Category Archives: Ocean Events

School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2024

Ocean Events 2024

 

In a world where environmental concerns are taking center stage, we see it as our duty to captivate and enlighten young minds about the critical significance of the ocean. Our aim is to instill in them a profound understanding of why the ocean is vital to all of us and to inspire them to want to take an interest in it as something that is precious and needs to be cherished.  We believe that the best way to do that is to make learning engaging and fun. What better way to do that than to focus on topical ocean events that happen throughout the year? So, here is our School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2024…

 

World Ocean Day UN Decade of Ocean Science 2021-2030

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) is a global initiative aimed at promoting international cooperation and collaboration in ocean science to achieve sustainable development goals.

The decade focuses on enhancing scientific knowledge of the ocean, developing innovative technologies, and fostering partnerships to address the challenges facing the ocean and coastal areas. The overarching goal is to ensure a healthy and resilient ocean that can support current and future generations.

Vision: To deliver the ‘science needed for the future we want’

Outcomes:

  • A clean ocean where sources of pollution are identified and reduced or removed
  • A healthy and resilient ocean where marine ecosystems are understood, protected, restored and managed.

UN Video   Offical site

World Whale Day 2024World Whale Day: 18 February 2024

In 1980, World Whale Day originated in Maui, Hawaii, with a focus on raising awareness about the challenges faced by whales in oceans worldwide. Annually observed on the third Sunday of February, this special day is dedicated to celebrating all aspects of whales and emphasizing the importance of their well-being. Useful info and resources.

 

Clean Up Australia DayClean Up Australia Day 2024, 3 March

Clean Up Australia inspires and empowers communities to clean up, fix up and conserve our environment. Find out more

 

 

SeaWeek 2024SeaWeek 2024, 2-10 March

Australia’s national public awareness initiative aims to spotlight community awareness, inform, and foster an appreciation for the sea. This week-long annual event provides an excellent platform to advocate for educational matters regarding the marine environment. The theme for this year centers around Ocean Literacy Principle 2: The ocean and life within it significantly influence the Earth’s features.

It focuses on our relationship with the natural world and the fact that healthy seas mean healthy people and calls on all of us to take some responsibility for the health and well-being of our coastal and marine environments. More info.

UN Ocean Decade Conference, Spain. April 10-12 2024UN Ocean Conference 2024

Three years after the initiation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), this worldwide conference is scheduled to unite the Ocean Decade community and its partners. The event aims to commemorate accomplishments and collaboratively establish future priorities for advancing the goals of the Decade. More info

 

World Ocean Day 2024World Oceans Day: 8 June 2024

The focal point of the 2024 United Nations World Oceans Day is ” Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.” The annual day seeks to renewd enthusiasm for the conservation and protection of the ocean and our vast blue planet as a whole. Official Guide  Activity ideas for schools

 

World Sea Turtle Day: 16 June 2024

World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated on 16 June annually as it is the birthday of Dr. Archie Carr, the so-called “father of sea turtle biology.”  His research highlighted the plight of sea turtles and drove community support to protect them and celebrate them annually on World Sea Turtle Day. Turtle facts

 

Plastic Free July 2024Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to reduce their plastic usage during the month of July. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and inspire people to make conscious efforts to minimize their plastic consumption.

Participants in Plastic Free July commit to avoiding the use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, bottles, straws, and packaging for the entire month. The campaign provides resources, tips, and challenges to help individuals make sustainable choices, adopt plastic-free habits, and contribute to reducing plastic pollution.

Shark Awareness Day: 14 July 2024

Sharks get a huge amount of bad press, yet on average one person is killed by a shark in Australia each year and heaps more are killed by horses and cows!! Without sharks in Australian waters, many ecosystems would not be sustainable, and we would be denied the pleasure of exploring amazing underwater habitats such as the world’s largest natural wonder, Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The impact on tourism and economies would be huge. Shark Awareness Day aims to separate fact from myth and promote a positive image for these amazing creatures. Shark resources.

Coastcare Week 2024

Coastcare comprises volunteers from Australia who are passionate about safeguarding our remarkable coastal and marine environments. These individuals unite as one, forming a formidable force of 500 groups across Australia. Together, these groups actively contribute to making a substantial impact through sustained, practical solutions to address environmental issues in their respective localities. Coastcare Week serves as an annual campaign dedicated to celebrating the remarkable efforts of these community groups throughout Australia. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone’. More info

Check out our Annual Events Calendar for even more great reasons to celebrate the ocean in 2024.

Bring Learning to Life With A Live Marine Animal Program

Why not book in an Ocean Life Education program to compliment your teaching and bring it all to life. All programs are delivered by qualified Marine Educators with a passion for the ocean. They provide a lively, fun, and interactive experience with our live marine animals and are designed to educate and inspire schools and community to protect our precious marine environment.

We hoped you enjoyed reading our School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2024!

Here’s a link to our other news

Guide to Teaching Ocean Literacy in Australia

teaching ocean literacy principles

So, what’s all this about? What is Ocean Literacy? Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you – and the influence that you have on the ocean.

