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
Submarine STEM 7-11 delivers a comprehensive scheme of work covering Materials, Forces and Living things and develops students’ ability to work scientifically.
The unit is based on the exploratory submersible journeys undertaken as part of the XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey off Bermuda, the Sargasso Sea (between Bermuda and Canada) and off Canada’s east coast.
Using our exclusive galleries, videos and online 360 VR technology students are fully immersed in the deep ocean. Students will understand the scale and depth of the ocean, explore and investigate the creatures which inhabit this inhospitable environment and consider how forces and materials are integral to submersible design. Throughout the unit students plan, carry out and evaluate scientific investigations, culminating in an exciting DT challenge.
This lesson brings the KS3 curriculum to life, seamlessly blending key concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics into a cohesive exploration of Earth’s systems. Through a carefully crafted series of activities, students will:
Unravel climate change’s impact on our oceans, discovering how seemingly small changes can create ripple effects across entire ecosystems.
Engage in a dynamic card sort activity that challenges them to categorise and connect various aspects of climate change, from causes to consequences.
Get creative by designing an eye-catching diagram that visually represents the complex web of linkages in climate change.
Develop critical thinking skills as they analyse how human activities contribute to climate change and how these changes affect Earth’s delicate balance.
Gain a deeper appreciation for the role of oceans in regulating our climate, tying together concepts of heat transfer, atmospheric science, and marine biology.
By the end of this lesson, students will not only understand the science behind climate change but also feel empowered to discuss its far-reaching impacts on habitats, ecosystems, and human societies. This comprehensive approach ensures that students grasp the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems and the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
Aligned with key KS3 curriculum links, this lesson provides a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. It’s an ideal way to spark curiosity, foster environmental awareness, and inspire the next generation of climate scientists and ocean advocates.
Curriculum links
Science KS3
Biology
Relationships in an ecosystem, environmental changes, and effects on living things.
Chemistry
Earth and atmospheric science, including climate change and its effects on the environment.
Physics
Energy, heat transfer, and the role of the atmosphere and oceans in regulating climate.
Learning outcomes
Connect climate change to changes in the ocean
List and describe climate change impacts in the ocean
Categorise the different aspects of climate change and its impacts
Create a diagram to show the linkages in climate change
A numeracy-based geography full lesson looking at the marine economy. Useful full lesson resource that ticks off the need to teach marine topics in KS2 geography and develops numeracy skills at the same time.
This full lesson contains:
Slideshow 4: Using our sea with Jennifer Gomez Molina
Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance
Student Sheet 4a: Using our seas
Student Sheet 4b: How much is the sea worth (in two different age groups)
Student Sheet 4c: Using our seas poster
Multimedia Slideshow Marine economy (animated ppt showing aspects of UK marine economy)
It forms Lesson 4 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.
This is the third in a six lesson unit, Submarine Science KS3. In this lesson, explore moments and levers through designing and building a model crane suitable for lifting and moving a weight. This activity replicates the science involved in launching and recovering a submersible using a surface vessel. This lesson is from the Submarine STEM Science 11-14 unit. You can access the unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teacher-resources/submarine-stem-science-ages-11-14
This unit is based on the real life submersible exploration of the XL Caitlin Deep Ocean Survey off Bermuda, the Sargasso Sea. It provides students the opportunity to apply science, engineering, and design princples. To experience the full impact of this scheme of work it can be taught in advance of our annual Submarine Live event. Live lessons can be booked for free here: https://encounteredu.com/live
This lesson looks at how ocean biodiversity can be protected, covering a range of methods, and includes an in-depth analysis of community conservation in Arran, Scotland.
The lesson looks at how seabed communities can recover after human impacts, and the importance of lesser-known seabed species in this process.
Curriculum links
Science KS3
Biology
Biodiversity and its importance
Threats to biodiversity
Conservation and management strategies
Adaptation
Working scientifically
Using evidence to support conclusions
Communication and advocacy
Learning outcomes
Understand the methods used in protecting marine biodiversity
Explain the impact of human activities on seabed ecosystems
Identify adaptations of lesser-known species that help seabed restoration
Advocate for the process of seabed recovery and the role of MPAs
This lesson introduces ocean acidification, the other carbon problem. The ocean absorbs about 25% of human-produced carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps to mitigate climate change but is not without its negative consequences for the ocean.
