Category Archives: Schools & Curriculum

Human Impact Teaching Resources for Schools in Australia

In Australia, the unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystems make understanding human impact on the environment especially crucial. Teaching students about human impact not only fosters environmental awareness but also encourages responsible citizenship. To support educators in Australia in this task, a variety of teaching resources tailored to the local context are available. In this blog post, we will explore some valuable human impact teaching resources designed specifically for schools in Australia.

Why Teach About Human Impact in Australia?

Australia’s diverse landscapes, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback, are home to countless unique species and ecosystems. However, these environments are increasingly threatened by factors such as climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution. By educating students about human impact, we can empower them to appreciate and protect Australia’s natural heritage. This knowledge can inspire future generations to make eco-friendly choices and advocate for environmental conservation.

Top Human Impact Teaching Resources for Australian Schools

1. Educational Websites

Cool Australia

Description: Cool Australia offers a wide range of free educational resources, including lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities focused on sustainability and environmental conservation.

Features: Curriculum-aligned content, teacher guides, and resources that highlight Australian-specific environmental issues.

Eco Warriors

Description: Eco Warriors provides engaging online resources, games, and activities designed to educate primary school students about environmental stewardship.

Features: Interactive learning modules, printable worksheets, and multimedia resources with an Australian context.

National Geographic Kids

Description: National Geographic Kids offers a range of articles, videos, and interactive activities that explore environmental issues and human impact.

Features: Engaging content, quizzes, and classroom resources suitable for primary school students.

Books

“The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss

Description: This classic children’s book explores the consequences of environmental destruction in a whimsical and memorable way.

Features: Engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and valuable lessons about conservation and stewardship.

“The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rainforest” by Lynne Cherry

Description: This beautifully illustrated book introduces students to the concept of deforestation and its impact on rainforest ecosystems, providing a global perspective on human impact.

Features: Rich illustrations, a compelling narrative, and themes that resonate with Australian environmental issues.

“Possum Magic” by Mem Fox

Description: While not strictly an environmental book, “Possum Magic” celebrates Australian wildlife and landscapes, making it a great starting point for discussing human impact.

Features: Charming illustrations, a captivating storyline, and opportunities to explore themes of conservation and biodiversity.

“One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia” by Miranda Paul

Description: This inspiring true story introduces students to the concept of recycling and the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation.

Features: Beautiful illustrations, a compelling narrative, and themes of empowerment and sustainability.

Interactive Workshops and Programs

Ocean Life Education

Description: Inspirational hands on learning with live marine animals and knowledgeable marine educators delivering engaging incursions and excursions throughout SE Queensland and northern NSW. Based on the Australian curriculum or tailored to special interests.

Features: a diverse range of live marine animals, artifacts and resources.

Kids Teaching Kids

Description: Kids Teaching Kids is a national education initiative that empowers students to become environmental leaders through peer-to-peer learning and collaborative projects.

Features: Student-led workshops, environmental action projects, and opportunities for schools to connect and share ideas across Australia.

Earthwatch Australia

Description: Earthwatch Australia offers immersive citizen science programs that allow students to participate in hands-on research projects focused on local environmental issues.

Features: Field-based learning experiences, expert-led expeditions, and curriculum-aligned resources that encourage scientific inquiry and environmental advocacy.

Curriculum Guides

Ocean Life Education

Description: Inspirational hands on curriculum based programs complemented by resources, supporting schools and childcare settings to teaching curriculaum topics.

Learning with live marine animals and knowledgeable marine educators delivering engaging incursions and excursions throughout SE Queensland and northern NSW. Based on the Australian curriculum or tailored to special interests.

Features: Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, includes practical tools for implementing sustainability initiatives. Educators arrived with a diverse range of live marine animals, artifacts and resources and host events as well as incursions and excursions.

ResourceSmart Schools

Description: ResourceSmart Schools offers a comprehensive sustainability program with curriculum resources, professional development opportunities, and support for schools across Australia.

Features: Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, includes practical tools for implementing sustainability initiatives, and fosters whole-school engagement.