When we understand the ocean we can begin to comprehend how its works, giving us the information we need to take measures to protect it. Education is at the heart of ocean literacy and this is where we as educators play a crucial role in inspiring people young and old to want to take action and make a difference, transforming ocean knowledge into action. Here’s our guide to teaching Ocean Literacy at schools…

Who Developed the Ocean Literacy Principles?

The Ocean Literacy Principles were developed in 2004 through an international community-wide consultation, with agreement with hundreds of scientists, educators and policy makers. The original purpose of the campaign was to address the lack of ocean related content in schools in the US.

The fundamental aim of the Ocean Literacy Principles is that every human being should understand basic principles about the ocean by the time they graduate high school, thus creating an ‘ocean-literate’ society.

What is the Goal of the Ocean Literacy Principles?

UNESCO has set the following goal for the 7 Ocean Literacy Principles as:

“Ocean Literacy is included in curriculum frameworks of all 193 UNESCO Member States by 2025”.

What are The Ocean Literacy Principles?

 The Ocean Literacy Principles are:

  1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features
  2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth
  3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate
  4. The ocean made the Earth habitable
  5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
  6. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected
  7. The ocean is largely unexplored

 

What Does Being Ocean Literate Mean?

 Being Ocean Literate Means:

  1. Understanding the essential principles and fundamental concepts about the ocean
  2. Communicating about the ocean in a meaningful way
  3. Being able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources

 

Are Many Australians Ocean Literate?

Studies show many Australians are very concerned about the ocean, with ocean plastic being the biggest concern voiced, then overfishing and other human impacts. So a lot of good work is already being done to spread the message that we need to act now to preserve the ocean for the future. Many Australians are ocean literate but a lot more still has to be done as the ocean needs our help.

Teaching Ocean Literacy in Australia

The basic principles of ocean literacy do not fall within traditional science disciplines, they instead focus on integrated science. This is because of the interdisciplinary nature of ocean sciences.

As teachers, it is our responsibility to educate children (and adults) about the ocean in a meaningful way. This can be done under the standard school curriculum themes. Our free primary resources can help you get started, or why not book in an incursion so one of our expert marine educators can teach the children about the ocean using interaction with our live marine animals. Here are some great resources to assist with planning.

Ocean Life Education Programs & Resources

Ocean Literacy resources – Australia focused

UNESCO – Ocean Literacy Teachers Area

Marine Stewardship Council of Australia

World Ocean Day – Plan Your Event

Why is the Health of the Ocean So Important?

The ocean covers most of our planet, it regulates our climate and provides the air we breathe. It also feeds us, provides jobs and livelihoods and is a tool for economic development, as well as being fun to play in! We humans need a healthy ocean in order to survive. So, the health of the ocean is critically important to us.

Click image to download PDF.

why we need a healthy ocean

Read our blog – 10 reasons why we depend on our ocean

 

Further resources

OceansIQ

Ocean and Climate Literacy – Essential principles and fundamental concepts

UNESCO – Ocean Literacy for All

20 Teaching Activities for SeaWeek

SeaWeek 2024

 

Australia’s SeaWeek 2023 will be celebrated throughout the country from 4-12 March 2023 and from 2-10 March 2024. The initiative aims to spotlight community awareness, inform, and foster an appreciation for the sea. The theme for this year centers around Ocean Literacy Principle 2: The ocean and life within it significantly influence the Earth’s features. This is a fascinating topic and a great basis for exploring all things relating to the ocean in schools and childcare settings. So, here is some background information plus 20 teaching activities for SeaWeek 2024 that will engage and inspire kids to want to learn more about and protect the ocean. Read on for our teaching activities for SeaWeek.

Why is the Ocean a Defining Feature of Our Planet?

The ocean is the defining physical feature on our planet Earth as it covers most of the earth’s surface – around 70% in fact.

It is also home to the majority of life on earth and responsible for around 70% of the oxygen we breath, as well as absorbtion of carbon dioxide, climate regulation, jobs, food, waste removal, , marine transport, medicine, travel, recreation and fun. We could go on…

Do we say Ocean or Oceans?

Many people ask the question, “Do we say ocean or oceans”?  The answer is that there is just one ocean, which contains many ocean basins, such as the North Pacific, South Pacific, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic. So, we should say ‘the ocean’ rather than ‘the oceans’.

What is SeaWeek Australia?

SeaWeek Australia started in 1987 at the Marine Discovery Centre, Queenscliff, Victoria. It began as an art competition that was promoted in all states of Australia and was accompanied by an educational kit consisting of marine activities and information brochures. Today SeaWeek Australia is a major public awareness campaign focusing on encouraging an understanding of and appreciation for the ocean and all things related to it. The campaign is promoted by the Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) – see link below.

