The Deep Blue Innovation for the Future of our Oceans
These lessons are all about the ocean, engaging students in ocean science and supporting young people to be active and aware of science-driven research.
We have projects for all year levels – from understanding our impact on the ocean, marine life and its importance in the eco-system to citizen science projects to get your students active and engaged in our environment through science.
Staff Favourite: Blue The Film
Blue changes the way we think about our liquid world and inspires the audience to action. Along with the film is an ambitious global campaign to create advocacy and behaviour change through the #oceanguardian movement.
Early Learning Resources
Blue: the Film
– Our Oceans
Children are invited to make a little sea at their centre, and to think about what animals and objects might be found in their sea.
Cool Australia
– Healthy Rivers
Younger children experiment with how various objects float or sink. Older children are asked to imagine that a large tub of water is a river and watch as various materials (contaminants) are added to the river and affect the health of the river.
Snappy Science
– Freshwater & Saltwater
Children will discover that saltwater is denser than freshwater so objects float more easily in it, and they will observe that saltwater sinks when added to freshwater.
Bluey ‘Rug Island’: Curiosity
– Early Learning
This lesson is based on Bluey, Season 2, Rug Island. It uses intentional teaching strategies to focus on the capability of curiosity about the natural world.
Primary Resources
Oceans of Rubbish
– [email protected] – Years 3 & 4
Would you like to swim in an ocean or river full of rubbish and dirty water? Imagine what the creatures who call water home think about it! Create a poster reminding people to protect waterways.
Blue: the Film – The Turtles are Talking
– Foundation to Year 2
Students explore marine turtles by investigating the life cycle of marine turtles and then engaging in a guided discussion.
Earth Hour – Who are Your Underwater Friends?
– Years 1 & 2
Students role-play animals of the ocean and are asked to think about how these creatures interact with each other, and how these interactions are important to the life and health of the ocean.
Snappy Science – How does pollution affect sea shells?
– Years 1 to 6
It’s time for a real science experiment – investigate the effects of ocean pollution by submerging sea shells into water and vinegar.
Take 3 – Investigating Your Connection To The Ocean
– Years 4 to 6
There are a range of topics and activities relating to our connection to the ocean; complete one or more tasks to give you the opportunity to deepen student understanding of our need for and impact upon the ocean.
War On Waste – The Impacts Of Single-Use Plastics
– Years 4 to 6
Students explore some of the impacts of single-use plastics on our environment, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the impacts of microplastics.
WWF – Threats to Marine Turtles – Years 4 to 6
Students explore marine turtles by investigating the life cycle of marine turtles and then engaging in a guided discussion.
Secondary Resources
Seal the Loop – Healthy Oceans Challenge
– Years 5 to 7
Work in groups to come up with 100 ideas for marine conservation in 10 minutes. Students should then vote on the 3 most realistic actions, then plan the implementation and communication of this action.
Nature is Speaking: Harrison Ford is The Ocean – Year 7
This lesson is designed for a flipped classroom, where students learn new content by watching in their own time. This strategy provides the opportunity for students to build their knowledge, attitudes and values by themselves.
2040 – The Seaweed Solution – Years 7 & 8
In this lesson, students will access information about seaweed farming and greenhouse gas emissions and use percentages, ratios, and fractions to solve problems.
Blue: the Film –
Tuning In – Year 9
Students watch video footage of marine turtles in their natural environment, then consider the devices used to appeal to audiences.
Take 3 – How Are We Connected To The Ocean?
– Years 7 to 10
Students complete a Think-Pair-Share routine about how they believe they are connected to the ocean. They then view media and text around topics that relate to human connections to the ocean.
MangroveWatch –
A Citizen Science Project
– Years 9 to 12
In this flipped classroom lesson, students are introduced to mangrove and salt marsh ecosystems, and explore values and attitudes toward conservation research by focusing on these tidal ecosystems in the context of the Great Barrier Reef