Tag Archives: ocean events 2025

Celebrating the Ocean and Learning through Key School Events

Blue planet for schools

 

Throughout the school year, there are numerous opportunities to engage students, celebrate education, and make a positive impact on the community. Here’s how schools can participate in and make the most of some key events with meaningful activities and themes related to the ocean.

Clean Up Australia Day: Beach Cleans in Queensland

Clean Up Australia Day offers schools the chance to combine environmental stewardship with hands-on learning. In Queensland, schools can organize student-led beach clean-ups, focusing on local coastal areas. These events not only help protect marine ecosystems but also teach students about the impact of pollution on ocean life. Ocean Life Education can enhance the experience by hosting an on-location Human Impact program delivered by one of our qualified Marine Educators and focusing on our live marine animals and using educational resources and fascinating artefacts to bring learning to life.

How to Get Invoved in a Beach Clean 

Book Week, 16-23 August 2025: Popular Ocean Science Books for Primary Schools

Book Week is a fantastic opportunity to inspire curiosity about the ocean through engaging stories and informative texts. Popular books like “Big Blue Whale” by Nicola Davies, “Ocean Speaks” (inspiration for science learning) by Jess Keating, and “The Brilliant Deep” (coral restoration) by Kate Messner bring ocean science to life for young readers. Incorporating these books into classroom activities, such as art projects or creative writing inspired by the stories, can deepen students’ understanding of marine environments.

Our Ocean Literacy Program

 

Under 8s Week, 19-23 May 2025: Ocean-Themed Activities for Young Learners

Under 8s Day celebrates the importance of learning in the early years of a child’s life, and an ocean theme is perfect for engaging young minds. Schools can set up activity stations with ocean-themed crafts like creating jellyfish mobiles, sensory play with water and sea animal toys, or storytelling sessions featuring ocean adventures. A mini “beach day” with sand play and shells can also bring the thrill of the sea into your location.

Interactive Marine Displays

 

Science Week 2025, 9-17 August: Nature’s Hidden Language

Science Week’s theme, “Nature’s Hidden Language,” offers a chance to explore the fascinating ways marine life communicates and interacts. From the clicking sounds of dolphins to the bioluminescent signals of deep-sea creatures, students can dive into the mysteries of the ocean. Schools can host hands-on workshops, like building underwater sound detectors or experimenting with light patterns, to uncover these hidden languages. Guest talks from marine biologists and educators can further inspire budding scientists. Our interactive marine displays offer the opportunity to observe communication and interaction firsthand. Sea stars for example, primarily communicate through chemical signals by releasing chemicals into the water, which can alert other sea stars to potential dangers. By including an Ocean Life Education interactive display in your science week event, students can observe how this happens first hand.

Primary Incursions – Ocean Life Education

 

International Women’s Day, 8 March 2025: Ocean Life Education’s Inspirational Team

International Women’s Day is a wonderful time to highlight the contributions of young women in marine education. Ocean Life Education’s team includes inspirational educators who have followed their passion for the ocean into rewarding careers. During our programs, schools can invite our passionate role models to share their journeys, offering insights into marine science, environmental advocacy, and the importance of following your dreams. Their stories can empower students, especially girls, to envision futures in STEM fields.

Learn About our Inspirational Team

 

World Teachers’ Day, 5 October 2025: Celebrating Teachers’ Impact

On World Teachers’ Day, schools can celebrate the extraordinary efforts of educators who shape young minds and inspire future careers. Teachers play a pivotal role in introducing students to the wonders of the ocean and the importance of environmental stewardship. Activities like a “Thank You Wall,” where students post notes of appreciation, or a special assembly to honour teachers’ contributions can make this day memorable. Ocean Life Education is proud of its exceptional teachers who are dedicated and passionate about sharing their love and knowledge of the ocean to inspire others to want to learn more.

State Education Week, 21-25 October 2025: Ocean-Themed Initiatives for Schools

State Education Week provides a platform to showcase innovative programs and celebrate school achievements. Schools can organize ocean-themed events such as student-led exhibitions, where projects on marine conservation and ocean ecosystems are displayed. Collaborative art installations, like a mural made from recycled materials, can involve the entire school community. Hosting open days with marine education activities and inviting local environmental groups can highlight the school’s commitment to sustainability and hands-on learning. Ocean Life Education’s interactive marine display is the perfect complement to an open day, where real life animals provide bring learning to life!

Our Events & Programs

About Ocean Life Education

Our oceans are teeming with incredible biodiversity, from tiny plankton to majestic whales, playing a crucial role in maintaining the planet’s health. Ocean Life Education plays an essential role in raising awareness about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the threats they face.

We bring the ocean to life with our mobile incursions across South East Queensland! Visiting early learning centers, schools, and other settings, we deliver interactive, curriculum-based programs featuring live marine animals and engaging marine displays.

The crew at Ocean Life Education are always on hand to assist with any events you are planning, bringing our diverse team of live marine animals to add extra excitement through interaction on the day. Our animals include a baby shark, freshwater turtle, sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins.

 

Useful links

Our Programs

Schools Guide to Ocean Events 2025

Science Week Website

For more information about what we do, check out Ocean Life Education.

We hoped you enjoyed reading our blog: Celebrating Key School Events and the Ocean.

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School’s Guide to Ocean Events 2025

 

In a world increasingly focused on environmental preservation, educators like us play a pivotal role in inspiring young minds to care for our planet’s most precious resource—the ocean. By weaving engaging, ocean-themed events into the school year, we foster a love for marine environments and teach students why protecting the ocean is vital for life on Earth. Here’s your School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2025 that will help bring marine conservation to life in the classroom.

