Arctic. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Discovery Zone.
The enquiry-based resources incorporate the scientists’ experiences and research, and include booklets with structured lesson plans, activity and experiment sheets, an interactive Media Player with videos and images from the expeditions, along with posters and other related resources.
An in-depth introduction to the themes of extreme environments and how science is conducted in remote regions, for schools internationally.
The booklet includes lesson plans and activities about current research on snow and ice extent, ocean currents, ocean acidification and marine biology. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Encounter Edu Discovery Zone.
The enquiry-based resources incorporate the scientists’ experiences and research, and include booklets with structured lesson plans, activity and experiment sheets, an interactive Media Player with videos and images from the expeditions, along with posters and other related resources.
These resources for ages 7-11 are based on the journeys undertaken by science teams taking part in the Catlin Seaview Survey expeditions. These resources present a complete scheme of work for the science classroom, covering core science and sustainability curriculum areas as well as enhancing students’ creative and communications skills.
Science curriculum topics include:
- habitats and how they provide the basic needs of plants and animals
- identification, classification and the use of keys
- life cycles, anatomy and sexual reproduction
- how animals obtain their food using the idea of food chains
- how animals and plants are adapted to their environment
- human impact on the environment
This project-based learning resource incorporates stunning multimedia resources and is based on recent expeditions to enable students to explore marine life on the reef and the threats facing it.
These resources for ages 11-14 are based on the journeys undertaken by science teams taking part in the Catlin Seaview Survey expeditions. Starting with the Great Barrier Reef, these expeditions seek to create a baseline survey of the world’s reefs as well as more in-depth research on the deep reef lying between 30m and 100m.
The lesson plans and accompanying activities are designed to introduce classes to what it is like to be an ocean explorer. Each lesson is designed around a ‘dive’ to investigate a particular science topic. These include identification, classification, food webs and symbiosis, adaptation and human impacts on the environment.
The enquiry-based resources incorporate the scientists’ experiences and research, and enable students to explore marine life on the reef and the threats facing it.
Encounter Edu links curriculum aligned education with global burning issues to inspire STEM careers and encourage environmental stewardship. Learn more about what we do at www.encounteredu.com or by visiting our TES Shop, filled with quality, free of charge resources.
This scheme of work would suit ages 11-14 and 14-16 (KS3/4).
Download all the Google Earth activities for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, looking at Classification, Food Webs, Mutualism and Symbiosis, and Threats.
They are designed to be used with the Catlin Seaview Survey Google Earth layer.
Visit the Encounter Edu website to gain access the Catlin Seaview Survey Google Earth Layer at: www.encounteredu.com
Encounter Edu links curriculum aligned education with global burning issues to inspire STEM careers and encourage environmental stewardship. Learn more about what we do at www.encounteredu.com or by visiting our TES Shop, filled with quality, free of charge resources.
This body of work is best suited for ages 11-4 and 14-16 years/ KS3/4.
This is an enquiry-based scheme of work investigating the seas around the UK and EU. The lesson plans and activities cover why fish stocks are decreasing, the issues and impacts associated with overfishing, and marine ecosystems and sustainability. The activities examine different stakeholder views and use current data from the UN FAO, MMO and the new economics foundation.