Ocean Plastics 7-11 is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) cross-curricular unit of work encompassing science and geography which also develops skills in mathematics, citizenship and spoken language. The unit addresses four key questions; what are plastics, where are plastics, what impact can plastics have and what can I do? These questions are answered by developing students understanding of properties of materials, living things, habitats and human and physical geography. The unit explores the pros and cons of a variety of plastic products, investigates how plastic finds its way to the ocean and looks at what changes can be made on a local and global scale. Students understand the complex issues surrounding oceans plastics through this units optimistic and innovative approach to challenging attitudes and behaviour. If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.

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 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.

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.

Journey to the mangrove forests of Indonesia in this thought-provoking lesson that brings conservation and community cooperation to life in your KS2 classroom. Prepare to transform your students into conservationists as they: Explore a magical forest between land and sea: Take a virtual expedition to the mysterious mangrove forests of Indonesia, where trees seem to walk on water! Become mangrove detectives: Guide your young explorers as they uncover the secrets of mangroves - from their unique adaptations to their crucial role in protecting coastlines and combating climate change. Step into different shoes: Through an engaging stakeholder activity, students will role-play as various groups with interests in the mangroves - from local fishermen to government officials. This exercise in empathy will help them understand the complexity of conservation efforts. Solve real-world puzzles: Challenge your class to balance the needs of different groups while protecting the mangroves. They’ll have to grapple with authentic conservation dilemmas. Build bridges for a better future: Inspire your students to find creative solutions that bring diverse groups together. They’ll learn the power of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. This lesson beautifully aligns with the KS2 Geography curriculum, touching on globally significant places, physical geography, and human geography. It encourages students to think critically about the interplay between nature and human societies. By the end of this mangrove expedition, your students will: Confidently locate and describe the natural features of mangrove forests Demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of mangroves to both nature and people Show improved skills in considering multiple perspectives on environmental issues Develop and present creative ideas for collaborative conservation efforts 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 • Human geography: land use and the distribution of natural resources

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 lesson is focussed on food and nutrition for Key Stage 2 (KS2) students. Students learn about diet and the importance of a balanced diet through the experiences of polar explorers. Using creativity and scientific research skills, students will create a menu suitable for an Arctic expedition. The lesson is introduced by Fran Orio, a specialist polar cook, who can make amazing meals in the most extreme circumstances. This full lesson contains: Slideshow 3: How do you eat like an Arctic explorer? Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance Activity Overview 3: Pemmican recipe Student Sheet 3a: Researching food Student Sheet 3b: Polar menu It forms Lesson 3 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.

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. Encounter Edu has worked with Google to develop training manuals for using Google Earth in the classroom and for mini-expeditions around the school grounds, which incorporates creating virtual fieldwork. The manuals bring together skills for space and mapping, using tech tools, project management and community/pupil agency to improve their own environment. You can also learn to navigate your way around Google Earth and tools it provides with the simple step-by-step skills sheets.

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops geographical understanding of place tectonics and mountain environments. What better way to learn about plate tectonics than a journey to the world’s highest mountain range. Travel to the Everest region and learn about what happens when plates collide. 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 Google Docs versions of the lesson plan and student sheet go to: https://goo.gl/kL79et

In this lesson students learn about the impacts of ice in the Arctic melting by watching a series of demonstrations. The context of the lesson is the work of Dr Helen Findlay who was investigating the effect of environmental change on the Arctic ecosystem. This full lesson contains: Slideshow 5: How is the Arctic changing? Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance Activity Overview 5a: The albedo effect Activity Overview 5b: Sea level rise Activity Overview 5c: Ocean circulation demonstration Student Sheet 5a: Sentences card sort Student Sheet 5b: Arctic issues storyboard It forms Lesson 5 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.

