OUTREACH GUIDE 2026-2027
Contents Welcome
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‘Ocean Literacy’ for all
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Activity Options & Timetable
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Classroom Workshops
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Outdoor Learning
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STEM Shows & Assemblies
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Stand operation
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Activity Key Stage Matrix
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Session Overview
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SEND Offer
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Climate Conundrum (Upper KS2 & KS3)
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Energy Investigators (Upper KS2 & KS3)
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Habitat Hats (EYFS & KS1)
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Inventafish (KS2)
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Moonpool of Doom (Upper KS2 & KS3)
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Ocean Scientist (KS1)
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Plastic Seas (KS1 & KS2)
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Pollution Solution (KS1 & KS2)
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Stop Motion Animation (KS2+)
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Underwater Evolution (KS2 & KS3)
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Rediscover Rockpooling (KS1-KS4)
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Climate Heroes Show (KS1 - KS2)
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Slimy Seas Show (EYFS - KS2)
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Price list
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Booking your Outreach Session
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Paying for your Outreach Session
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Amending and cancelling your booking
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Welcome We are the Ocean Conservation Trust. A global charity that exists to protect and restore the Ocean. Our work - which began in 1998 – is centred around people and positive action through pro-Ocean behaviour and habitat restoration. We believe that when people feel an emotional connection with nature, they are more likely to protect and support its future. That is why our aim is to change behaviour by making the Ocean meaningful to as many people as possible. The National Marine Aquarium (NMA), situated in the city of Plymouth, is the home of the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) and sits on the shores of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. It is the largest Aquarium in the UK, home to over 5,000 marine animals and is visited by around 400,000 people per year! It’s also where much of our wonderful activities take place. This OCT Educational Visits guide describes our Ocean-linked activities that are available to EYF, KS1 and KS2 pupils at the National Marine Aquarium. It features full session descriptions of our suite of 90-minute workshops and 90-minute interactive tours. Each activity is based on a different marine topic, tailored around a set of learning outcomes, and is linked to the National and EYFS curriculums. We believe that everyone, everywhere is connected to the Ocean. It is our hope that you will find the activities described in this document to be valuable tools in your role as an educator, whatever subject you teach or age of your learners, and we look forward to working with you soon.
Sincerely,
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Creating an ‘Ocean Literate’ Generation The Ocean is the largest living space on the planet and sustains countless plants and animals in a wide variety of habitats. Scientists all over the world are increasingly beginning to understand the role that the Ocean plays in keeping our planet, and its inhabitants alive and healthy. In fact, it is considered so important to the health of the planet that the United Nations have declared 2021 – 2030 as the ‘Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’. The seven statements below are known as the ‘Ocean Literacy Principles’. These seven principles, along with the more detailed breakdowns of each are considered the foundation of an…
Understanding of the Ocean’s influence on us, and our influence on the Ocean 1. The Earth has one big Ocean with many features 2. The Ocean and life in the Ocean shape the features of Earth 3. The Ocean is a major influence on weather and climate 4. The Ocean makes the Earth habitable 5. The Ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems 6. The Ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. 7. The Ocean is largely unexplored.
All our OCT Education activities make important links to a variety of Ocean Literacy Principles, to ensure that participants gain an understanding of how we are all connected to our one Ocean. Look in the session descriptions for which Ocean Literacy principles they most link to!
7 O.L. PRINCIPLE
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Activity Options Our School Outreach programme has been developed to give students a ‘deep dive’ on a wide range of topics linked to the Ocean. Our activity selection reflects many of the most current themes in the field of Ocean Conservation including Ocean Literacy, marine citizenship, and development of Pro-Ocean Behaviour. Each activity has also been closely linked to the National Curriculum in England.
Our School Outreach programme is comprised of a selection of activities that can be purchased individually or as a package of successive activities to cover a full day. For example:
ACTIVITY
WORKSHOP 1
WORKSHOP 2
LUNCH
WORKSHOP 3
TIMING
09:00-10:30
11:00-12:30
12:30-13:15
13:15-14:45
ACTIVITY
WORKSHOP 1
LUNCH
WORKSHOP 2
SHOW
TIMING
10:00-11:30
11:30-12:30
12:30-14:00
14:30-15:00
Our activities can be delivered on weekdays during term time, between 9am and 5pm.
