Protect the ocean (7-11)

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. Ocean overview

    Our ocean is full of incredible marine life, but it also provides the oxygen we need to breathe, and helps us fight climate change by storing huge amounts of carbon.

    This lesson provides an overview of some of the amazing and diverse animals and habitats in UK waters, looking at why a healthy ocean is important to all life on Earth.

    1. Ocean overview (ages 7-11) Lesson plan
    grey seals swimming in a surge, taken in Scotland.

    Grey seals swimming through kelp forests in the rough, surging waters off the coast of Scotland.  |  Image credit: Kirsty Andrews

    2. How do we use the sea?

    The ocean holds many useful resources for humans. Many industries use the ocean to harvest its resources: food, energy and oil. Other industries, like tourism, benefit from the beauty and space the ocean provides.

    In this lesson, explore different marine industries, the benefits they provide and the potential threats to the ocean.

    2. How do we use the sea? (ages 7-11) Lesson plan
    Widemouth Bay in Cornwall

    Widemouth Bay in Cornwall  |  Image credit: Natasha Ewins

    3. What is an MPA?

    There are risks and threats to the environment from human activities that need to be managed carefully. With so much human activity at sea, it’s important we protect our ocean to ensure it has a healthy future.

    Through a creative, group-based, activity learn about one way our ocean is safeguarded: Marine Protected Areas.

    3. What is an MPA? (ages 7-11) Lesson plan
    Underwater Kelp Inside Shipwreck

    Underwater Kelp Inside Shipwreck  |  Image credit: Joost Van Uffelen via Shutterstock

    4. Climate, the sea and me

    What is climate change, and how does it impact our ocean?

    4. Climate, the sea and me (ages 7-11) Lesson plan
    turbulent ocean water

    Turbulent ocean water  |  Image credit: Sergey Bogomyako via Shutterstock

    5. How can you protect the ocean?

    Our actions affect the health of the ocean no matter where we live.

    As individuals, schools and communities, we can all do our bit to help take care of our seas.

    Get inspired to set up a school initiative to work towards completing our ocean manifesto.

    5. How can you protect the ocean? (ages 7-11) Lesson plan
    children actively collecting litter from a coastal area in the UK.

    children actively collecting litter from a coastal area in the UK. C  |  Image credit: Billy Barraclough

    Extra resources

    Check out the wildlife A-Z

    Learn about our amazing local species

    Check out other ocean topics for 7-11 year olds

    An orange jellyfish srrounded by darkness

    Amazing ocean (7-11)

    With these resources your students will explore incredible underwater landscapes and the many creatures that live above and below the water's surface.

    Sustainable seafood (7-11)

    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.
    A variety of single-use plastic litter including bottles and cartons are floating in the ocean

    Marine litter (7-11)

    Litter in our seas can cause harm to all forms of animals, from tiny plankton to giant whales. These resources will help students explore the impacts of litter on marine life.