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.

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

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

A fun, hands-on lesson that introduces classes to sediment, the ocean equivalent of soil. This practical lesson shows how important worms are for the health of the seabed. During this lesson, students will: Become seabed scientists: Guide your young researchers as they uncover the secrets of marine sediment - the ocean’s equivalent of soil. They’ll learn why it’s crucial for ocean life. Meet the unsung heroes of the sea: Introduce your class to the fascinating world of marine worms. Through fun, hands-on activities, students will discover how these humble creatures are the hardworking gardeners of the seabed. Get their hands dirty (in the best way): Engage in a messy but memorable practical activity that demonstrates how worms transform the seabed. Investigate human impacts: Challenge your class to think critically about how human activities affect the seabed. They’ll develop environmental awareness and problem-solving skills as they consider ways to protect these crucial habitats. This lesson brilliantly extends the KS2 Science curriculum, introducing marine sediments as a natural progression from the study of rocks and soils. It also touches on key Geography concepts. By the end of this lesson, your students will: Confidently describe the features and location of shallow sea habitats Demonstrate understanding of how ocean sediment forms and its importance Explain the crucial role of worms in creating a healthy seabed ecosystem Show improved critical thinking skills when considering human impacts on marine environments See the full Ocean Heroes unit on TES. Curriculum links Geography KS2 • Globally significant marine and terrestrial places Science KS2 • Marine sediments have yet to feature directly in the National Curriculum, and this lesson can be used as an extension to the study of rocks and soils • This lesson also introduces the relationship between soils and sediments and the animal life that can make them more suited to other life • Recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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. https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics-science-11-14 If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops students’ understanding of environmental change. In this lesson students understand the impact of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere on the marine environment and in particular the coral ecosystem. High CO2 has two impacts on the ocean: warming and ocean acidification. This virtual field trip shows the impact of warming oceans in terms of coral bleaching. 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 go to: https://goo.gl/RhfeXy

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops student knowledge of a variety of mini-beasts as well as creative writing skills. Students can choose from a range of different mini-beast expeditions on Google Expeditions: the Ambush Bug, Whip Spider, Malayan Jungle Nymph (pictured), Giant Devil’s Flower Mantis or Darkling Beetle. Students first describe their chosen mini-beast using the photos in the Google Expedition, commenting also on how the creature is adapted to its environment. Then, they develop creative writing skills, writing a story from the point of view of one of the mini-beasts. 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/Fhj1xU

This #GoogleExpeditions lesson develops students’ understanding of recycling and where waste goes. Students develop their knowledge of recycling through a Google Expedition to the New York Department of Sanitation. They apply their learning in the form of a waste diary and develop values needed to reduce and recycle more of their waste. 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/UzlX1w

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.

In this lesson students investigate the insulating properties of materials and consider how the adaptations of Arctic organisms help develop these. The context of the lesson is helping to develop new clothing for Tyler Fish, one of the Catlin Arctic Survey explorers. This full lesson contains: Slideshow 4: How do humans and animals keep warm in the arctic? Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance Activity Overview 4: Investigating insulating materials Student Sheet 4a: Investigating insulating materials Student Sheet 4b: Scientific poster template Student Sheet 4c: Scientific poster template (advanced) Student Sheet 4d: Blubber gloves It forms Lesson 4 of 5 from the Frozen Oceans 7-11 unit of work. Take your class to the North Pole with this cross-curricular investigation of the Arctic Ocean. The lessons progress to cover varied topics and skills needed for a science research expedition in the polar regions. Themes include Arctic food webs, training like an explorer, expedition food, insulation and clothing, the impacts of melting ice and conducting a press conference. The lessons can also be combined into a Polar Challenge Day. All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.

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.

In this Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson, students simulate the training of Arctic explorers to learn how lifestyles can affect physical and mental health. The lesson is introduced by Ann Daniels, a record-breaking polar explorer as the first woman in history, along with expedition teammate Caroline Hamilton, to reach the North and South Poles as part of all women teams. This full lesson contains: Slideshow 2: How do you train like an Arctic explorer? Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance Activity Overview 2a: Tyre drag relay Activity Overview 2b: Sleeping bag relay Student Sheet 2a: Training storyboard It forms Lesson 2 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. Our Ocean Planet is a full unit of work covering all aspects of the ocean across Key Stage 2. Each lesson is written with an ocean expert - scientist, advocate or explorer (great for STEM careers). Together they form a learning voyage around the world, discovering more about out ocean planet through core aspects of the science and geography programmes of study as well as developing numeracy and literacy skills. The unit works in two parts. First, students will explore the UK seas learning about the names and locations of marine places, marine habitats and the diversity of marine life, as well as the contribution of the sea to the UK economy. Students then go on a global ocean voyage to each of the main oceans, learning about diverse marine topics from the water cycle in the Arctic to evolution in the Southern Ocean and classification on coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. A full list of topics is below and the downloads include the unit booklet with lesson plans, student sheets, practical guidance and subject updates. Slideshows for each lesson are separate downloads. Mission 1: UK seas with Paul Rose Mission 2: UK marine habitats with Dr Susana Lincoln Mission 3: UK marine life with Dr Ceri Lewis & Dr Helen Findlay Mission 4: Using our seas with Jennifer Gomez Molina Mission 5: Our ocean voyage with Prof Alex Rogers Mission 6: The Arctic Ocean and water cycle with Prof Mark Brandon Mission 7: The Atlantic Ocean and climate with Prof Penny Holliday Mission 8: The Indian Ocean and classification with Sheena Talma Mission 9: The Pacific Ocean and plastic pollution with Jo Royle Mission 10: The Southern Ocean and penguin adaptation with Dr Norman Ratcliffe Mission 11: The Southern Ocean and penguin evolution with Dr Michael Dunn Mission 12: Captain’s log

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. Students will learn about the link between latitude and climate, applying key terms such as equator and climate zones. They will also look at the influence of the ocean on climate and why the UK is warmer than it ‘should be’. This full lesson contains: Slideshow 7 The Atlantic Ocean and climate with Prof Penny Holliday Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance Student Sheet 7a World city cards Student Sheet 7b World climate zones Student Sheet 7c Explaining the UK climate Student Sheet 7d The ocean and climate It forms Lesson 7 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.

Using the context of a voyage around the world’s ocean, students will learn about presentation skills including delivery and slide design. Students will deliver their presentation to the class, receiving feedback from their peers. This full lesson contains: Slideshow 12: Captain’s log Lesson Overview and Teacher Guidance Student Sheet 12a: Presentation storyboard Student Sheet 12b: Presentation peer assessment It forms Lesson 12 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.