Curriculum Integration
An integrated learning program across multiple subjects related to the ocean and marine studies offers a holistic approach to understanding marine ecosystems and issues. Here are some examples of how various subjects can be integrated into such a program:
- Science: Students learn about marine biology, oceanography, and ecology, studying topics such as marine food webs, ocean currents, and marine biodiversity. They conduct experiments to understand the properties of seawater, investigate the effects of pollution on marine life, and explore the adaptations of marine organisms.
- Mathematics: Math concepts are applied to real-world marine scenarios, such as calculating the volume of marine debris in a given area, analyzing trends in sea level rise, or using statistics to assess fish population data for sustainable fisheries management.
- Language Arts: Students engage in reading and writing activities centered around marine-themed literature, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. They write research papers on marine conservation topics, craft persuasive essays advocating for ocean protection, and create narratives inspired by marine environments.
- Social Studies: Students explore the cultural, economic, and geopolitical aspects of coastal regions and maritime communities around the world. They learn about the history of maritime exploration, investigate the impacts of globalization on marine industries, and discuss the role of international organizations in ocean governance.
- Art: Artistic expression is used to depict marine life, seascapes, and environmental issues. Students create paintings, drawings, sculptures, and multimedia projects inspired by the ocean, using different art styles, mediums (e.g. marine debris and shells) and techniques to convey messages of conservation and stewardship.
- Technology: Students utilize technology tools and resources to explore the oceans remotely, such as through virtual reality experiences, online databases of marine research, and simulations of marine ecosystems. They also learn about technological innovations for ocean exploration and monitoring, such as underwater robotics and satellite imagery.
- Physical Education: Students participate in activities that promote physical fitness and aquatic skills, such as swimming, snorkeling, or even scuba diving if available. They learn about water safety practices and environmental ethics while engaging in ocean-related recreational activities.
- Geography: Students study the geography of the world's oceans, including their physical characteristics, ocean basins, and major currents. They examine how marine geography influences climate patterns, habitats, and human activities, and they analyze maps and charts to understand marine spatial planning and conservation strategies.
Science and HASS Links
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Science Understanding
Biological sciences Years 1 AC9S1U01 identify the basic needs of plants and animals, including air, water, food or shelter, and describe how the places they live meet those needs Year 3 AC9S3U01 compare characteristics of living and non-living things and examine the differences between the life cycles of plants and animals Year 4 AC9S4U01 explain the roles and interactions of consumers, producers and decomposers within a habitat and how food chains represent feeding relationships Year 5 AC9S5U01 examine how particular structural features and behaviours of living things enable their survival in specific habitats Year 6 AC9S6U01 investigate the physical conditions of a habitat and analyse how the growth and survival of living things is affected by changing physical conditions Year 7 AC9S7U01 investigate the role of classification in ordering and organising the diversity of life on Earth and use and develop classification tools including dichotomous keys |
Knowledge and Understanding
Geography Year 1 AC9HS1K04 how places change and how they can be cared for by different groups including First Nations Australians Year 4 AC9HS4K05 the importance of environments, including natural vegetation and water sources, to people and animals in Australia and on another continent Skills: Concluding and decision-making (AC9HS4S06) Propose actions or responses to an issue or challenge that consider possible effects of actions Year 7 Water in the world AC9HG7K01 classification of environmental resources and the way that water connects and changes places as it moves through environments AC9HG7K02 the location and distribution of water resources in Australia, their implications, and strategies to manage the sustainability of water AC9HG7K03 the economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value of water for people, including First Nations Australians AC9HG7K04 the causes and impacts of an atmospheric or hydrological hazard, and responses from communities and governments Year 9 Biomes and food security AC9HG9K01 the distribution and characteristics of biomes as regions with distinctive climates, soils, vegetation and productivity |