Learning resources

Discover our free learning resources for all ages and groups - guaranteed to support with lesson planning and engage young minds.

    Primary Learning

    Access a range of free, ready‑to‑use primary lessons that bring ocean topics to life. Each downloadable resource offers clear guidance, engaging activities and meaningful learning outcomes for ages 5–7 and 7–11, helping pupils build knowledge, spark curiosity and understand how their actions affect the ocean.

    Discover 5-11 year old teaching resources
    An Atlantic puffin, a black and white seabird with a brightly colored orange and red beak, stands on a grassy cliff edge in the rain, holding several small fish in its mouth.

    Atlantic Puffin at Fair Isle, Shetland  |  Image credit: Kevin Morgans

    Secondary Learning

    Explore a suite of free, curriculum‑linked lesson plans designed for students aged 14–16, each using ocean exploration to teach core science and geography topics. Every downloadable pack includes a full lesson overview, detailed plan, PowerPoint, fact file and student worksheets, giving teachers everything they need to deliver engaging, thought‑provoking lessons that build understanding of the ocean’s importance and the challenges it faces.

    Dive into secondary school resources
    A close up of a squid. It is almost completely translucent. The background is completely black.

    A squid at Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock, after dark  |  Image credit: Georgie Bull

    Youth Group Learning

    Filled with ready‑to‑use activities designed to help youth groups explore the ocean and understand the challenges it faces, these resources support leaders in delivering fun, hands‑on sessions that introduce young people to UK marine wildlife, ocean threats, conservation actions and the role they can play in protecting our seas.

    With flexible activities suitable for Scouts, Guides and other youth organisations, the materials make it easy to inspire curiosity, build environmental awareness and encourage young people to take positive steps for the ocean.

    Check out youth group teaching resources

    A yellow edged polycera sea slug  |  Image credit: Matt Barnes

    Book a workshop

    Bring ocean learning to life with our interactive workshops, designed to engage pupils through hands‑on exploration and real‑world marine science. These sessions introduce children to UK sea creatures, ocean habitats and the threats facing our seas, using activities that spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

    Whether delivered in person or online, each workshop supports curriculum learning while inspiring pupils to think critically about the ocean and the role they can play in protecting it.

    Book a talk
    5 harbour porpoises swimming in formation facing left. They are all separate distances from the camera with the one in the middle closest. In the top left the ocean surface can be seen.

    Harbour porpoises  |  Image credit: Richard Shucksmith

    Welsh Resources

    Explore the issue of marine litter with our free Welsh teaching resources, designed to bring ocean conservation to life in the classroom. These hands‑on, engaging activities help learners investigate litter in their local area, understand how waste impacts the marine environment before learning about the Be the Wave Project which inspires them to take action. Teachers can access ready‑to‑use materials that make it easy to spark curiosity, build awareness, and inspire positive action.

    Check out our resources
    This image shows St Cwyfan's Church, commonly known as the "Church in the Sea," located on the tiny island of Cribinau off the coast of Anglesey, Wales.

    St Cwyfan's Church, Anglesey, Wales  |  Image credit: Neil Mark Thomas

    Awards and certifications

    Discover a range of recognised award programmes that celebrate and support ocean learning. Our trusted schemes designed to help individuals, schools, and organisations deepen their understanding of marine conservation while demonstrating their commitment to protecting our seas. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, gain accreditation, or inspire others through certified achievements, this page offers a clear pathway into meaningful, ocean‑positive action.

    Take a look
    A teenage boy picking up marine litter with a litter picker. He is wearing a black coat and white t-shirt

    Teenager taking part in a Marine Conservation Society beach clean  |  Image credit: Dean Chapple

    Stay up-to-date with our education programme

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    Join our education e-news list to stay up to date with our work, learn about upcoming events and opportunities, and explore other ways to get involved.

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    Join our UK Ocean Schools Resource Hub

    The Hub is our dedicated Facebook group for educators to share ocean-themed resources and opportunities for all ages.

    Join the group

    Contact us

    For enquiries, comments or feedback get in touch with the team at education@mcsuk.org.

     

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    Wildlife A-Z

    Meet the creatures that make UK waters so extraordinary; from the familiar faces you spot while rockpooling to the shy, elusive oddities you may never have heard of.
    A blue jellyfish swimming in clear azure blue waters in Scotland. It appears ethereal with long thread-like tendrils coming from it's white bell-shaped body. It appears to be swimming towards the surface with its bell concave towards the surface.

    Learn more about our ocean

    Our latest ocean insights and fascinating articles - from the wonders of seaweed to the difference between a seal and a sea lion.

    Get in touch with nature through the Wildling app

    Wildling is a free to download mobile app that has been specifically designed to bring more nature into our lives and helps connect us with the nature all around us.