Download your free Ocean Events 2025 Calendar by clicking the link at the foot.

 

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 designed to advance international collaboration in ocean science to address critical environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development goals. This initiative aims to enhance our understanding of the ocean, foster innovation, and build partnerships that contribute to creating sustainable solutions for marine and coastal ecosystems.

Goals of the Decade

The overarching vision of the Decade is to deliver the “science we need for the future we want,” ensuring that oceans remain healthy and resilient for current and future generations. Key objectives include:

  • A Clean Ocean: Identifying and significantly reducing sources of pollution.
  • A Healthy and Resilient Ocean: Understanding, protecting, and restoring marine ecosystems through sustainable management practices.

By prioritizing scientific research, technological innovation, and global cooperation, this initiative aspires to ensure that oceans can continue to support biodiversity, climate stability, and human livelihoods.

The Decade represents a call to action for researchers, policymakers, educators, and citizens worldwide to work together toward sustainable ocean stewardship.

Ocean Literacy for Schools

World Whale Day – 16 February 2025

World Whale Day, held annually on the third Sunday of February, celebrates the beauty and importance of whales while raising awareness about the challenges they face. Whales are vital to ocean health, contributing to carbon capture and nutrient recycling.

Activities for Schools:

*Host a whale-themed art or poetry contest.

*Discuss the role of whales in maintaining ocean ecosystems.

*Share resources and whale conservation efforts with students.

Link to Ocean Life Education’s whale resources

 

Clean Up Australia Day – 2 March 2025

Clean Up Australia Day empowers communities to remove litter from local environments, including beaches and waterways, to protect marine ecosystems.

Activities for Schools:

*Organize a school-wide clean-up day for nearby coastal or river areas.

*Teach students about the journey of marine debris and its impact on wildlife like turtles and seabirds.

*Create posters or social media campaigns to promote reducing waste.

Link to Ocean Life Education’s Human Impact Resources

SeaWeek – 1–9 March 2025

SeaWeek is Australia’s national marine awareness campaign. The 2025 theme centers on Ocean Literacy Principle 4: The ocean makes earth habitable.

This highlights the ocean’s role in regulating the planet’s climate and sustaining life.

Activities for Schools:

*Experiment with how ocean currents affect global weather patterns.

*Discuss how Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef contributes to biodiversity – click here to find out more.

*Partner with local marine organizations such as Coolum Coast Care or Sea Shepherd for workshops or talks.

*2o teaching activities for SeaWeek

*SeaWeek Australia website

 

World Ocean Day – 8 June 2025

The 2025 theme for World Ocean Day is “Reviving Our Ocean: Communities in Action.” This global event emphasizes collective action for sustainable ocean use.

Activities for Schools:

*Create an “ocean action plan” for your school community.

*Incorporate ocean conservation into STEM projects, such as designing reef-safe sunscreen or biodegradable packaging.

*Celebrate with an ocean-themed assembly or showcase.

*World Ocean Day website

 

World Sea Turtle Day – 16 June 2025

Honoring Dr. Archie Carr, the “father of sea turtle biology,” this day highlights sea turtles’ importance to marine ecosystems.

Activities for Schools:

*Hold a sea turtle trivia quiz.

*Explore the life cycle of turtles and the threats they face from climate change and pollution.

*Encourage students to design turtle-friendly beach signage.

 

Plastic Free July 2025

Plastic Free July challenges individuals and communities to reduce single-use plastics. Schools can play a critical role in raising awareness about plastic pollution.

Activities for Schools:

*Host a week-long challenge to avoid single-use plastics in lunchboxes.

*Run workshops on making reusable beeswax wraps or upcycling projects.

*Audit the school’s plastic usage and brainstorm ways to reduce it.

Ocean Life Education Resources

 

Shark Awareness Day – 14 July 2025

Sharks are vital to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems but are often misunderstood. Shark Awareness Day focuses on dispelling myths and emphasizing their ecological importance.

Activities for Schools:

  • Organize a debate on the portrayal of sharks in media.
  • Create educational posters highlighting their role as apex predators.
  • Discuss shark conservation efforts, including those in Queensland’s waters and the high profile ‘Nets Out Now’ campaign.

Ocean Life Education Shark Resources

 

Coastcare Week – December 2025

Coastcare Week celebrates the efforts of volunteers working to protect Australia’s coastlines and marine environments.

Activities for Schools:

*Host a workshop on how students can contribute to local coastcare initiatives.

*Conduct a field trip to a coastal area to study its biodiversity.

*Celebrate volunteer efforts by inviting local Coastcare representatives to share their stories.

 

Bring Learning to Life with Live Marine Experiences

Take ocean-themed education to the next level with hands-on learning. Ocean Life Education offer live marine animal programs led by qualified educators. These interactive sessions allow students to experience marine life up close while learning about conservation in a fun and engaging way.

By participating in these key ocean events in 2025, schools can inspire students to become advocates for marine conservation. Through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions, we can ensure the next generation values the incredible biodiversity and life-supporting functions of our oceans. Let’s make 2025 a year of action and connection with the sea! 🌊

For more resources and event details, check out Ocean Life Education.

We hoped you enjoyed reading our School’s Guide to Key Ocean Events in 2025!

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE OCEAN EVENTS CALENDAR.

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