Inspire the next generation of ocean stewards with free marine science lesson plans
Bring the wonders of the ocean into your classroom with free, standards-aligned marine science lesson plans. Engage students with interactive activities, hands-on experiments, and dynamic discussions covering ocean conservation, marine ecosystems, climate change, and more.
Download now and equip your students with the knowledge and passion to protect our blue planet.
This lesson explores how climate change and pollution impact marine ecosystems. Students will learn about food webs, trophic levels, and trophic cascades while examining how human actions affect ocean life. The activity encourages critical thinking about ways to reduce our impact and protect ocean biodiversity.
This lesson uses case studies to explore factors impacting shark populations and broader marine ecosystems. Students will analyze real scientific data, graphs, and terminology to build skills in interpreting research. Key concepts include trophic cascades, ecosystem services, and the effects of overfishing and shark finning.
This lesson explains how plastic pollution spreads through marine ecosystems due to differences in plastic density. Students will learn why plastic pollution is harmful, how plastics can sink or float, and ways they can help prevent its spread to protect ocean health.
This lesson explores how plastic breaks down into microplastics and the challenges of removing them from the environment. Students will learn why microplastics are harmful, how they spread through land and water ecosystems, and ways to help prevent further pollution.
This lesson explores the vital role coral reefs play in marine ecosystems and human livelihoods. Students will learn about the structure of coral reefs, their ecological value, and the threats posed by human activities and climate change. The lesson emphasizes the need for understanding to protect and preserve these ecosystems.
This lesson highlights the ocean’s critical role in climate regulation and global food security. Students will explore challenges like overfishing and illegal fishing, and learn about aquaculture as a potential sustainable solution. They will evaluate the benefits and limitations of aquaculture to assess its effectiveness in protecting marine life.
This lesson introduces students to sources and impacts of water pollution using Earth Echo Water Quality kits. Through a Biscayne Bay case study, students will analyze their local water samples, identify potential pollution sources, and explore how pollution affects both local and coastal ecosystems downstream.
This two-part lesson explores the vital ecological role sharks play in ocean ecosystems and their unique biology. Students will learn how sharks regulate food chains, sequester carbon, and maintain ecosystem balance. The lessons also highlight shark diversity and challenge common misconceptions to inspire appreciation and understanding.
In partnership with the talented team at Canvas of the Wild, The International SeaKeepers Society is excited to present the “Wildscapes Unveiled” educational outreach project. Our goal is to invite South Florida students to explore three vital native environments; the Everglades, Mangrove Forests, and the Western Central Atlantic Pelagic. Learning about how these places support the health of Florida’s ecology and economy, as well as the threatened species that play a role in maintaining these systems.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about these habitats through three interactive displays with embedded touchpoints that link to species and habitat information on the Canvas of the Wild knowledge base. An e-workbook will also accompany the murals, which will also guide students and teachers through each featured habitat display and provide supplemental curriculum.
The Biscayne Bay Coral Reef and Mangrove species identification guide was created by SeaKeepers Education and Outreach in partnership with the talented environmental artist Kelly Quinn of Canvas of the Wild with funding support from Open Water. They are the first and only ID guide specifically for Biscayne Bay that includes above and below-water native flora and fauna species. These unique outreach tools were created to increase community environmental awareness and promotion of marine conservation education in our beautiful Biscayne Bay ecosystems. The guides are 5.5” x 8”, double-sided, completely waterproof, and contain 100 highly detailed, true-color species images.
Follow @SeaKeepers on social media
"*" indicates required fields
