The Power of the Ocean - Appreciation and Connection

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• communication
• cultural understanding
• curiosity
• empathy
• global citizenship
• reflection

Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content description: 

Year 7, Geography

Students learn: 

• the cultural connectedness of people to places and how this influences their identity, sense of belonging and perceptions of a place, in particular the cultural connectedness of First Nations Australians to Country/Place (AC9HG7K07)
• the economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value of water for people, including First Nations Australians (AC9HG7K03).

Year 8, Geography

Student learn:

• the spiritual, aesthetic and cultural value of landscapes and landforms for people, including Country/Place for First Nations Australians (AC9HG8K03).

Relevant parts of Year 7 achievement standards: Students explain the interconnections between people and places and environments, and describe how these interconnections change places or environments.

Relevant parts of Year 8 achievement standards: Students explain how the characteristics of places are perceived and valued differently by people.

NSW Syllabus outcomes:

A student:

• explains the processes and interactions that change people, places and environments (GE4-PRI-01)
• explains Aboriginal Peoples’ Custodianship, care and management of Country (GE4-APC-01).

General capabilities: Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding, Personal and Social Capability 

Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Asia and Australia's Engagement with Asia, Sustainability 

Level of teacher scaffolding: High – facilitate class discussion, supervise activities, give information and direction.

UN SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

• Activity sheet - Ocean’s invisible powers
• Craft materials - see Teacher Content Information
• Device capable of displaying audiovisual material
• Whiteboard

Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership program aims to turn the tide on eco-anxiety and create the next generation of leaders. They aim to address this by providing free expert-led workshops to high schools, TAFEs and universities. Students will gain insights from relatable young leaders who are actively making a difference and have extensive experience inspiring students. An initiative by Surfers for Climate & The Good Human Factory.

Students, Schools and Eco-Anxiety: Teaching and Learning for Eco-Optimism 

Quick Summary: This course will provide insight into the findings from a global review of climate change education with a focus on eco-anxiety an unanticipated consequence.