We offer 4 types of outreach engagement: Classroom Workshops – £150.00 per workshop (for up to 32 pupils)
STEM Shows & Assemblies – £100 per show (for an unlimited number of pupils)
A selection of our award-winning, 90-minute, curriculum-linked workshops which we’re able to deliver at indoor venues, such as classrooms and school halls. Typically, workshops include one or more of the following elements: artefact handling, science experiments, and arts & craft design activities.
Our 30-minute STEM shows have been developed
Outdoor Learning – £150.00 per workshop (for up to 32 pupils) Similar to the classroom workshops in duration and themes, these 90-minute activities, have been developed specifically to enhance school trips to the coast.
as real crowd-pleasers, ideally suited to events with large audiences, or as an exciting conclusion to a day of classroom workshops! Our STEM shows include mass audience participation and specific volunteer opportunities. Stand operation / mobile busking & event stewarding (Price on enquiry) From careers fairs to STEM showcases, our team are experts at standing out from the crowd and inspiring students with tales from the Aquarium and 1:1 engagement that give a glimpse into the exciting world of Marine Science. Please contact our team for further details.
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Activity Key Stage Matrix This table displays the activities according to their target key stage:
Key Stage One
Activities
Key Stage Two
Key Stage Three
EYFS YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4
YEAR 5
YEAR 6
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
Key Stage Four YEAR 10+
Climate Conundrum Energy Investigators Habitat Hats Inventafish
Classroom Workshops
Moonpool of Doom Ocean Scientist Plastic Seas Pollution Solution
Stop Motion Animation Underwater Evolution
STEM Shows
Climate Heroes Slimy Seas
Outdoor Learning (April – October)
Bespoke Activities
Rediscover Rockpooling
Activity Stand Careers Talk
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NEW!
SEND OFFER - 60 mins
Option A: Our Ocean Friends: Informal conversation and Q&A about the animals and habitats of the Aquarium and beyond!
20 minutes
Option B: Artefact Handling: Your learners will get hands on exploring some real life ocean artifacts such as shark jaws, mermaids purses and whale baleen.
10 minutes
Option C: VR: Ever fancied diving in our Atlantic Ocean tank, or taking a submarine to the bottom of the Ocean? Your students can in our VR experience!
20 minutes
Option D: Design activity: ‘If I lived in the ocean…’ This design activity allows students to get creative with textures and textiles building their own mood board or creature inspired by the Ocean.
10 minutes
Option E: Science Experiment 1- Co2: Students learn about the PH scale, climate change, acids and alkali and how our ocean is changing.
10 minutes
Option F: Science Experiment 2- A Salty Egg: Science and experiments are key to understanding how the Ocean really works. This experiment helps groups learn about density and how it affects the Ocean.
15 minutes
Option G: Under the Scope: Using microscopes your learners will work in small groups to get a closer look at some of the fascinating aspects of the Ocean. From dermal denticles to gill filaments, what will your students discover?
10 minutes
Option H: Ocean Signs: Alongside some key animal facts, learn some of the BSL signs for ocean animals and keywords. Some of these signs are new signs that have been created in our very own National Marine Park!
10 minutes
Option I: Ocean Senses: Using our sense of sound and smell we will explore some of the lesser known aspects of the ocean. Creating their own soundscape and identifying smells will create an immersive experience for your learners.
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10 minutes
For alternative provisions our minimum spend is reduced to 8 students. For alternative provisions our minimum spend is reduced to 8 students.
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Session Overview: We have designed 11 activities which can be chosen from to build a workshop best suited to your groups interests. Each has a recommended time and we suggest picking ~3 that can be delivered within 60 minutes with a break if required.
