Category Archives: Programs

Ocean Life to Outback

ocean to outback jawsOcean Life Education had the rare opportunity to take the Ocean to the Outback this week, as part of a funding program supported by the State Government initiative, Advancing Queensland.

Children in Jandowae, Chinchilla and Dalby were excited to meet our amazing sea creatures which many had never seen before.

As usual, the sea stars proved a big hit, as too did the colourful tropical sea cucumbers with their vibrant coats and super soft bellies.

Bob the banded bamboo shark made an appearance at every show, but he’s not really the touchy feely sort so he prefers the sanctuary of his clear tub.

The logistics were huge to move the animals far from their natural environment.  A truck was hired, 1000 litres of sea water was stored and carried along with pumps and filtration systems.

But all the hard work and effort involved was well and truly worth it according to Ocean Life’s Director of Education, Richard Coward.

“It’s always rewarding to see the children’s faces light up when they get close to our animals – but particularly on this trip where most of the kids had never encountered these animals before.  They were keen to learn all about them and ways they can help preserve the sea creatures’ environment – even when they live a long way from the coast.”

“We explained to the children that every bit of rubbish that ended up in inland waterways will eventually find its way to the ocean where it can be mistaken for food and make the animals very sick.”

And how did the animals react to such a long road journey?

“Our animals are great travellers and are transported in greater comfort than most humans,” said Richard.  “Our other educator Meaghan and myself may take a bit longer to recover from all the excitement!”

But the inland adventures are not over yet – Richard will be heading to Gayndah next month to help a whole new audience fall in love with his colourful array of creatures and become champions of the sea – even if it is from afar!

Marine Biologist for a Day – 10 April

marine-biologist-for-a-day_web

Become a Marine Biologist for a Day and be immersed in a full day of marine science!

Our new full day program for school aged kids is perfect for those passionate about marine animals and ocean conservation.

In Marine Biologist for a Day, our aim is to educate kids with the right information based on science to create informed, future custodians of the ocean and all its wonderful creatures within it.

What you can expect:

  • Get up close and touch live marine creatures
  • Find out why animals look and feel the way they do, how they function and what their role is in the marine environment
  • Learn what problems humans create for them and why we need to look after them.
  • Learn about Sharks and the important role they play in the marine ecosystem
  • Understand why sharks sometimes attack humans
  • Touch real shark jaws

Marine Biologist for a Day will be an experience they will never forget!

Who this program is for

Marine Biologist for a Day is suitable for students in Grades 2-5. The program is limited to 25 students so they can get the best learning experience.

Parents are invited to arrive half an hour before the conclusion so they may be educated by their children, giving the kids a chance to show off the wealth of new information they have acquired. Parents will be amazed just how much their kids remember.

BOOKINGS OPEN

Monday 10th April, school holidays – 9am – 2.30pm

BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW

Join the Event on our Facebook page or contact us by email or phone 07 5443 8545

Location: Alexandra Headlands, Sunshine Coast Cost: $85 per child

Spaces are limited, bookings essential!

Weird & Wonderful vacation care program

weird wonderful flyer

We’re introducing a new school holiday program for the upcoming September school holidays.

The Weird & Wonderful Creatures of the Sea program is an opportunity for students to discover amazing facts about extraordinary sea creatures.

This interactive program will intrigue students while teaching the important message of caring for our environment. Get up close and touch live marine creatures and explore artefacts and games.

In this program, students will discover:weird and wonderful puffer fish

  • Crocodile fish, Zebra fish, Lion fish & Elephant fish
  • Nudibranchs aren’t Rude!
  • Stargazers don’t just look at stars
  • Why Razor fish don’t cut they hide
  • Puffers & Poisons
  • Miraculous Mudskippers & Anglerfish Antics

Students will be surprised at the diversity of bizarre looking creatures in the ocean!

Contact us to book a Weird & Wonderful Creatures of the Sea program for your September school holiday calendar.

MEDIA RELEASE: Ocean Life Education blends science with humour for Holiday Programs

Ocean Life Education is blending science with humour these school holidays offering fun marine education programs to Outside School Hours Care centres across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane regions.

With a strong focus on pollution and how humans affect the environment, Ocean Life Education offers an exciting learning experience that will leave children with a greater sense of ownership and understanding to protect our natural marine environment.

Director of Education, Richard Coward, says Ocean Life Education’s Holiday Programs are a great way for all age groups to learn about relevant issues whilst having a fun and interactive experience.

“We create our vacation care programs with all age groups in mind so each child can have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

“These Spring holidays we’re offering our Human Impacts program which covers topical issues such as plastics pollution and micro plastics, land clearing and over fishing and the impacts these have on our marine life and their environment,” Richard said.

The Human Impacts program educates children on how everyday practices such as correct waste disposal and recycling can protect marine life and reduce our impacts such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

“It’s fantastic to see so many Outside School Hours Care centres across South East Queensland incorporating environmental education and the ocean into their program calendars”.

Ocean Life Education has been established on the Sunshine Coast for over eight years bringing live creatures from the ocean into the school and early learning environment.

Children get up close and touch live marine animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, baby sharks and fresh water turtles and are fascinated by how these animals function and what part they play in our oceans and waterways.

To book an Ocean Life Education program for your school, early learning centre or next holiday program phone 07 5443 8545 or visit www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au.

For more information

Tracey Coward, Business Manager, phone 0404 455 690 or 07 5443 8545.
Email to, info@oceanlifeeducation.com.au