Plastics: what are they? is a Key Stage 1 (KS1) lesson. This lesson introduces students to a range of materials and allows them to compare and describe their properties. Students develop their understanding of what is meant by materials and discover four in particular; wood, metal, glass and plastic. They then discover why certain materials are chosen to make different products. Focussing on plastic, students explore the variety of items which are made from or contain plastic. They then conduct and investigation to find out which material is the most effective at waterproofing. 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

Plastics: what can I do? Part two is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson. In the last lesson students review the success of their campaign and the impact it had on plastic consumption. They review their targets, reflect on what went well and decide what they would do differently. They then share their results and discuss what they could do going forward. The unit of work could end with an assembly for students to share their findings and continue to spread their message. 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

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

Plastics: what can I do? Part one is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson. The last two lessons in this unit challenge students to work collaboratively to create a campaign based on the 6R’s. First students find out about innovation, development and policy changes that have recently occurred. They are then briefed on their mission – to reduce the amount of plastic consumption in their school community. In groups students then design and implement their campaign, planning and launching it over the following week. 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

The Plastic Solution is a Key Stage 2 (KS2) lesson. Students discover a range of products which have been redesigned with sustainability in mind. They then consider some of the other single-use plastics they know of and choose one to redesign using a sustainable alternative. Students then develop their designs considering the materials they will use and how it will be manufactured, pitching their idea to the class and reflecting on feedback. At the end of these two lessons the students can produce a prototype. 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 STEM KS2. This lesson explores the importance of the ocean and introduces students to some of the strange creatures which inhabit the deep sea. 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

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

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

Fully-resourced lesson developing classification skills using the amazing life in seagrass meadows. This lesson takes your class on an underwater adventure to the seagrass meadows off Sicily and brings marine biology to life in the KS2 classroom. Students will take the role of junior marine biologists: Dive into a hidden world: Take a virtual plunge into the seagrass meadows surrounding Sicily, and discover this lesser-known but incredibly important underwater habitat teeming with life. Become sea creature detectives: Equip your young explorers with the tools to identify and classify the diverse array of creatures calling seagrass meadows home. From fish to crustaceans to reptiles, students will sharpen their observation skills and learn to spot key characteristics. Master the art of classification: Guide your class through the exciting process of grouping sea creatures based on observable features. Start to use classification keys: Introduce the concept of classification keys in a fun, hands-on way. Students will feel like real scientists as they use these tools to identify and categorize the unique inhabitants of seagrass meadows. Uncover nature’s secrets: As they explore this underwater world, students will also learn about the crucial role seagrass plays in our oceans and climate, connecting this lesson to broader environmental themes. This lesson brilliantly aligns with the KS2 Science curriculum, focusing on classification skills and the use of keys. It offers a perfect blend of scientific inquiry and environmental awareness, encouraging students to think critically about biodiversity and ecosystems. By the end of this underwater expedition, your students will: Confidently identify key features of seagrass habitats and their inhabitants Demonstrate improved skills in grouping organisms based on observable characteristics Show proficiency in using classification keys to identify marine life See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES. Curriculum links Science KS2 • Group organisms based on characteristics • Use classification keys

This lesson is an exciting scientific adventure on the carbon cycle Perfect for KS2 students, this lesson will transform your classroom into a living laboratory where young minds will unravel the mysteries of one of Earth’s most crucial processes. Dive into the world of carbon with your class as they: Discover the building blocks of life: Students will be amazed to learn that carbon is all around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Become carbon cycle detectives: Through engaging activities and visual aids, students will piece together the puzzle of how carbon moves through our world. They’ll trace carbon’s journey from plants to animals, from the atmosphere to the oceans, and back again. Play the ‘Carbon Cycle Game’: Students become carbon atoms, moving between different parts of the ecosystem in this fun, interactive activity that brings the carbon cycle to life. Connect the dots to climate change: Guide your students as they make the crucial link between human activities, the carbon cycle, and our changing climate. Blend science and geography: This lesson intertwines concepts from both subjects, showing how carbon’s journey affects both land and sea, and how environments change over time. This lesson acts as a springboard, building on students’ existing knowledge of food chains and animal needs, while preparing them for more advanced concepts in environmental science. It’s designed to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world. By the end of this lesson, your students will: Confidently explain what carbon is and where it can be found Understand and articulate the stages of the carbon cycle Make connections between human activities and changes in the carbon cycle See the full Ocean Heroes KS2 unit on TES. Curriculum links Science KS2 Brings together learning on: transport of oxygen in humans and other animals; what plants and animals need to survive; how living things are, connected in feeding relationships; combustion through heating of materials. Geography KS2 How environments can change over time; focus on both terrestrial and marine systems and places.

Dive into an ocean adventure with this captivating Ocean Heroes KS2 unit. This comprehensive series of nine lessons takes students on an unforgettable journey from the depths of the sea to the forefront of climate action. Lesson 1 Climate, carbon, and the ocean: discover the mysteries of carbon’s journey through our world, setting the stage for understanding climate change. Lesson 2 Climate impacts: explore the profound effects of climate change on our oceans, from melting ice caps to coral bleaching. Lesson 3 Nature as hero: introduce the concept of blue carbon habitats and their crucial role in combating climate change. Lesson 4 Seagrass animal classification: dive into the vibrant seagrass meadows of Sicily, honing classification skills while exploring marine biodiversity. Lesson 5 Community conservation: visit Indonesia’s mangrove forests and tackle real-world conservation challenges through stakeholder role-play. Lesson 6 Saltmarsh food chains: explore the Solent’s saltmarshes, mapping food webs and designing eco-tourism campaigns. Lesson 7 Wonderful worms and ocean sediment: get hands-on with marine sediments and discover the vital role of worms in seabed health. Lesson 8 Sustainable fishing: investigate overfishing impacts and debate sustainable fishing practices, connecting ocean health to our plates. Lesson 9 Ocean Heroes in action: empower students to become ocean advocates through persuasive writing and personal pledges. This unit seamlessly blends elements of Science, Geography, Maths, English, and PSHE, offering a truly cross-curricular exploration of our blue planet. From hands-on experiments to creative projects, students will engage with complex environmental concepts in accessible, exciting ways. By the end of this unit, your class will have: Gained a comprehensive understanding of ocean ecosystems and their importance Developed critical thinking skills around environmental challenges Honed their abilities in scientific observation, data analysis, and persuasive communication Cultivated a deep sense of environmental stewardship and global citizenship Ocean Heroes is a full unit of work covering all aspects of the ocean and climate change across Key Stage 2. Each lesson has been written with scientists and partners as part of the Convex Seascape Survey, with the University of Exeter and Blue Marine Foundation. Together they form a learning journey through some of our most important ocean habitats and living things. These lessons cover core aspects of the science and geography programmes of study as well as developing numeracy and literacy skills. The unit works works as a progressive learning journey, although individual lessons will still work as standalone teaching opportunities. The unit has a special focus on blue carbon, the coastal and seabed habitats that offer hope in tackling climate change.