A shot of waves crashing into a cliff.On the cliff, 2 people can be seen.

Protect the ocean (5-7)

Explore why the ocean is so important, how humans benefit from and impact its resources, and how we can protect it in this series of lessons.

    1. Protect the ocean

    The ocean is home to 50-80% of all life on Earth, but it's facing many threats, including climate change, overfishing, marine pollution, coastal development and oil spills.

    In this lesson, explore how our actions have consequences for the marine environment and how we can all do our bit to protect it.

    1. Protect the ocean (ages 5-7) Lesson plan
    Bleached white corals caused by he heated ocean.

    Coral Bleaching Currently Affecting 91 Percent Of The Great Barrier Reef  |  Image credit: Ethan Daniels/Shutterstock.com

    2. Climate, the sea and me

    Climate change is the long-term global shift in the planet’s average temperatures and weather patterns. Our ocean is suffering from rising sea levels, ocean acidification, changes in ocean currents and increased extreme weather events due to climate change.

    Discover how climate and the ocean are connected and how we can help reduce the impacts of climate change on our seas in this lesson.

    2. Climate, the sea and me (ages 5-7) Lesson plan

    An illegal fishing net caught on a coral reef  |  Image credit: Rich Carey via Shutterstock

    Extra resources

    Check out the wildlife A-Z

    Learn about our amazing local species

    Check out other ocean topics for 5-7 year olds

    An underwater shot of seaweed

    Amazing ocean (5-7)

    With these resources your students will explore incredible underwater landscapes and the many creatures that live above and below the water's surface.
    A school of sardines swimming in the ocean

    Sustainable seafood (5-7)

    Learn how ocean-friendly fishing helps protect our seas and wildlife, economies and livelihoods, and helps provide safe food as part of a healthy diet.

    Marine litter (5-7)

    Litter in our seas can cause harm to our marine environment in a number of ways. These teaching resources will help students explore and understand the impacts of litter on our seas.