This is a practical lesson where students will develop their working scientifically skills and develop their literacy by writing a scientific conclusion using the ‘Point Evidence Explain’ technique from English.
Curriculum links
Science KS3
Working scientifically
Using evidence to support conclusions
Analysing data and graphs
Investigation skills
Biology / Chemistry
Using the pH scale to describe change
Explaining the impact of human production of carbon dioxide on the environment
Learning outcomes
Describe patterns in results
Investigate how carbon emissions change ocean chemistry
Describe the process of ocean acidification
Write a scientific conclusion
Visit the saltmarshes of the Solent in this multifaceted lesson that brings ecology, tourism, and conservation together in your KS2 classroom.
Get ready to transform your students into eco-explorers and budding tour guides as they:
Discover a hidden coastal wonder: Take a virtual field trip to the mysterious saltmarshes of the Solent.
Become food web detectives: Guide your young scientists as they unravel the intricate connections between saltmarsh inhabitants. They’ll piece together food chains and webs.
Explore nature’s superpowers: students learn how saltmarshes act as nature’s own superheroes - protecting coastlines, purifying water, and fighting climate change as a blue carbon habitat.
Design eco-tourism campaigns: Encourage creativity as students craft eye-catching posters to promote saltmarshes as must-visit destinations. They’ll learn to balance environmental protection with responsible tourism, thinking critically about sustainable development.
This lesson brilliantly intertwines elements of the KS2 Geography and Science curricula, offering a perfect blend of ecological understanding and real-world application. It’s designed to nurture scientific thinking while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and economic awareness.
By the end of this saltmarsh safari, your students will:
Explain the importance of saltmarshes for both nature and local communities
Demonstrate improved skills in describing and mapping food chains using scientific terminology
Show enhanced creativity in promoting eco-tourism while considering conservation needs
See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES.
Curriculum links
Geography KS2
• Globally significant marine and terrestrial places
• Physical geography: climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts
Science KS2
• construct and interpret a variety of food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey
Get involved in ocean conservation with this thought-provoking lesson that brings the complex world of sustainable fishing to your classroom.
Prepare to transform your students into marine detectives and eco-conscious consumers as they:
Follow the fish from sea to plate: Take your class on a journey from the ocean depths to their dinner tables, asking them to connect the ocean food they eat to marine life.
Crunch the numbers: Engage in a fun, fish-themed maths activity. They’ll calculate just how many cod it would take to feed the nation with fish fingers, bringing maths to life.
Evaluating fishing techniques: Guide your class as they explore various fishing methods. They’ll weigh the pros and cons of each, developing critical thinking skills as they grapple with real-world sustainability issues.
Step into the shoes of marine life: Through engaging activities, students will gain empathy for ocean creatures and understand the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems.
Raise their voices for ocean health: Inspire your class to become advocates for sustainable fishing. They’ll craft persuasive arguments to convince school leaders and even government officials to ‘get fish smart’!
This lesson beautifully intertwines elements of PSHE and Geography curricula, offering a perfect blend of environmental awareness, economic understanding, and civic engagement. It’s designed to nurture critical thinking while fostering a sense of global citizenship.
By the end of this fishy adventure, your students will:
Demonstrate a clear understanding of fish as a food source and its journey to our plates
Show improved skills in debating the merits and drawbacks of different fishing methods
Develop empathy for marine life and ecosystems affected by overfishing
Craft persuasive arguments for sustainable fishing practices
See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES.
Curriculum links
KS2 PSHE
• Sustainable development and use of natural resources
• Taking action on environmental issues
KS2 Geography
• economic activity and distribution of natural resources including food
This comprehensive lesson explores the fundamental aspects of climate change, from its causes to the methods scientists use to study Earth’s climatic history. Students will delve into the greenhouse effect, examine evidence of past climate changes, and engage in hands-on analysis of sediment cores.
Students will:
Unravel the greenhouse effect: explore the mechanisms behind global warming and its impact on our planet.
Journey through Earth’s climate history: discover how scientists uncover information about past climates and the evidence they use.
Analyse ancient climate data: engage in a practical sediment core analysis activity, comparing evidence from sediment and ice cores.
