This lesson supports students to develop the ‘societal importance of science’ component of working scientifically for GCSE. It is based on current research being conducted by Exeter University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. Having made their discovery that microplastics affect zooplankton feeding and that this could have devastating environmental consequences, the question is, what changes do they want to see, and who should make them? This full lesson includes: Lesson Overview & Teacher Guidance Slideshow 7 How can you make sure your discoveries have an impact? Student Sheet 7a Reducing the impacts of microplastics Student Sheet 7b Communication ideas Student Sheet 7c Impact plan Student Sheet 7d SMART targets This is Lesson 7 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.

Our ocean and us KS2 is a resource for year 3, year, 4, year 5, and year 6 students.In this lesson students are introduced to the concept of ecosystem goods and services, through discovering how we depend on the oceans for food, transport, livelihoods and more. Students work in groups to plan and create a diorama which illustrates some of the goods and services the ocean provides. Students also reflect on how damaging this ecosystem could be detrimental for all of us. This is one of three lessons. The lessons introduce students to the awe and wonder of the ocean and its inhabitants building a love for marine wildlife and a desire to protect it. The unit goes on to explore some of the many ways we depend on the ocean, from food to livelihoods. Finally, this unit introduces students to what is meant by marine plastic pollution and encourages students to take a thoughtful and critical approach to the information they receive from the media. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 2 unit Ocean Plastics 7-11. Get the other lessons in this unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-x-curric-7-11

Our ocean in crisis KS3 is a resource for year 7, year 8, and year 9 students. This lesson challenges students to think about the potential myths we have been led to believe through selective media representation, by completing a true, false or uncertain activity. Students are then asked to think about the different motivations media outlets or organisations might have. Students conduct research about an ‘Ocean hero’ and create a poster outlining the impact of their work. The lesson is concluded by discussing the changes we can implement in our lives which will make a difference to the levels of marine plastics pollution. This is one of three lessons. The lessons introduce students to the breadth and depth of the ocean and the wonder of the creatures that inhabit it. The unit goes on to explore some of the many ways we depend on the ocean and asks students to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment expressing their concerns about ocean health. The unit then reviews what is meant by ocean plastics pollution and encourages students to critically appraise information from different media sources. Students then go on investigate possible career opportunities within this field. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 3 unit - Ocean Plastics 11-14. Get the other lessons in this unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-11-14

Plastic habits: how can we change plastic behaviours? is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson. Students work through an end of unit assessment that includes short answer questions, data interpretation questions and a decision making exercise. The decision making exercise uses information that students will have gathered during the silent debate in Lesson 6 of the overall unit. 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

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 for finding food and staying alive. The reef is also host to numerous examples of symbiosis, and creatures finding food and safety in the strangest of places – whether in a shark’s mouth or by ‘vacuuming’ the sandy seabed. In this lesson, students are challenged to create the ultimate reef animal. 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

Ocean Plastics 5-7 is a Key Stage 1 (KS1) cross-curricular introduction to materials and their properties, which focusses on plastic and its abundance. Students discover how many everyday products are made from or contain plastic, understanding its versatility and resilience. They go on to discover what happens to rubbish after it’s thrown away and explore recycling, landfill and litter. Students find out how detrimental plastic is to marine life and create posters and models encouraging friends and family to recycle and reduce the amount of plastic they use. This unit encourages proactive and positive behaviours, for all our futures. If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.

Plastics: where are they? is a Key Stage 1 (KS1) lesson. In this lesson students consider what happens to their rubbish once they have disposed of it. They discover the route a plastic bottle might take to landfill, recycling or litter. Students then go on to discover how plastic bottles can be recycled and the new products that can be made. They discuss what happens to plastic that isn’t disposed of responsibly, then make posters instructing how to recycle and keep a rubbish and recycling diary to monitor their recycling at home. This is a single lesson of the Ocean Plastics 5-7 unit. Ocean Plastics 5-7 is a Key Stage 1 (KS1) cross-curricular introduction to materials and their properties, which focusses on plastic and its abundance. Students discover how many everyday products are made from or contain plastic, understanding its versatility and resilience. They go on to discover what happens to rubbish after it’s thrown away and explore recycling, landfill and litter. Students find out how detrimental plastic is to marine life and create posters and models encouraging friends and family to recycle and reduce the amount of plastic they use. This unit encourages proactive and positive behaviours, for all our futures. Get the whole unit resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics-x-curric-5-7

This lesson will be spent with students completing the assessment, which will include a variety of tasks such as exam questions and some skills-based questions such as finishing graphs. 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

