Category Archives: Ocean Events

Celebrating SeaWeek

There is one time of the year we look forward to more than any other at Ocean Life Education – when collectively as a nation, we take the opportunity to pay homage to the sea.

SeaWeek is Australia’s major public awareness campaign centred around our oceans – a chance to turn our attention on what the water does for us and what we in turn can do for it.

This year’s theme was ‘The Ocean made Earth Habitable’, focusing on how the majority of oxygen in our atmosphere has been produced by microscopic sea creatures during photosynthesis.  Thanks to their contribution over thousands of years, life on land was able to develop.

And the impact is still ongoing today – with more than 70 percent of the planet covered in water, it plays a major role in many aspects of our daily lives.

Australia has one of the largest ocean territories in the world – it drives our climate and weather and provides valuable resources. Marine animals and plants are found in medicines that are used to fight cancer, arthritis and heart disease.

On average, we each consume around 25 kilograms of seafood every year, harvesting more than 150, 000 tonnes of fish annually.

Eighty-five percent of Australians live within 50 kilometres of our vast shoreline – drawn to the water not only for food but fun as well. We have 10,000 beaches spread around our 50,000 kilometres of coast and almost 3 million of us own a boat allowing us to explore beyond the shallows.

But as we become more globally aware of climate change and the impact our modern lifestyle is having on the oceans, it’s time for us to breathe new life into the part of our planet that made all of this possible in the first place.

Ocean Life Education is dedicated to promoting the preservation of our marine environment.  Our Human Impact Program takes a close look at the effect we have on the world’s waterways and, most importantly, how we can make a change for the better to sustain our seas for generations to come.

To find out more and to become part of the solution, visit https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/

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

Plan your 2017 Science Week activities with Ocean Life

National Science Week logoNational Science Week is Australia’s largest celebration of science with over a million people participating in activities across the nation.

What are you planning for Science Week?

National Science Week this year is 12-20 August and provides an opportunity to encourage an interest in science pursuits and at Ocean Life Education, we just love inspiring young Australian’s to be fascinated by the natural world we live in.

This is what Science Week is all about!

Future Earth is the 2017 theme

This year, the theme for Science Week is Future Earth with a focus on Australia’s sustainability science and the issues that are unique to us.

Turtle Lady Elliot

The focus is to raise awareness of sustainability science and encourage positive actions that make a direct impact to a more sustainable future Earth

Australian Science Teachers Association

Connecting Sustainability to Science

During Science Week, there are more than 1000 events featured across the country but we prefer to make things easy for teachers, by bringing the sea to you!

Our hands-on interactive school programs are designed with direct links to the Australian Curriculum-Science and Cross-curriculum Priority of Sustainability from years P-7.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you plan for Science Week!

Clayfield College students interacting with marine life

Clayfield College Students in Ocean Life Education program

Enhance your Science Week activities

Future Earth 2017 posterThe 2017 National Science Week teacher resource book is full of great activities on Australia’s sustainability science. Many of these activities align with our live marine animal incursions – no matter your year level, we have you covered!

Book in now for Science Week

Add a deeper dimension to student learning during this Science Week, 12-20 August and book a live marine animal incursion with Ocean Life Education.

Contact us to book your incursion today.