CERES Education

Description: CERES Education provides hands-on sustainability education programs, resources, and workshops tailored to Australian schools.

Features:Curriculum-linked activities, teacher guides, and student-led projects that promote environmental awareness and action.

Summary

Teaching primary school students about human impact in Australia is essential for nurturing a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship. With the help of these tailored resources, educators can engage students in meaningful learning experiences that highlight the importance of conserving Australia’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. By integrating these teaching tools into the curriculum, we can inspire young Australians to become informed and active participants in shaping a sustainable future for their country and the planet.

Our Programs

We will work with you to ensure that our programs are tailored to suit your needs.

Click here to learn about our inspirational programs.

Useful links

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Ocean Life Education: Coastal Habitats Educational Excursion

On a very windy but sunny Wednesday in October, Ocean Life Education’s Senior Marine Biologist, Richard Coward, facilitated a wonderful ‘Coastal Habitats’ focused educational excursion for the Bribie Island Home School group, with the help of the lovely Taz Winkler of Pumicestone Homeschoolers…

Educative Ocean Walk

As the tide was quite high and still coming in, we decided to run our Mangrove/Beach Habitat educative walk before the live marine animal exhibit session, in order to maximise on beach time and find as many wildlife remnant treasures as possible!

We walked the group to the beach where we discussed the importance of the mangrove and other beach habitats and why we need to protect them. We also noticed evidence of another habitat washed up on the beach…sea grass!

Seagrass & Mangrove Habitats are very important nursery areas for many of the creatures we find in our ocean and on our beaches, as well as being home to some iconic marine animals such as sea turtles, dugongs and the beautiful mangrove jack (a type of snapper).

Whilst walking, the children found many cool marine oddities such as a ‘sand collar’ (the jelly-like casing for moon snail eggs). We also discovered a sea urchin test (the brittle shell remnants of a sea urchin), blue blubber sea jellies – aka jelly fish (which they aren’t – as they are not a fish but belong to the same group of animals as corals and sea anemones). Then there was the interesting vegetation such as the mangrove seed pods washed up on the beach, including one that had recently anchored and germinated….the exciting beginning of a new mangrove tree right there before us!

To complement the student’s prior theoretical homeschool learning, we discussed the flow of energy from one habitat to the other, and the fact that different habitats are connected. They were very enthusiastic and already had solid background knowledge of the aquatic environment and its inhabitants from their homeschool studies.

Live Marine Exhibits & Interpretation

The second part of the excursion took place in a pretty undercover area and focused on our team of live marine animals.

We discussed the creatures in great detail, examining adaptive traits and how all animals look and feel the way they do for a reason. We then explored what roll the animals played in their respective habitats and why we need to look after them and human impact on their environment.

Shark Artefacts

The group was fascinated by our jawsome! (sorry!) sharks presentation which focused on our impressive collection of shark jaws. They learnt that shark teeth differ greatly in both size and shape, the reasons why and the varying diets that sharks have.

At Ocean Life Education, we like to use the term ‘Amazing Sharks’ so we discussed why we believe sharks are amazing, including their key role in ocean food chains and how they keep the ocean healthy by eating sick or dead animals and keeping numbers of other ocean dwellers in check.

The children also understood that sharks are not interested in eating people….however on very rare occasions they might make a mistake and bite into a human thinking it is a regular food source, such as a seal or large turtle. Together we examined why we need sharks in the ocean and why we believe that sharks deserve some positive PR for a change!

Thank you to an Awesome Group!

We had a fantastic time on this Coastal Habitats Educational Excursion with a bunch of upper primary to early secondary school aged kids who were polite, enthusiastic and had substantial knowledge of the marine environment. It was a pleasure to share this experience with a group of wonderfully appreciative home school kids!

Thank you to Pumicestone Homeschoolers for having us!