This lesson helps students identify the different habitat zones on the coral reef and describe the differences in the environmental conditions. During their second dive students develop their identification skills through surveying the reef and identifying different coral types. Students draw conclusions about the reasons for the variety and abundance of coral species across the reef. 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

Ocean for beginners X-Curric 11-14 is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource. This series of three lessons sets the scene for students who are about to commence Ocean Plastics 11-14. The lessons introduce students to the breadth and depth of the ocean and the wonder of the creatures that inhabit it. The unit goes on to explore some of the many ways we depend on the ocean and asks students to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment expressing their concerns about ocean health. The unit then reviews what is meant by ocean plastics pollution and encourages students to critically appraise information from different media sources. Students then go on investigate possible career opportunities within this field. At the end of these three lessons students will be fully prepared to embark on the full Key Stage 3 unit - Ocean Plastics 11-14. https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/oceans-for-beginners-11-14

This is the final lesson in the eight lesson Global Climate and Renewable Energy unit for KS4 and GCSE. Students will present their ideas for a low carbon future. Students will assess their own and peers’ work and complete a review of the unit learning. In their small groups, students will be presenting their ideas for a low carbon future to the class. Each student group will evaluate the other presentations. Once the presentations are finished, students will reflect on the whole experience. They need to consider what they contributed, what they discovered, what sources of information they used, and what they might change. 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.

At the end of the expedition, teams create an expedition report to communicate their findings to a wider audience. This could take the form of a formal written report, a press release or a video. These outputs can be shared at an assembly, parents evening, with the local press and you can send a selection through to Encounter Edu (info@encounteredu.com) so that we can post them on our website. This is a single lesson fromt 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

Computing KS2: Overcoming failures give students the opportunity to consolidate the learning from the first five lessons, revisit any shaky territory and experiment with combinations of inputs, outputs and different ways of coding the mBot. Students will look at some of the ways in which technology has failed in the past, and how engineers have worked to overcome those problems. They will look back over the hardware and software they have been using in the past five lessons and combine these skills to complete challenges. 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 is the final assessment lesson in a full unit (Biodiversity Science GCSE Coral Reefs) using the coral reef as a new context for applying concepts of biodiversity, human impacts and conservation. Students to consolidate their learning from the previous lessons by having a debate about the impacts a new MPA would have on the various stakeholders in Com. Students will evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of two different MPA proposals. Multimedia content and other information can be found at: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-14-16

This series of three lessons sets the scene for students who are about to commence Ocean Plastics 5-7. The lessons introduce students to the awe and wonder of the ocean and its inhabitants building a love for marine wildlife and a desire to protect it. The unit goes on to explore some of the many ways we depend on the ocean, from food to livelihoods. Finally, this unit introduces students to what is meant by marine plastic pollution and highlights some of the issues which will be explored in more detail in the full Key Stage 1 unit Ocean Plastics 5-7.

This final lesson brings together all the previous learning as the classroom expedition returns to port, and the team delivers a press conference. The output from this lesson can be a written article, a blog post, audio report, press release, or video. These outputs can be shared at an assembly, parents’ evening, with the local press, or you can send a selection through to Encounter Edu (info@encounteredu.com) so that we can post them on our website.

This is the fifth in a six lesson unit, Submarine STEM KS2. We reccomend that you take students on the journey of levers using both lesson five and six. Lesson five develops students understanding of strong structures and investigates how cranes work. Students work together to design and construct a crane using a variety of materials. They will also construct a model submersible to launch and recover once their crane is complete. This lesson is from the Submarine STEM 7-11 unit. You can access the unit here: https://encounteredu.com/teacher-resources/submarine-stem-science-ages-7-11. The unit enables students to explore materials, forces, and living things while working scientifically. The unit is based on real life submersible exploration of the XL Caitlin Deep Ocean Survey off Bermuda, the Sargasso Sea. 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 KS2: Safety and signalling is a resource in which students will consider how technology and people interact. Students will learn about signalling movement and giving warning with light and sound. Students will use code to control their robot car’s LEDs and buzzer to produce lights and sounds for a variety of different scenarios. Finally, they will discuss the other sensors and signals they think would be useful for their robots and an autonomous vehicle in real life. 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

Plastics: what are they? Part two is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson. This lesson sees students investigate how plastics get into the oceans and affect marine life. Students discover how plastic pollution doesn’t start when plastic enters the ocean. They go on to consider economic, political and social elements of human geography that impact ocean plastic pollution. Students examine case studies relating to plastic pollution at home and abroad to consider the social and economic impacts. 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

Plastics: what are they? Part two is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson. In this lesson, students will learn about the different types of plastic and why each type might be useful. Students will then complete a practical activity creating their own plastic slime using PVA and borax (which makes a polymer) and reflect on the variety of uses for plastics. 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