How SEA LIFE centres bring climate change impact to life

Our oceans are in deep danger from climate change – and it’s up to you and your class to play their part. That’s the message from Ranger Bethan, who sets out the Save our Seas: The Rangers Challenge in a new video message which is shared with primary schools before a visit to a SEA LIFE centre.

The free Save Our Seas: The Rangers Challenge activity packs encourage pupils to consider:

• The different sea creatures they will encounter and their habitats.
• How sea creatures are being negatively impacted by human behaviour.
• What can be done to help protect the sea creatures and their habitats.

Learning about the effects of climate change with real-life context is crucial for our young people. The Department for Education (DfE) has now included climate change in science teachers’ continuing professional development as part of its Sustainability and Climate Change strategy. It is working with schools to ensure young people understand the facts about climate change and have the skills needed to tackle the challenges it brings. 

Through its onsite activity pack programme, SEA LIFE encourages real-world action bringing pupils closer to the oceans than ever before with incredible creatures, expert daily talks and multimedia experiences. 

How the Save Our Seas Challenge works

There are two versions of the activity pack – one tailored towards 5-7 years and the other towards 7-11 years. An accompanying Teacher Guide takes you through the challenge which incorporates activities prior, during and after your visit. Download the teacher guide here. 

Before your visit: pupils are set their challenge via a video message from Ranger Bethan. It will give them an idea of the key topics they will be exploring through a range of fun activities to complete during their visit. The video also explains about the conservation campaign that pupils will complete once back at school.

During your visit: teachers collect their activity packs on site. Children will get up close to many different species of creatures including seahorses, rays, sharks and starfish. They will work in groups of five to record their learning using the activity packs which are full of engaging tasks, such as guessing the sea creature by using clues to help them, or making a note of their favourite facts as they explore the SEA LIFE centre.

Back in the classroom: it’s time for pupils to create their campaigns. The aim is to inform others about the dangers posed to sea creatures, the ocean, and more importantly, what we can all do about it. Pupils will work together to share what they have learned during their trip to SEA LIFE, considering the type of creatures, their habitats, and the threats they face.

Benefits for teachers

There is no need to confirm numbers for your visit until two weeks before you go – making a provisional booking through the online form is very straightforward.

School groups benefit from special rates, and teachers receive a supporting risk assessment to make the process as simple as possible.

Some locations offer workshops for KS1-2 students too, including Habitat Explorers, if they are studying habitats and adaptations. Or the Our Sea Creatures workshop which sees pupils dive into a world of core creatures (sharks, jellyfish, penguins and seahorses) to understand their different needs.