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student skills understanding of biomes and ecosystems. This lesson focuses on the location and features of tundra and taiga biomes. Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/. This is Google Expeditions Lesson is number 2 of a 4 lesson sequence. It can be used as a standalone lesson or in conjunction with others listed below (links go to Google Docs versions of the lessons). Lesson 1: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems https://goo.gl/0eMtoz Lesson 2: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Tundra and Taiga https://goo.gl/L6cpjH Lesson 3: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Tropical Rainforest and Temperate Forests https://goo.gl/wGM97d Lesson 4: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Savannah and Desert https://goo.gl/sBrZzi

This introductory lesson looks at the scientific processes and concepts of the carbon cycle. This will enable students to grow prior knowledge of food chains and feeding relationships to understanding the drivers of environmental change. The lesson starts with an introduction to what carbon is, followed by a scaffolded understanding of the carbon cycle, reinforced by a fun activity. The lesson will close by analysing how an imbalance in the carbon cycle is leading to increased carbon in the atmosphere, which is driving the climate crisis. An interactive carbon cycle diagram complements the lesson. Learning outcomes List where carbon can be found Describe four basic processes of the carbon cycle Demonstrate their understanding of carbon stores and movement between them Link increasing carbon levels in the atmosphere with climate change

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student skills understanding of biomes and ecosystems. This lesson focuses on the location and features of savannah and desert biomes, as well as the process of desertification. Google Expeditions are immersive 360 degree photo stories designed for use in the classroom. For more see: https://www.google.com/edu/expeditions/. This is Google Expeditions Lesson is number 4 of a 4 lesson sequence. It can be used as a standalone lesson or in conjunction with others listed below (links go to Google Docs versions of the lessons). Lesson 1: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems https://goo.gl/0eMtoz Lesson 2: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Tundra and Taiga https://goo.gl/L6cpjH Lesson 3: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems:Tropical Rainforest and Temperate Forests https://goo.gl/wGM97d Lesson 4: Google Expeditions: Biomes & Ecosystems: Savannah and Desert https://goo.gl/sBrZzi

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson challenges students to write a tourist brochure for the Angel Falls. Students will go on a virtual field trip to the Angel Falls in Venezuela and learn about tourism in the area, before developing their skills in writing geographical descriptions to create a tourist brochure. 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 Google Docs versions of the lesson plan and student sheet go to: https://goo.gl/oyU14G

Two data case studies based on the Arctic with options to use ICT or offline versions. One case study on the link between carbon dioxide and ocean acidity and the other on sea ice thickness. Each case study consists of four lessons. Designed to be used in conjunction with the Classroom Media Player.

This lesson introduces students to the water cycle. They will consider whether it rains more in the UK or the Arctic and then carry out a practical to link the ideas of temperature and evaporation. This full lesson contains: Slideshow 6: The Arctic Ocean and the water cycle with Prof Penny Holliday Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance Activity Overview: Evaporation rates practical Student Sheet 6a: Water cycle card sort Student Sheet 6b: Water cycle data activity Student Sheet 6c: Water cycle exam style questions Mark scheme: Water cycle exam style questions It forms Lesson 6 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.

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 Frozen Oceans education programme is based on the research expeditions of the Catlin Arctic Survey 2009-11. Braving temperatures of -40°C, marine biologists, oceanographers and explorers camped on the frozen sea ice and undertook transect surveys to collect data on the changes occurring in the region. Have your class become ocean detectives with these experiments suitable for ages 11-14 and 14-16 (KS3/4).

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.

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student understanding of conservation efforts using the DRC as a case study. This lesson involves a virtual trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to learn about the work and life of the ‘ecoguards’ who work to safeguard the DRC’s natural resources. 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/Ackjcd

Plastic solutions: how can we manage waste? is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson. With plastic production already exceeding 300 million tonnes per year, the mountain of waste has the potential to grow and grow. This lesson looks at whether recycling can be a solution, before examining three different economic models to see if we need to change the way we look at plastic and plastic products. The lesson asks students to consider the impact of managed, unmanaged and mismanaged waste. This is a single lesson from Ocean Plastic Geography. Ocean Plastics Geography is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource. The lessons address the issue of marine plastic pollution, the harm caused by plastics to the environment and communities, how we deal with all the waste, ending with a debate on approaches to reducing ocean plastic pollution. Fieldwork templates for investigating plastics in the local area are included as well as a wealth of case studies exploring both the human and physical elements of plastic pollution. Get the whole unit’s resources here:https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics