In this biology Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson, students will learn about plastics and bioaccumulation. This lesson is focused on how chemical pollutants cause harm to marine organisms. Included are teacher resources to model bioaccumulation and an orca case study. This is a single lesson in the Ocean Plastic Science Unit. Ocean Plastics Science is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource combining both biology and chemistry. Students are taken on the journey of plastic. Exploring how plastics are manufactured, used, and disposed into the ocean. Students will learn the science behind what makes plastics both brilliant for everyday purposes and devastating to our oceans and marine life. Included in this topic are teacher resources that promote students to conduct authentic research, emulating research conducted by The University of Plymouth. Students will test the properties of plastics, investigate compostable alternatives, and analyse case studies to discover how plastics can physically and chemically harm marine life. If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.

Plastics: what harm can they cause? Part one is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson. In this lesson students are introduced to microplastics and ocean plastic pollution and begin to understand how and why it occurs through investigating one of three case studies. They go on to discover some of the dangers plastic pollution and microplastics can pose to marine life and consider how entire food webs are impacted. 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. Get the whole unit resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics-x-curric-7-11

This is the first in a six lesson unit, Submarine Science KS3. This lesson is based on forces through a practical investigation to discover a suitable shape that can dive and rise at a speed safe enough for the scientists inside the submarine. Students develop their understanding of forces, surface area, and fair testing. 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 principles. 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

Computing KS3: Obstacles and sensors, in this lesson students will learn about the challenges autonomous vehicles will face whilst navigating the real world. They will learn about the ultrasonic sensor on board the mBot and how to use it to avoid obstacles. Finally, they will think about how driving speed can influence a vehicle’s ability to react to obstacles. This is a single lesson fromt he Computing KS3 unit. Computing KS3 is a computing and robotics education programme based on driverless car technologies. Students will develop their ability to code as well as their design thinking as they tackle smart city challenges. Through a series of nine lessons, students will learn about aspects of making, programming and design thinking as they build and program their own robot cars. They will work in teams to tackle coding challenges based on the actual problems that engineers are faced with in designing autonomous vehicles. In a final design challenge, students will need to work on not only the technical aspects of driverless cars, but also how they can improve lives and create smarter and safer communities. All lesson resources are found here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/code-smart-11-14

Computing KS2: Obstacles and sensors, in this lesson students will learn about the challenges autonomous vehicles will face whilst navigating the real world. They will learn about the ultrasonic sensor on board the mBot and how to use it to avoid obstacles. Finally, they will think about how driving speed can influence a vehicle’s ability to react to obstacles. This is a lesson from the Computing KS2 unit. Computing KS2 is a computing and robotics education programme based on driverless car technologies. Students will develop their ability to code as well as their design thinking as they tackle smart city challenges. Through a series of nine lessons, students will learn about aspects of making, programming and design thinking as they build and program their own robot cars. They will work in teams to tackle coding challenges based on the actual problems that engineers are faced with in designing autonomous vehicles. In a final design challenge, students will need to work on not only the technical aspects of driverless cars, but also how they can improve lives and create smarter and safer communities. All lesson resources are found here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/code-smart-7-11

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student skills in comparative writing. Students visit the Hadzabe Tribe of Lake Eyasi via Google Expeditions and use comparative language to describe similarities and differences between their lives and those of the Hadzabe. 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/kgW7bU

Knowledge organiser covering the carbon cycle and climate change. This includes the following sections: Carbon cycle processes Where is the carbon? Climate change key words How has human activity changed where carbon is located? The greenhouse effect Climate change over time Atmospheric CO2 over time Evidence for climate change

Different species have adapted to life on the coral reef in amazing and diverse ways. From sleeping in mucus bubbles, to flexible snakelike skeletons, life on the reef has had to find ingenious methods to find food and stay alive. The reef is also host to numerous examples of symbiosis and finding food and safety in the strangest of places, whether that be in a shark’s mouth or ‘vacuuming’ the sandy seabed. In this lesson, students are challenged to create the ultimate reef organism. This is a single lesson from the Coral Oceans Science KS3 unit. 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. Access the other lessons in this unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-11-14

Students will consider the various impacts humans have had on the coral reef ecosystem, both positive and negative. These impacts range from long-term environmental changes caused by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, to changes in land use in coastal areas and the impact of fertilisers on the ecosystem balance. This is a single lesson from the unit Coral Oceans 7-11. This science-based unit uses the stunning imagery and 360 media from the XL Catlin Seaview Survey and covers several of the main concepts for students studying living things at upper elementary level. The unit can be used as a standalone primer for students, using a new and exciting context of corals, clownfish and sharks, or as a comparative study to the local environment. Students work through a series of connected lessons to develop their understanding of: 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 Access the full unit’s resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-7-11

Plastic field work (school grounds) is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson. This lesson provides a framework for conducting plastics fieldwork in the school grounds. As per most fieldwork, it consists of three phases: preparation, conducting fieldwork, and then analysis and conclusions. Depending on your school timetable and ability of your class, you will need to set aside three to four hours to complete this fieldwork activity. Suggestions for challenge tasks are included for more able students, if you teach a mixed ability class. 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 If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.

Plastic field work (local area) is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson. This lesson provides a framework for conducting plastics fieldwork in the local area. As per most fieldwork, it consists of three phases: preparation, conducting fieldwork, and then analysis and conclusions. Depending on your school timetable and ability of your class, you will need to set aside three to four hours to complete this fieldwork activity. Suggestions for challenge tasks are included for more able students, if you teach a mixed ability class. 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 If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.

