Making Waves

This new member-led project by the UK Young Academy aims to take the first steps towards incorporating an understanding of marine life and food-webs within the UK secondary school curricula.

We owe our existence to organisms that most of us rarely think about – microscopic plankton. Over millennia, these plankton transformed Earth’s atmosphere, changing it from conditions similar to Venus into an oxygen-rich system that supports life. Today, plankton contribute towards the oxygen we breathe and sustain marine food-webs, from tiny fish to blue whales. However, human activities, including climate change, are threatening plankton diversity with adverse effects on the health and sustainability of marine resources. Recognising the vital role of education in fostering ocean literacy, this project aims to embed vital knowledge about plankton ecology and the impacts of human activities within the UK senior school curricula.

Making Waves will develop innovative, inclusive learning resources through participatory storytelling and by co-creating engaging methods, ensuring that students of all backgrounds and abilities can access the information. The project will thus foster young people’s understanding and appreciation of marine ecosystems, empowering the next generation to continue the vital work of conserving and restoring our oceans for the future health of our planet.

Key outcomes:

– Review of the existing UK senior school curricula to identify opportunities within various subjects where marine ecology can be integrated. This will provide the next generation with diverse interests (sciences to arts and humanities) with an understanding of the importance of ocean life and open new horizons.

– Development of inclusive and engaging teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of school pupils, including those with visual and hearing impairments. By prioritising accessibility and inclusivity in resource development, this will ensure that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, have equal access to quality ocean education, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine life. Working with secondary school teachers across disciplines, the project will develop lesson plans that introduce essential concepts related to marine biodiversity and ecology, ocean health and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of climate change.

How to get involved:

If you would like to connect with the project team or have any questions, please reach out to us at enquiries@ukyoungacademy.org.