How the Great Barrier Reef Supports Biodiversity and Healthy Oceans

Our planet is a delicate web of interconnected ecosystems, and few places exemplify this intricate balance better than the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder, a kaleidoscopic underwater world that supports an astonishing array of marine life. However, this magnificent ecosystem is facing unprecedented threats, and the need for its preservation has never been more critical. Read on to find out how the Great Barrier Reef Supports Biodiversity…

The Importance of the Great Barrier Reef:

Biodiversity Hotspot:
- The Great Barrier Reef is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a staggering diversity of marine species, including coral, fish, mollusks, and countless other organisms.
- It shelters around 400 species of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and various endangered species such as the dugong, green sea turtle and some shark species.
Economic Value:
- Beyond its ecological significance, the reef is a crucial economic asset. It supports tourism and fisheries, providing livelihoods for local communities and contributing billions to the Australian economy.
Global Significance:
- As the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef plays a vital role in the health of the global oceans. Its preservation is not just an Australian concern but a global responsibility.

Threats to the Great Barrier Reef:

Climate Change:
- Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification due to climate change pose a severe threat to the reef. Coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, is becoming more frequent and widespread.
Pollution:
- Runoff from agriculture, industrial activities, and improper waste disposal contribute to pollution in the reef’s waters. This pollution can lead to nutrient imbalances, harming the delicate symbiotic relationships within the ecosystem.
Overfishing:
- Overfishing depletes fish populations, disrupting the delicate balance of the reef ecosystem. It also threatens the livelihoods of those dependent on fishing and undermines the reef’s ability to recover from other stressors.

Preserving the Great Barrier Reef:

Climate Action:
- Mitigating climate change is essential for the reef’s survival. Countries worldwide must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global temperature increases and subsequent coral bleaching events.
Sustainable Practices:
- Adopting sustainable fishing practices and reducing pollution from land-based activities are crucial steps. Implementing and enforcing regulations to minimize runoff and control fishing practices can help protect the reef’s delicate balance.
Conservation and Research:
- Investing in conservation efforts and scientific research is paramount. This includes coral restoration projects, monitoring programs, and initiatives to enhance the reef’s resilience to environmental changes.
Education and Awareness:
- Raising awareness about the importance of the Great Barrier Reef and the threats it faces is vital. Education fosters a sense of responsibility among individuals, encouraging sustainable choices and support for conservation efforts. Nurturing Ocean Stewards.

The Great Barrier Reef stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity of our planet’s oceans. Its preservation is not just a matter of national pride for Australia; it’s a global imperative. By addressing climate change, adopting sustainable practices, and investing in conservation, we can become guardians of the ocean, ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef continues to thrive for generations to come. The health of our oceans, and indeed the health of our planet, depends on the actions we take today to preserve this natural wonder. We hope you enjoyed reading out guide to how the Great Barrier Reef Supports Biodiversity.

Find out more about Human Impact with our free resources and our live marine animal programs.

Why the Ocean is a Great Theme for High Schools

High school education should be engaging, inspiring, and relevant. What better way to achieve these goals than by incorporating the fascinating world of the ocean into the curriculum? Take students on a journey beneath the waves, exploring the depths of marine biology, environmental science, and more. In this blog, we’ll explore why the ocean is a great theme for high schools, and we’ll dive deep into some captivating ocean-themed lesson ideas.

The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet, making it a critical part of our global ecosystem. Teaching about the ocean connects students to real-world issues like climate change, biodiversity, and conservation. Using the ocean as a theme we bring real-world relevance to learning. This is particulary possible where we are based in South East Queensland, as we can dive deep into local case studies such as the Great Barrier Reef and the annual humpback whale migration.

Why Teach with an Ocean Theme?

There are a number of reasons why teaching with an ocean theme benefits students’ learning. These include…

Inspiring STEM Education: It offers hands-on opportunities for scientific inquiry and exploration, sparking students’ interest in further study and STEM careers.

Environmental Stewardship: By studying the ocean and its challenges, students develop a sense of environmental responsibility. They learn about the importance of protecting our oceans and become more conscious of their ecological footprint. Nurturing Ocean Stewards.

Cross-subject Learning: Ocean-themed lessons naturally integrate various subjects, such as science and geography. This interdisciplinary approach enriches students’ understanding and helps them see the connections between different fields of study.