Interpret proxy data: Learn how scientists use indirect indicators to reconstruct past climates and practice these techniques.
By the end of this lesson, students will:
Explain why global warming happens
Describe how the climate has changed over time
Identify the evidence scientists have for climate change
Demonstrate techniques in using proxy data to measure climate change
This lesson provides students with a deeper understanding of climate change processes and scientific methods, while addressing key areas of the KS3 Science curriculum.
**Curriculum links **
Science KS3
Earth and atmosphere:
The composition of the atmosphere
The production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the impact on climate
Evidence for past climate change
Working scientifically:
Using evidence to support conclusions
Analysing data and graphs
Investigation skills
Coral Oceans Geography 14-16 delivers a comprehensive unit that covers the ecosystems portion of Geography GCSE. The download contains a teach booklet with student sheets for every lesson and 8 slideshows.
The unit uses photos, virtual reality content and videos from research on coral reefs around the world to bring this topic to life.
Students will work through a series of lessons, working towards an assessment on reef protection in Timor-Leste.
The lessons in the unit are:
Learning about the conditions needed for coral reefs and an introduction to Timor-Leste and the Coral Triangle.
A study of the formation of coral reefs and the different habitat zones within reefs.
A focus on the biotic and abiotic factors of coral reef ecosystems.
A look at how humans use coral reefs and an understanding of ecosystem goods and services.
An investigation of the threats facing coral reefs worldwide.
An understanding of the potential impact of coral reef loss.
A study of the strategies used globally to conserve coral reefs.
An exam-style assessment.
All multimedia materials and links to the opportunity to speak live to a coral scientist are available via https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-geography-14-16.
Our wonderful ocean KS1 introduces students to the marine habitat and encourages a discussion around what students already know about the ocean. Students use globes and maps to discover that we live on a blue planet. They then play a game of marine snap, matching animals to their features. Students then find out about some iconic marine creatures and make a fact sheet about their favourite.
Get ready to introduce your KS2 class to the fascinating realm of blue carbon habitats - Earth’s hidden climate champions.
In this exciting lesson, your students will:
Uncover nature’s secret weapon: Introduce the concept of ‘blue carbon’ and learn how coastal environments are Earth’s unsung heroes in the battle against climate change.
Find global habitats: Students locate and map major blue carbon habitats around the world. They’ll develop their geography skills while gaining a global perspective on these crucial ecosystems.
‘Do the math’ like real scientists: Dive into data analysis with a fun and engaging activity. Students will interpret real data to understand just how powerful these habitats are in absorbing carbon, bringing maths and science together in a meaningful way.
Explore underwater forests: Take a virtual field trip to mangrove swamps, seagrass meadows, and saltmarshes. Students will be amazed to learn how these environments act as nature’s own carbon capture technology.
Become ecosystem advocates: Inspire your class to think critically about conservation. They’ll use their newfound knowledge and data interpretation skills to make compelling arguments for protecting these vital habitats.
This lesson brilliantly integrates elements of the KS2 Maths and Geography curricula, offering a perfect blend of data interpretation and global awareness. It’s designed to nurture analytical thinking while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
By the end of this hope-filled journey, your students will:
Confidently explain the concept of blue carbon and how coastal habitats store it
Demonstrate improved map skills by locating major blue carbon habitats globally
Show enhanced data interpretation skills, using numbers to support environmental conservation
See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES.
Curriculum links
Maths KS2
Interpret and present data
Geography KS2
Locate globally significant marine places
This engaging exploration will transform your KS2 classroom into an underwater observatory, where students will discover the fascinating and sometimes concerning changes happening beneath the waves.
Get ready to embark on an oceanic adventure where your students will:
Become climate detectives: Unravel the mystery of how excess carbon in our atmosphere is changing our planet’s oceans. Watch as your students connect the dots between human activities and the transformations occurring in our marine world.
Journey from pole to pole: Take a virtual expedition from the melting ice caps to the vibrant coral reefs. Students will be amazed to learn how climate change affects vastly different marine ecosystems.
Explore a coral wonderland: Dive into a video case study of the Maldives’ coral reefs. Your class will explore this colorful underwater world and learn about the delicate balance that keeps coral reefs healthy.
