Ocean activities

Activities for young people who want to learn more about the human connection with the ocean
Ocean activities
  • } Target level: KS2
  • c Time: several sessions of approx 40 minutes each
  • u Links to art and geography

Learning objectives

To discover the causes of harm to the ocean and the actions that we can take to help.

Resources needed

  • A large rectangular piece of cardboard with all four sides raised up (this should be roughly 41 x 28 cm).
  • Cardboard or paper.
  • Four plastic bottle caps.
  • Garden netting (enough to fit over the cardboard tray).
  • Tissue paper of various colours.
  • Paints of various colours.
  • PVA glue.
  • Scissors.
  • Transparent sticky tape.
  • Felt tip pens.

 

Instructions

  • Download the attached booklet and complete each of the activities.
  • The activity booklet can be completed by working with friends and family. Working with others makes it more fun and engaging by creating a social experience.
  • One of the activities requires a visit to the beach. This creates an outdoor learning experience, which also helps to boost and improve mental health. However, please ensure that you maintain social distancing when outdoors.
  • Completing the ghost net activity enables students to use their creativity and imagination to design images of the ocean.

<p>Ocean image design example<br></p>
 

How to put this idea into practice

The attached activities booklet can be downloaded and printed. Some of the activities only require a pen and paper while others involve crafting materials.

One part of this activity is to visit a beach or coastal area and make a list of items that do not belong there or have been washed up by the sea. This activity involves place-based and practical learning as the student decides what items are potentially harmful to the ocean.

 

Ways to include all learners

  • This activity booklet can be completed in any kind of educational setting, such as at home, in school, or in a youth club.
  • The activities have no time requirements, so students should be allowed to complete them at their own pace.
  • The booklet recommends a mixture of indoor and outdoor cognitive and practical activities to vary the type of learning that students are doing.

 
 
Research with Plymouth Institute of Education