Essential information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Key Stage |
Key Stage 2
|
| Curriculum links |
Geography
Science
|
| Session length | 90 minutes |
| Session times | Wednesday, 10.30-12.00, and 12.30-14.00 |
| Session dates | 23 September, 14 October, 11 November, 2 December, 27 January, 10 March, 21 April, 12 May, 9 June, 21 July |
| Capacity | 30 pupils per session |
| Price | Free - with thanks to the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation |
Session overview
Ocean Map
Learners explore the giant ocean floor map at the centre of the Museum (Spilhaus Projection). They identify oceans, locations, and marine diversity and discuss map use and interpretation.
What is water?
In the Plymouth Learning room, learners spot water in all its forms in satellite images. They discuss the unique properties of water, its role in biodiversity and life’s origins.
Handling objects
In groups, learners explore handling objects (e.g. fishing nets, coral, stick chart) and relate each to human-ocean connections.
How is our ocean changing?
Learners examine threats to oceans (pollution, acidification) and connect local and global changes.
Plenary
Learners reflect on global responsibility. Optional art activity inspired by World Ocean Day to promote conservation awareness.
Learning objectives
Learners will:
- Understand the importance of oceans to life on Earth and biodiversity
- Explore how oceans have shaped human culture, movement, and civilisation
- Identify challenges facing oceans today (pollution, climate change)
- Consider our responsibility in protecting ocean environments
Curriculum links
KS2 Science, Geography
- Pupils should be able to use world maps, atlases and globes to identify the United Kingdom and its countries, as well as the countries, continents and oceans
- Pupils should progress their growing knowledge about the world and deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes
- Recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things
Key words
Ocean, climate, ecology, culture
Suggested pre-visit knowledge and activities
Introduce the idea of different map projections and explore the Spilhaus projection to build curiosity.
Challenge learners to label a world map with the five named oceans.
Introduce the UNESCO Ocean Literacy Framework and the seven principles.
Suggested post-visit knowledge and activities
Organise a school-wide awareness campaign or art display for World Ocean Day (June 8).