Hear from the experts: Engage with real quotes from scientists and community members in an exciting poster activity. This hands-on task will bring the human element of climate change to life, showing students how these changes affect people around the world.
Become ocean advocates: Inspire your students to share their newfound knowledge through creative poster designs.
This lesson beautifully aligns with the KS2 Geography curriculum, focusing on how environments change over time. It offers a perfect blend of scientific understanding and global awareness, encouraging students to think critically about the world around them.
By the end of this ocean odyssey, your students will:
Confidently explain how excess atmospheric carbon leads to climate change
Identify and describe various impacts of climate change on our oceans
Create compelling posters to share their learning and raise awareness
See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES.
Curriculum links
Geography KS2
How environments can change over time; focus on both terrestrial and marine systems and places.
Fully-resourced lesson developing classification skills using the amazing life in seagrass meadows.
This lesson takes your class on an underwater adventure to the seagrass meadows off Sicily and brings marine biology to life in the KS2 classroom.
Students will take the role of junior marine biologists:
Dive into a hidden world: Take a virtual plunge into the seagrass meadows surrounding Sicily, and discover this lesser-known but incredibly important underwater habitat teeming with life.
Become sea creature detectives: Equip your young explorers with the tools to identify and classify the diverse array of creatures calling seagrass meadows home. From fish to crustaceans to reptiles, students will sharpen their observation skills and learn to spot key characteristics.
Master the art of classification: Guide your class through the exciting process of grouping sea creatures based on observable features.
Start to use classification keys: Introduce the concept of classification keys in a fun, hands-on way. Students will feel like real scientists as they use these tools to identify and categorize the unique inhabitants of seagrass meadows.
Uncover nature’s secrets: As they explore this underwater world, students will also learn about the crucial role seagrass plays in our oceans and climate, connecting this lesson to broader environmental themes.
This lesson brilliantly aligns with the KS2 Science curriculum, focusing on classification skills and the use of keys. It offers a perfect blend of scientific inquiry and environmental awareness, encouraging students to think critically about biodiversity and ecosystems.
By the end of this underwater expedition, your students will:
Confidently identify key features of seagrass habitats and their inhabitants
Demonstrate improved skills in grouping organisms based on observable characteristics
Show proficiency in using classification keys to identify marine life
See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES.
Curriculum links
Science KS2
• Group organisms based on characteristics
• Use classification keys
This lesson supports students to develop pledges to protect the ocean. It features examples of young ocean heroes, examples of persuasive writing, alongside writing frames and ocean pledge ideas. It can work as a standalone lesson or as the final lesson as part of the Ocean & Climate KS2 unit.
Prepare to guide your young ocean advocates on an empowering journey as they:
Meet real-life young ocean champions: Introduce your class to inspiring stories of children just like them who are making waves in ocean conservation.
Master the art of persuasion: Equip your budding activists with powerful writing techniques. They’ll learn to craft compelling arguments that can turn the tide of public opinion on ocean protection.
Find their voice: Guide students as they develop their own unique messages to advocate for ocean health. From posters to speeches, they’ll explore creative ways to make their voices heard.
Dive deep into ocean-climate connections: Reinforce the crucial link between our oceans and climate, helping students understand why their actions matter on a global scale.
Make waves with personal pledges: Inspire your class to commit to tangible actions that protect our oceans. Whether it’s reducing plastic use or spreading awareness, each student will find their own way to become an ocean hero.
This lesson combines elements of PSHE and English curricula, offering a perfect blend of civic engagement and communication skills. It’s designed to nurture environmental stewardship while honing critical writing and speaking abilities.
By the end of this empowering adventure, your students will:
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the ocean-climate relationship
Show improved skills in persuasive writing and speaking
Develop a personal connection to ocean conservation issues
Create and commit to meaningful ocean protection pledges
See the full Ocean Heroes unit on TES.
Curriculum links
KS2 PSHE
• Sustainable development and use of natural resources
• Taking action on environmental issues
KS2 English
• Plan writing by identifying the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form, and using other similar writing as models
This lesson is an exciting scientific adventure on the carbon cycle Perfect for KS2 students, this lesson will transform your classroom into a living laboratory where young minds will unravel the mysteries of one of Earth’s most crucial processes.
Dive into the world of carbon with your class as they:
Discover the building blocks of life: Students will be amazed to learn that carbon is all around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat.
Become carbon cycle detectives: Through engaging activities and visual aids, students will piece together the puzzle of how carbon moves through our world. They’ll trace carbon’s journey from plants to animals, from the atmosphere to the oceans, and back again.
Play the ‘Carbon Cycle Game’: Students become carbon atoms, moving between different parts of the ecosystem in this fun, interactive activity that brings the carbon cycle to life.
Connect the dots to climate change: Guide your students as they make the crucial link between human activities, the carbon cycle, and our changing climate.
Blend science and geography: This lesson intertwines concepts from both subjects, showing how carbon’s journey affects both land and sea, and how environments change over time.
This lesson acts as a springboard, building on students’ existing knowledge of food chains and animal needs, while preparing them for more advanced concepts in environmental science. It’s designed to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.
By the end of this lesson, your students will:
Confidently explain what carbon is and where it can be found
Understand and articulate the stages of the carbon cycle
Make connections between human activities and changes in the carbon cycle
See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES.
Curriculum links
Science KS2
Brings together learning on: transport of oxygen in humans and other animals; what plants and animals need to survive; how living things are, connected in feeding relationships; combustion through heating of materials.
Geography KS2
How environments can change over time; focus on both terrestrial and marine systems and places.
Dive into an ocean adventure with this captivating Ocean Heroes KS2 unit. This comprehensive series of nine lessons takes students on an unforgettable journey from the depths of the sea to the forefront of climate action.
Lesson 1 Climate, carbon, and the ocean: discover the mysteries of carbon’s journey through our world, setting the stage for understanding climate change.
Lesson 2 Climate impacts: explore the profound effects of climate change on our oceans, from melting ice caps to coral bleaching.
Lesson 3 Nature as hero: introduce the concept of blue carbon habitats and their crucial role in combating climate change.
Lesson 4 Seagrass animal classification: dive into the vibrant seagrass meadows of Sicily, honing classification skills while exploring marine biodiversity.
Lesson 5 Community conservation: visit Indonesia’s mangrove forests and tackle real-world conservation challenges through stakeholder role-play.
Lesson 6 Saltmarsh food chains: explore the Solent’s saltmarshes, mapping food webs and designing eco-tourism campaigns.
Lesson 7 Wonderful worms and ocean sediment: get hands-on with marine sediments and discover the vital role of worms in seabed health.
Lesson 8 Sustainable fishing: investigate overfishing impacts and debate sustainable fishing practices, connecting ocean health to our plates.
Lesson 9 Ocean Heroes in action: empower students to become ocean advocates through persuasive writing and personal pledges.
This unit seamlessly blends elements of Science, Geography, Maths, English, and PSHE, offering a truly cross-curricular exploration of our blue planet. From hands-on experiments to creative projects, students will engage with complex environmental concepts in accessible, exciting ways.
By the end of this unit, your class will have:
Gained a comprehensive understanding of ocean ecosystems and their importance
Developed critical thinking skills around environmental challenges
Honed their abilities in scientific observation, data analysis, and persuasive communication
Cultivated a deep sense of environmental stewardship and global citizenship
Ocean Heroes is a full unit of work covering all aspects of the ocean and climate change across Key Stage 2. Each lesson has been written with scientists and partners as part of the Convex Seascape Survey, with the University of Exeter and Blue Marine Foundation. Together they form a learning journey through some of our most important ocean habitats and living things. These lessons cover core aspects of the science and geography programmes of study as well as developing numeracy and literacy skills.
The unit works works as a progressive learning journey, although individual lessons will still work as standalone teaching opportunities. The unit has a special focus on blue carbon, the coastal and seabed habitats that offer hope in tackling climate change.
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.
The manuals demonstrate how Google Earth can be used to conduct fieldwork over the immediate area available to pupils.
It brings together skills for space and mapping, using tech tools, project management and community/pupil agency to improve their own environment.
Suitable for ages 11-4 and 14-16/ KS3/4
This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student skills in writing to inform.
Students take a virtual tour along the Thames, creating a tourist brochure to develop their writing to inform skills. The ideas and structure of this lesson are applicable to plenty of other Google Expeditions.
Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/
To download a Google Docs version of the lesson plan go to: https://goo.gl/ZBZVdn