The Plastics Problem DT is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson. In this lesson students are posed with a problem; they need to design a product which can carry several items from one location to another. They should attempt to design a new product and consider its features including strength, usability and materials. Students go on to evaluate existing solutions to this product in terms of strength, cost, aesthetics, usability and finally sustainability. They conclude by evaluating whether a new product is required based on the existing alternatives. 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. Get the whole unit resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics-x-curric-7-11

This lesson explores the technology required to explore deep reefs and considers how water pressure poses additional challenges to scientists exploring the ‘twilight zone’ through a teacher led demonstration. Students consider the human context of deep reef exploration through reading a blogpost written by Norbert Englebert a member of the deep reef team. Students conduct an experiment to test whether the colour of coral affects the amount of light it absorbs. This is a single lesson from the Coral Oceans Science KS3 unit. 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. Access the other lessons in this unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-11-14

Throughout this lesson students explore underwater habitats and begin to understand the importance of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey. Students consider why exploration of this kind can be challenging for humans and learn dive signs so they can communicate on their virtual dive. During the virtual dive students use 360 virtual reality to explore this dynamic environment, identifying some of the species that live there. Students go on to classify these species and record the findings of their first dive. This is a single lesson from the Coral Oceans Science KS3 unit. 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. Access the other lessons in this unit on EncounterEdu here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-11-14

This lesson will introduce students to abiotic and biotic factors of the coral reef ecosystem. In this lesson students will gain a detailed understanding of a variety of abiotic and biotic factors. By the end of the lesson students will be able to describe those factors and begin to identify ways actions of humans will affect the ecosystem. This lesson is from the Coral Oceans Geograpy 14-16 unit. You can access the unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-geography-14-16 The unit delivers a comprehensive understanding of coral reefs. Through the use of our exclusive galleries, videos and online resources, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of what coral reefs are, why they are important and how to protect them. The unit includes challenging lessons on abiotic components such as the nutrient cycle and biotic factors such as food chains. To experience the full impact of this scheme of work it can be taught in advance of our annual Coral Live event. Live lessons can be booked for free here: https://encounteredu.com/live

Plastic oceans: can we reduce ocean plastic waste? is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson. Experts agree on the need for urgent action to tackle the issue of marine plastic pollution but disagree on the what methods should be prioritised. Students will look at two main schools of thought: ‘turn off the taps’, stopping plastic from entering the ocean by reducing plastic pollution, limiting single-use plastic use, improving waste management, and introducing alternative products; and ‘bail out the bath’, removing plastic waste from the ocean and beaches. Students engage in a silent debate followed by a group discussion to focus on what they believe is the most effective solution. 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

This lesson combines science and creativity to help young people learn more about life on the coral reef and the food chains that link them together. The output for this activity is to create a mobile to hang at home or in the classroom, showing some of the main types of life that can be found on the coral reef, and how they are related through predator-prey relationships. This is a single lesson from the unit Coral Oceans 7-11. This science-based unit uses the stunning imagery and 360 media from the XL Catlin Seaview Survey and covers several of the main concepts for students studying living things at upper elementary level. The unit can be used as a standalone primer for students, using a new and exciting context of corals, clownfish and sharks, or as a comparative study to the local environment. Students work through a series of connected lessons to develop their understanding of: 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 Access the full unit’s resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-7-11

Climate and Energy is an exciting unit which invites students to explore the connection between the global climate and energy use both locally and internationally, with a focus on renewable energy. Co-created with academics, industry experts and educators, the lessons promote knowledge of the global climate, before focusing in on Northwestern Europe. Once a solid understanding of these topics has been reached, students move on to understand how this climate can be exploited to produce renewable energy, while promoting critical thinking about the topic and encouraging students to create their own opinions based on the real-world data. The unit provides a robust understanding of the latest findings promoting climate literacy, while being curriculum-aligned to GCSE exam body specifications, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to tackle challenges of the future. The unit and its associated activities and multimedia can also be accessed on the Encounter Edu website.

This is the fifth lesson in the eight lesson Global Climate and Renewable Energy unit for KS4 and GCSE. Learn more about renewable energy, including the limitations of renewable energy. Students will consider of renewable energy is enough to meet our current and future energy demands. Renewable energy is currently responsible for approximately 30% of energy production in the UK. This figure has steadily risen since 1990, but is the increase enough? Can we produce enough energy via renewable sources to meet energy needs? What are the issues faced when generating renewable energy? In this lesson students will evaluate the positives and negatives of renewable energy production. They will also consider how renewable energy is affected by the weather. The unit provides a robust understanding of the latest findings promoting climate literacy, while being curriculum-aligned to GCSE exam body specifications, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to tackle challenges of the future. The unit and its associated activities and multimedia can also be accessed on the Encounter Edu website.

Plastic, Plankton and Poo is a science Key Stage 4 unit of work, this video lesson can be used as part of Lesson 7. In this lesson the science team explain the societal importance of their work and how their research can be used by policy- makers, community organisations and wider society. This full lesson includes: Student Sheet Video 4 Student Sheet Video reflection The video can be used as a stimulus to a larger discussion about the impact of plastics on the environment and how science can help inform decisions about the future use of plastic. There are also opportunities to use a flipped approach to learning, setting the video lesson as pre-work before the topic is taught or as home learning to provide reinforcement of factual knowledge or to encourage further reflection.