20 Teaching Activities for SeaWeek 2024

Schools and educators can use SeaWeek Australia as a focal point for studies accross a wide range of curriculum themes. Or they can simply use the event to inspire children through fun based ocean themed activities. Here are 20 teaching activities for SeaWeek 2023 to get you started…

Early Learning Teaching Activities for SeaWeek Australia

  1. Decorate your classroom or childcare setting ocean egg carton
  2. Read an ocean book like The Singing Mermaid or The Snail & the Whale by Julia Donaldson
  3. Host an ocean themed coloring or drawing competition or SeaWeek Poster Competition
  4. Colouring-in Competition
  5. Create an ocean in an egg carton
  6. Create an ocean sensory bin with ice
  7. Make your own socktopus
  8. Paint a puffer fish
  9. Make egg carton ocean animals
  10. Organise an ocean themed incursion – why not book one of our interactive Programs to give the kids a real hands-on experience of marine creatures with our lively team of animals!

 

Link to EARLY LEARNING RESOURCES

Primary School Teaching Activities for SeaWeek 2023

  1. Launch a Plastic- free class challenge – no plastic in lunch boxes for a day, then maybe extend to a week school beach clean
  2. Create a plastic diary
  3. Plastic ocean cycle activity – using our free infographic
  4. Organise a field trip to the beach to explore
  5. Organize a beach clean (& BBQ?) with prizes
  6. Habitat and adaptation activity
  7. Classification activity
  8. Organise an ocean themed incursion – why not book one of our interactive PROGRAMS to give the kids a real hands-on experience of marine creatures with our lively team of marine animals!
  9. Teach students curriculum topics using our Humpbacks online teaching resources.
  10. Fundraise for a local ocean focused charity – on the Sunshine Coast that could be: Coolum & North Shore Coast Care, Ocean Crusaders or Sea Shepherd.

 

Link to PRIMARY RESOURCES

 

Further reading

School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2024

SeaWeek Official Website – packed with useful info and resources

UNESCO Ocean Literacy PORTAL

OCEAN EVENTS 2024 CALENDAR

BLOG – 10 REASONS WHY WE NEED OUR OCEAN

 

What is Endangered Species Day?

Endangered Species Day is celebrated on the third Friday of May each year to focus minds on education and taking action to protect threatened species. It is happening on 20 May 2022 and is the perfect opportunity to focus on the topic of human impact in schools. Discussing issues that are close to home is often a great way to bring learning to life. Read on to find out about Australia’s endangered species and for some great ideas for activities in the classroom and on the coast.

Threatened Australian Marine Species

Australia is home to an incredible diversity of marine species. Unfortunately, today a number of Australia’s marine species are registered as threatened and in need of protection. Understanding these threats is the key to inspiring action to protect them, so educating school-aged students (plus the general population!) is crucial.

 

The following Australian marine species are threatened:

Australian sea lions, dugongs, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, blue fin tuna, whales & sawfish as well as leatherback, loggerhead and the olive ridley turtle.

Threats to Marine Animals

The main threats to marine animals come from humans in the form of:

  • Ocean noise
  • Ship strikes
  • Climate change
  • Entanglement in fishing gear
  • Plastics and ocean debris
  • Over-fishing
  • Irresponsible fishing practices

How Can You Protect Marine Animals?

If we look at these threats one by one, it is interesting to note that as individuals we can actually make a difference to all of them. Take ocean noise and ship strikes, we can ensure that when we travel the ocean we do so with competent crew or that if we are the crew, we are mindful of the threats we may pose and take steps to respect the marine environment to the best of our ability. By reducing our unnecessary carbon and single use plastic usage, we can contribute to reducing that threat. As for stray fishing gear and irresponsible practices, we can vote with our feet and try and ensure that we buy seafood that is caught in a responsible manner and pick up any debris we see on the beach or in our waterways. With a little effort from us all, we can make a difference and protect marine animals.

Endangered or Threatened Species?

A threatened species is defined as any plant or animal species that is at risk of extinction. In Queensland, threatened species are classified under the following classes:

Extinct, Extinct in the wild, Critically endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable

Therefore, endangered species means threatened species!

Activities for Endangered Species Day

  • Read an article or book about an endangered species; discuss why it’s endangered and examine ideas to help protect it
  • Go on a beach walk and discuss habitats, human impact and how marine animals rely on a healthy environment to survive. Ocean Life Education would be happy to guide a tour for your students.
  • Have a class discussion about plastic usage and get the class to focus on their own usage using our free resources (click image for more downloadable activities)

 

  • Schedule an Ocean Life Education incursion focusing on endangered species, why they are endangered, what is being done to help, and how our everyday actions make a difference.
  • Here is an outline of our Human Impact incursion. Click the images to find out more…

 

 

Incursion: Human Impact – The Earth Under Threat

Our conservation & pollution messages influence how students care for the marine environment in their daily lives.

Students will:

*Learn what humans do can harm the marine environment

*Identify how changes to the marine environment; like weather patterns, land clearing, over-fishing and pollution, affect all life

*Realise individuals can make a difference in caring for the marine environment

Incursions

Further Reading

Free Ocean Life Education Resources and Activities

Endangered Species Resources and Curriculum Ideas

Shark Resources & Threats