New Teaching Resources – Giant Australian Cuttlefish
Every year, these fascinating animals gather in South Australia for their annual breeding aggregation — a natural wonder like no other. The Great Southern Reef Foundation has just launched an exciting interactive case-study lesson series where students (Year 6 and up) take the lead in exploring why this region is so critical for breeding, and how species like cuttlefish can undergo dramatic population changes over time. Perfect for classrooms diving into marine science, sustainability, and ecosystems. Check it out here.
New White Paper Highlights the Need for a National Ocean Literacy Strategy in Australia
A new white paper highlights the growing importance of ocean literacy in Australia as a vital tool for engaging society in ocean sustainability. Ocean literacy, people’s awareness, attitudes, and behaviours towards the ocean, has been recognised globally, including in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, as essential for achieving meaningful change. With increasing interest and activity in this space, the paper explores current research and practice in Australia and calls for the development of a National Ocean
Victorian Winter Sea Slug Survey
Did you know that over 400 species of sea slugs have been recorded around Victoria, including some that steal stinging cells from their prey for protection? If you're keen to get involved, join the Sea Slug Census from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 July. - Head out for a rockpool ramble, snorkel, or dive - Search shady, cooler spots where these cryptic creatures like to hide - Snap photos of any sea slugs you find and upload them to iNaturalist to help researchers learn
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.