FREE LESSON PLAN – The Ocean Starts Here: Inspiring Action through Art
In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, educators across Australia can now access a free lesson plan that combines science, art and sustainability to engage students in protecting our oceans. Titled "The Ocean Starts Here: Inspiring Action through Art", the lesson invites students to explore how pollution travels from our streets to the sea, and to creatively respond through powerful visual messages placed around school drains. Designed for Years 5–8 and aligned with the Australian Curriculum, the activity builds curiosity, critical
Reef Guardian School Programs
Teachers check out the amazing resources, virtual experiences and opportunities that are available from the Reef Guardian School Program. Click on the link and scan the QR codes to discover how you can bring the Great Barrier Reef into your classroom! Reef Ed Flyer
Ocean Wonder Wall Lesson Plan
This year’s World Ocean Day theme invites us to reconnect with our sense of wonder and reflect on the vital role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth. It’s a perfect time to spark curiosity and creativity in the classroom! To support this theme, a free downloadable lesson plan, Ocean Wonder Wall, is available and can be modified to suit Foundation to Year 10. The lesson integrates science, art, creativity, and critical thinking to help students explore the ocean’s diversity
Free Ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef webinars
Join the Reef Guardian School Program educators on Thursday 5th of June to learn about the diversity of ecosystems found within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and the adjacent Queensland coast. Discover some of the iconic wildlife that can found within these ecosystems, and how they are all interconnected. We'll consider some of the threats facing these environments, and what we can all do locally and globally to help reduce these impacts. Register today via this link!
New Sealion Footage Offers Inspiring Insight for Marine Conservation Education
Newly released footage of Australian sea lions foraging in their natural habitat offers a captivating look at the daily lives of these endangered marine mammals. The live sea lion cam, available at greatsouthernreef.com, showcases these playful creatures diving, hunting, and interacting beneath the surface of Australia's coastal waters. This footage provides a valuable connection for educators delivering the Cool.org 'Seal the Loop' units, which engages students in inquiry-based learning focused on the causes and effects of pollution and the importance of
Limited Term 2 Spots Available for Biodiversity in Schools Program
Educators are invited to bring the Western Port Biosphere Reserve into their classrooms through the Biodiversity in Schools program. Limited Term 2 sessions remain for Thursdays and Fridays. Offered from Prep to Year 12, the program includes hands-on incursions and excursions, linking students to local ecosystems such as wetlands and wildlife habitats. The curriculum-aligned activities promote place-based learning and focus on critical thinking, conservation, water stewardship, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and First Nations perspectives. To learn more or make a booking,
Final Call! Marine Champions Holiday Program
The Marine Champions program, hosted by the Marine Mammal Foundation, offers young people the opportunity to learn about marine science and conservation through hands-on activities and expeditions. This youth outreach initiative provides leadership skills, community engagement, and exclusive access to special events. Open to students in the Port Phillip Bay region, it includes a membership with unique experiences, such as career sessions and environmental campaigns. For more details and to sign up, click this link.
Ocean Film Festival 2025
The Ocean Film Festival Australia is currently touring, showcasing over two hours of the world’s most inspiring ocean-related films. Featuring works by independent filmmakers, the festival highlights topics such as marine conservation, ocean adventures, marine creatures, and coastal cultures. The festival aims to inspire audiences to explore, respect, and protect our oceans while supporting local ocean charities. With screenings in various Australian cities, the festival continues to promote ocean awareness and engage communities in crucial conservation efforts. Get tickets before
Autumn Victorian Sea Slug Census
Come discover the world of sea slugs! These fascinating animals are excellent indicators of how our environment is changing. Collecting photos of sea slugs helps scientist to monitor any changes. Join the search anywhere along the Victorian coast between Friday 4 and Sunday 13 April. Don’t forget to share your exciting discoveries by uploading your photos to iNaturalist! Looking for a guided adventure? Register now for the event on Monday 7 April under the bridge at San Remo via this link.
Charity Screening of The Dolphin Dilemma to Support Burrunan Dolphin Research
Join the Marine Mammal Foundation (MMF) and Friends of the Gippsland Lakes for a charity screening of The Dolphin Dilemma, followed by an update on the endangered Gippsland Lake Burrunan dolphin. Screenings: March 9th, 11am & 5pm, Slipway, Lakes Entrance March 10th, 5pm, St. Mary’s Church Hall, Bairnsdale This award-winning documentary highlights the impact of climate change and freshwater skin disease on local dolphins. All ticket sales and donations will support MMF's crucial research into the species, with only 30 dolphins remaining.