Ocean Themed Lesson Ideas

Below are some great lesson ideas which may be supported by Ocean Life Education incursions or excursions.

Classification – Exploring the Diversity of Life

Uncover the vast range of marine species that inhabit the ocean and their unique characteristics. Students learn about why and how we classify and order species, enhancing understanding of the diversity of the underwater world and discovering similarities with our own, all while gaining hands-on experience with our captivating live animal team – turtles, an epaulette shark, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers.

Follow up: Students can explore marine biodiversity and dive into the incredible diversity of life in the ocean. From microscopic plankton to magnificent whales, students can research and present on different marine species.

Unravelling Energy Flows: Food Chains, Food Webs, and Ecosystems

Students explore food chains and food webs, delving deep into the fascinating relationships of who consumes whom within an ecosystem and how energy flows. Within each ecosystem, every organism occupies a distinct trophic level or position in the food chain or web. We explore the trophic pyramid, spanning from producers to primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers, and even apex predators, all the way down to the vital decomposers. This lesson also touches on the concept of the interdependence of species.

Follow up: Students can choose a marine species of their choice and create a detailed food web infographic.

Human Impact on the Ocean – Ocean Pollution & Conservation

Examine the profound influence of human activities on our oceans, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and oil spills. Understand how our actions have reshaped these vital ecosystems and learn about the strategies and solutions needed to protect our marine environment for future generations. As our society has expanded and evolved, the repercussions of our actions have rippled through ecosystems, biodiversity, climate patterns, and more.

Follow up: Discuss local conservation efforts and solutions and encourage students to brainstorm ways they can contribute to ocean protection.

Read our blog: Nurturing Ocean Stewards.

Investigate Adaptation – Exploring the Extraordinary Evolution of Marine Life

We journey into the world of marine organisms and their remarkable ability to evolve and adapt to their ever-changing environment, ensuring their survival. We highlight specific adaptations like camouflage and students learn about the incredible survival strategies that have allowed creatures to thrive in some of the ocean’s most challenging habitats.

Follow up: Students apply their learning to an ocean animal of choice and examine how it has adapted to its environment.

Hands-On Learning and Field Trips

To truly immerse students in ocean-themed curriculum topics, consider incorporating hands-on learning experiences and field trips:

Ocean Life Incursion: Our programs are tailored to the curriculum and offer an up-close look at marine life and ecosystems in an interactive manner.

Ocean life Education Excursions: Where proximity permits, we take students to the coastline to examine topics such as biodiversity and ecosystems, adaptation and human impact.

Beach Cleanups: Organize school beach cleanup events to teach students about the impact of plastic pollution on coastal environments and wildlife.

Guest Speakers: Invite marine scientists, conservationists, or local experts to speak to your class about their work and research in the field of marine science.

Link to blog: How to get Involved in a SE Queensland Beach Clean

Bring Local Real-World Relevance to Learning

In Queensland, Australia, The Great Barrier is an excellent example to use as a basis for studying key curriculum themes, connecting students to real-world issues like climate change, biodiversity and ecosystems, and conservation. In addition, we are incredibly lucky to have over twenty thousand humpback whales migrate along our coast each year. This incredible spectacle can be used to inspire kids and for case studies covering a wide range of curriculum themes.

Teaching curriculum topics with an ocean theme not only engages high school students but also empowers them to become informed and environmentally conscious global citizens. Through interdisciplinary lessons, hands-on experiences, and a focus on local real-world issues, educators can inspire the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and ocean enthusiasts. So, take the plunge and let the ocean be your classroom—it’s a journey worth exploring!

Ocean Life Education Programs & Events

Local Conservation Groups

Coolum Beach – Beach Clean Ups Sunshine Coast & Coolum and North Shore Coast Care
North Shore Beach & Yaroomba Beach – North Shore Clean Up Crew
Mooloolaba Beach – Plastic Free Sunshine Coast
Golden Beach – Visionary Ocean Warriors
Noosa – Our Biosphere

Or Brisbane

Brisbane – Ocean Crusaders