Ocean & People
The ocean shapes our lives — and we shape the ocean.
Ocean & People introduces learners (ages 7–14) to the connections between humans and the sea, from fishing and pollution to climate change and exploration.
Discover how plastics and other pollutants enter the ocean, the impact they have on marine life, and what we can do to reduce the problem.
→ What’s Included
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Activity Sheet(s) (PDF)
Lesson Slides (PDF)
→ Learning Outcomes
Understand how plastic pollution affects ocean ecosystems
Identify the impacts on animals, habitats, and food webs
Explore solutions to reduce waste and protect the ocean
→ Lesson Packs
Want to dive deeper? Start with our Marine Science Hub
Examine how humans depend on fish and seafood, and learn how overfishing and bycatch affect ocean ecosystems and the balance of marine food webs.
→ What’s Included
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Activity Sheet(s) (PDF)
Lesson Slides (PDF)
→ Learning Outcomes
Understand how fishing connects humans to ocean food webs
Identify the effects of overfishing and unsustainable practices
Recognise sustainable fishing as part of the solution
→ Lesson Packs
Want to learn more? Check out
Explore how climate change impacts the ocean through warming waters, rising seas, and ocean acidification — and what this means for marine life and people.
→ What’s Included
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Activity Sheet(s) (PDF)
Lesson Slides (PDF)
→ Learning Outcomes
Understand how the ocean regulates climate and absorbs carbon
Recognise the impacts of warming, acidification, and sea-level rise
Explore how human actions can help slow climate change
→ Lesson Packs
Keep exploring with
From early voyagers to modern submarines, trace how people have explored the ocean and how new technologies help us unlock its mysteries today.
→ What’s Included
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Activity Sheet(s) (PDF)
Lesson Slides (PDF)
→ Learning Outcomes
Recognise historical milestones in ocean exploration
Understand how technology reveals new discoveries
Explore why continued ocean exploration is important
→ Lesson Packs
Want to go deeper? See
Learn how Indigenous peoples and cultures around the world have deep connections with the ocean, built on respect, tradition, and stewardship.
→ What’s Included
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Activity Sheet(s) (PDF)
Lesson Slides (PDF)
→ Learning Outcomes
Recognise cultural traditions tied to the ocean
Understand Indigenous knowledge as part of marine stewardship
Appreciate cultural diversity in our relationship with the sea
→ Lesson Packs
Keep the curiosity flowing
WHAT'S NEXT?
You’ve explored how people shape and depend on the ocean. Now, discover how we can each play a role in protecting it.
Next Topic → Our Role in the Ocean
From everyday actions to global heroes, explore how to protect species and advocate for a healthier blue planet.
