Author Archives: oceanlifeeducation

Seriously Fun Science Week

20170822_092759_resized_1 (003)Science Week was all about getting hands on experience – especially for participants in Ocean Life Education’s Marine Incursion programs.

More than a thousand children got up close and personal with our colourful marine creatures during a busy week of visits to early learning centres, schools and Bunnings hardware stores in the week of August 12-20.

Director of Education at Ocean Life Richard Coward says it’s the personal touch that helps to establish that lifetime bond between children and nature.

“Most children have good background knowledge about our animals and the impact we all have on the environment but they enjoyed learning new facts about our creatures, and understanding more through touching them, which enhances their desire to protect the natural marine environment.”

And you never know, through stroking a stripy tropical sea cucumber, the seed may have been sown in some young minds to seek out a career in science as an ecologist or marine biologist.

We’re already taking bookings for our marine incursion programs for next year’s Science Week – we have presentations suitable for all age groups, each one encouraging a greater respect for our natural world.

If your Science Week was a bit of a fizzer this year don’t fret, because it’s never too late to inspire the next generation of conservationists – Ocean Life Education’s Marine Life Incursion programs are available to visit your centre all year round.

 

Celebrate Seaweek with Ocean Life

Seaweek 4-10 Sept

WHEN: 4-10 SEPTEMBER

THEME: THE OCEAN AND LIFE IN THE OCEAN SHAPE THE FEATURES OF EARTH

Seaweek is Australia’s major national public awareness campaign to educate and encourage an appreciation of our oceans. 

At Ocean Life Education, there are a few times each year where we relish in the global appreciation for the marine environment and our wondrous ocean – and Seaweek is one of them.

This year’s Seaweek theme is the second of the Ocean Literacy Principles: The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth.

It focuses on how the ocean shapes our Earth through sedimentary rocks, sea level changes, erosion in coastal areas.

Our sand and beach areas consist of tiny animals and bits of plants, rocks and minerals.

You can find out more about these fundamental concepts on the Ocean Literary Principle 2 website.

At Ocean Life Education, our mission is to inspire as many young Australian’s to appreciate and care for our environment for the preservation and protection of our oceans and marine habitats.

Our seas and oceans are our biggest wonder of the Earth and it’s our obligation to be curious and protective.

Celebrate the Sea with us this Seaweek from 4-10 September.

Book your live marine animal incursion and let’s educate and inspire our next generation of ocean defenders!

Find out about our Programs or Contact Us to book your next program.

More information: www.aaee.org.au/seaweek

Choose to refuse plastic in July

Choose to Refuse Plastic Free July

July is ‘Plastic Free July’

Did you know Australians use around 100 kilograms of plastic packaging per household each year? Choose to refuse single use plastic this July by signing up for the Plastic Free July challenge at www.plasticfreejuly.org. You will receive tips and support through a weekly e-newsletter during the month and you won’t be alone. You’ll be joining a million+ people world-wide in making a difference.

It is so simple to be part of Plastic Free July. Firstly, remember your reusables! Being plastic free means you always need your trusty reusable water bottles, reusable coffee cups and reusable bags handy.

Secondly, spread the word – grab your friends or co-workers and spread the plastic free love.

Go plastic free and make a differenceplastic-free-july-logo-straight-lge

The more people that choose to refuse, the greater impact we can make in reducing landfill and saving our oceans! We encourage you to help people share the challenge in your workplace, community, school and other groups.

What can you do?

From hosting a plastic free morning tea to giving your local cafe posters to encourage reusable coffee cups there are lots of materials to share and are all free to use.

Here’s some ideas we put together specifically for schools and childcare centres:

  • Plastic free morning tea: Use it as a healthy and fun way to introduce children to the problems of single-use plastic in an easy way. Plan a plastic free morning tea
  • Plastic free living workshops: give children and people skills and alternatives to plastic. This could be sewing reusable bags or making preserves. Plan a plastic free workshop
  • Bid Audit – what’s in your bin? A bin audit is a great way to see how much plastic you dispose in your school or workplace. You can opt for a comprehensive audit, weighing all the rubbish or go for a simple audit and just count the number of plastic items.
  • Have a school cleanup day: cleanup the school grounds or surrounding areas and work on ways to target plastic litter.
  • Have a ‘nude food’ day: nude food lunch days are days when students (and parents!) try their best to pack a lunch box without single-use disposable plastic.
  • Start a plastic free initiative. Get inspired by these great case studies.
  • Encourage others to refuse plastic: share these freely available posters & flyers with your local cafe, school or group to encourage people to use reusable coffee cups and bags.

All the tools and resources you need for your Plastic Free July are at www.plasticfreejuly.org.

Share with us

We’d love to see what your doing in your Plastic Free July. Post your pics on Facebook and tag @oceanlifeeducation so we can share them and inspire others to go plastic free. Let’s all do our bit to keep our waterways and oceans plastic free!

Ocean Life Education receives Engaging Science Grant

Moggill State School students touching sea urchin during ocean life education program

Students at Moggill State School during Ocean Life Education program

We are excited to be a recipient of the Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grant from the Queensland Government.

The Engaging Science Grants support science engagement and communication projects, events and activities that increase the reach and impact of science in Queensland.

At Ocean Life Education, we combine science and entertainment to deliver our interactive marine education programs using live marine animals with the aim of inspiring students to appreciate and take responsibility for the marine ecosystem.

“We are honoured to be recognised as a business that is increasing engagement and participation of the community in science-based activities.” Richard Coward.

 

We’ll be using the grant to bring our “Ocean to Outback” program to rural communities in the Western Downs region, to provide students with a greater understanding of the oceans’ marine creatures and ecosystem and the current challenges facing the marine environment.

We can’t wait to get on the road and meet you, and we look forward to bringing the sea to you!

Read the official Media Release from the Minister Leeanne Enoch MP

Read more about the Engaging Science Grants