Welcome to #BeTheWave – a new education project designed to inform people about our incredible blue planet and inspire them to take action.
Our oceans face many dangers including pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, a dramatic decrease in ocean fish stocks and global climate change.
We want to ensure teachers have all the tools they need to increase pupils’ understanding of these issues.
Working in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, with support from Welsh Government, we’ve developed a whole host of secondary school resources to help teachers deliver workshops and educational sessions.
Below, you’ll find links to background information, lesson plans, awareness raising ideas and practical guidance for coordinating events and days of action.
Join us and be the wave of change our planet needs.
The value of protecting our oceans can’t be underestimated. Here are just a few of the key facts:
Sadly, the healthy future of our ocean is not guaranteed, and we often act in ways that impact negatively on its condition. The ocean faces many dangers including pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, a dramatic decrease in ocean fish stocks and global climate change.
The content of our resources is rooted in Wales, aiming to develop a strong sense of identity and understanding of local ocean issues. The resources also extend to a global view, strengthening students’ development as citizens of contemporary Wales and the world. Each lesson plan will present teachers with detailed curriculum links and the resource itself will introduce the opportunity for schools to take an integrated thematic approach across the Areas of Learning and Experience, supporting students to make explicit links throughout the curriculum.
For downloadable Powerpoint Presentations, please visit our resources on Hwb by clicking here.
In this introduction, students will learn to recognise environmental concerns and develop proactive solutions to environmental issues whilst exploring how important the ocean is to life.
The biodiversity of species in our seas is extraordinary, from microscopic bacteria, algae and animals to giant whales. Learn the key terms, identify marine habitats and understand how species are connected.
The ocean is vital to our survival. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, use this lesson to explore the many crucial services our marine ecosystems provide us.
We are taking too much out of the sea, and putting too much in. This lesson gives students an overview of the key threats to our ocean, and highlights ways that we can help recover the health of our ocean.
In this section, students will investigate ocean issues, focussing on marine pollution, climate change and sustainable fishing.
The lessons explore the threats that marine pollution can bring and invite students to investigate how pollution enters our waters and what actions people can make to prevent water pollution. These lessons will also guide students in discovering why a healthy ocean is so important in tackling climate change and supporting marine life.
Students will develop their understanding of the importance of acting sustainably and how they can make positive changes as an individual, a school, or a community.
How does litter enter our oceans? What are the main sources? Investigate the land and ocean-based activities that cause real problems and create solutions to make a positive difference.
What is marine litter? What is it made from and how long does it last? Investigate litter in your community and develop some social media posts to raise awareness.
More than 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year. Think about everyday use of plastic and how it can become an issue for our oceans, especially the impact on our marine wildlife.
Microfibres are plastic threads less than 5mm in length. Research the source of these microfibres and their impact on the environment.
What is flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain can have a serious, negative impact on our rivers and seas. Discover how this happens and come up with actions to Stop The Block!
Fashion has an impact on the environment. Investigate how chemical pollution has been caused in the past and present and the impact it has on the environment and health. Find out what actions you can take to make a difference.
In this lesson we ask How is climate change affecting the ocean? How is the ocean helping to reduce climate change? And what can we do to both reduce climate change and protect the ocean?
Our ocean provides livelihoods and food for millions of people. To ensure this can continue into the future, we need to make sure our fishing practices are sustainable and non-destructive.
Having discovered our #BeTheWave ideas in each lesson plan, this section presents useful guidelines and ideas to assist pupils in raising greater awareness from their own schools, in their community and through social media.
Schools can play a huge part to #BeTheWave of change needed to protect our ocean. Think about developing a Day of Action and investigate local and national environmental groups and initiatives that can help.
Find some top tips to help you create a #BeTheWave campaign. Find ideas such as who to involve and how to communicate your messaging. Read about successful campaigns to gain inspiration.
Remember – Every piece of rubbish collected means less waste ends up in the ocean. Investigate how to organise a successful clean up and organisations that can help.
Understand what a circular economy means and the choices we have to extend the life of the products we use. Can we choose more sustainable alternatives?
Did you know nearly half a million young people are involved in our education programmes?
Our education team are here to support schools and colleges at every step of their eco-journey, providing expert guidance, resources, and training.
A great way to start investigating and continually improve the school environment is to make sure your school is an Eco-School.
Encourage your pupils to document their #BeTheWave activities and they could be part of an international competition.
