Upcoming Events:
World Book Day – 5th March 2026
To celebrate World Book Day 2026, we’re diving into the theme ‘Reading for Fun’ with a special Ocean-inspired storytelling session created especially for learners. The story is brought to life by staff from across the Ocean Conservation Trust, filmed reading while going about their daily activities around the National Marine Aquarium – sometimes in places you might not expect! By combining reading, imagination and a love of the ocean, the session shows that reading can be joyful, playful and just for fun.
Careers Week – 5th March 2026
In celebration of National Careers Week 2026, we’re pleased to invite KS3+ learners to our FREE Marine Careers Showcase, a virtual event at 9.15–10.00am. Students will hear from Ocean Conservation Trust staff at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth about their roles, career journeys, and training, exploring a wide range of blue careers from marine biology and conservation.
British Science Week – 6th/ 13th March 2026
This year’s British Science Week theme is all about curiosity and asking questions. To celebrate, we’re streaming live from the National Marine Aquarium to answer the most interesting, head scratching questions your learners have always wondered about the Ocean.
Resources:
Welcome to our page of FREE resources for Primary and Secondary Educators. We have arranged them alongside the events they were inspired by to reinforce learning, but many can be used as stand-alone resources for your classroom.
Explorer Booklets
Booklets to accompany of School Student Entry to the aquarium. This allows students to enjoy a self-led exploration of the exhibit spaces, discovering the wonders of the Ocean for themselves and focusing on seeing their favourite animals in their own time.
STEMFest 2025
Explore how everyday choices at home can help protect the Ocean through the “Ocean Friendly Homes” theme from STEMFest 2025. These resources includes a virtual STEMFest recording, how to create a solar-powered fan, and a sustainable home worksheet.
World Book Day 2025
Created for World Book Day 2025, this content features a virtual live reading of Am I a Sea Dragon? by the Ocean Conservation Trust, read by special guest Marina the Mermaid. It also includes follow-up activities and a short virtual tour of the NMA, supporting early science learning around animal characteristics and classification for ages 4–6.
Careers Week
Explore career pathways with three interview videos featuring an engineer, a biologist, and a marketing officer at the Ocean Conservation Trust. These resources give learners an insight into different roles, day-to-day tasks, and the skills needed to work in marine science and conservation.
Ocean Science Experiments Guide
Dive into the theme of Change and Adapt with a focus on physical and chemical changes in the Ocean. This curriculum-linked guide is packed with engaging classroom activities, supporting teachers to deliver accessible, hands-on lessons that explore marine science concepts and how Ocean life has adapted to these conditions.
Virtual STEMFest 2024
Watch the replay of Virtual STEMFest 2024, a collaboration with the Eden Project. This two-part session explores evolution and conservation, inspired by the Darwin200 expedition, and follows Charles Darwin’s journey from Plymouth. Streamed from the National Marine Aquarium and the Eden Project Rainforest Biome, it is designed to inspire Key Stage 2 and 3 students.
Ocean Curriculum Funding – Pro Bleu
ProBleu supports schools to lead the way in educating children about protecting our ocean and freshwater, helping to bring water-literacy projects to life through grants and practical support. The ProBleu resources bring together specialist content from partners alongside materials created by Blue Schools as part of their own projects.
Ocean Literacy CPD Training
Our online teacher training and school development opportunities are designed to help you get your students learning about the Ocean in the curriculum.
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