Climate Conundrum (UKS2 & KS3) 3 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
Session Overview: Students will begin by examining real coral colony skeletons, identifying their key features, and sharing their observations. Students will move onto learning about coral reproduction before grouping the coral skeletons using a classification key. Following this, students will locate on a map where corals can be found and learn about the impact of Ocean acidification through conducting some practical experiments. The session will conclude with a sensitive discussion on how we can reduce our carbon footprints, leaving pupils feeling inspired to make a difference. LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…) • Classify coral skeletons by using a dichotomous key. • Understand how carbon dioxide affects coral reefs. • Explain how we can impact climate change through our actions at home.
Energy Investigators (UKS2 & KS3) 3 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
Session Overview: In this hands-on workshop, students will become real scientists and study the link between the ocean and the climate! Students will begin by learning about electricity generation, through exciting scientific models and demonstrations. Next, students will work in teams to carry out scientific experiments, which demonstrate how carbon dioxide affects the ocean and its inhabitants. The use of seagrass as a carbon sequestration tool will be explored, with a focus on the groundbreaking restoration efforts happening in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. A virtual reality dive into the seagrass beds of the National Marine Park will finish the session, leaving the class inspired to make a difference. LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…) • Understand how energy is produced by burning fossil fuels. • Identify how Carbon Dioxide negatively impacts the environment. • Identify the different ways Plymouth Sound National Marine Park benefits Plymouth and the Ocean.
*Please be aware, this session involves handling potential allergens including dairy and lemon juice
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Habitat Hats (EYFS & KS1) 1 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
Session Overview: Pupils will start by discussing the range of habitats found within the Ocean and how they provide animals with what they need to survive. They will then design their chosen habitat on a head band using a range of different texture boards and crayons before creating their own animals to add onto their work. Pupils will be encouraged to think about how these creatures are suited to their habitat throughout the workshop. The group will then have the option of adding any additional decorations from our range of recycled craft materials.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…) • Compare and contrast habitats which can be found under the sea. • Describe how animals are suited to different marine environments. • Select and use appropriate materials to represent different marine habitats.
Inventafish (KS2) 5 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
Session Overview: Students will begin this immersive workshop by exploring the adaptations of a variety of sea creatures, examining different Ocean artefacts such as turtle shells, baleen plates and shark jaws. Students will then be challenged to design their own perfectly adapted sea-creatures! They will use an array of recycled materials to bring their design to life and will be encouraged to annotate their work to explain their thought processes. The session will end with the students presenting their work to their peers.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…) • Describe challenges of living in the marine environment. • Explain how animals are adapted to their environment using scientific terminology. • Creatively apply their knowledge to design their own imaginary sea creature.
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Moonpool of Doom (UKS2 & KS3) 5 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. PRINCIPLE
Session Overview: Get ready to dive in with this hands-on workshop, where students work together to construct a table-top model bridge to help the public cross shark infested waters! Student teams will explore the field of engineering by making bridges using unlikely materials and then compete to see whose design can support the highest mass. Where every decision counts, students will need to harness their team-work and problem-solving skills to produce the best design. Will your students’ bridges be up to the challenge, or will they crumble under the pressure? Expect creativity, friendly competition, and imagination in this fun-filled workshop. LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…)
• Understand the role of Aquarium Engineers. • Work within a team to identify and overcome structural issues using basic materials. • Critically evaluate their own work to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their designs.
Ocean Scientist (KS1) 5 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
Session Overview: This workshop is the perfect introduction to Marine Science! Your class will start by conducting an experiment on the qualities of sea water, and through doing so, will learn about the relationship between salt and buoyancy. Pupils will then investigate a variety of real Ocean specimens, including mermaid’s purses and turtle shells. They will discuss what animal they are from, and how they allow them to survive in the Ocean. The final challenge will be a fun filled practical exploration of the feeding techniques used by creatures who feed on plankton, allowing students to consider their importance in our Ocean. LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…) • Conduct simple investigations and predict outcomes. • Give examples of how a variety of marine animals are suited to their Ocean habitat. • Describe the feeding techniques of different types of sea creatures.
*Please be aware, this session involves handling potential allergens in the form of eggs
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AVAILABLE UNTIL SPRING 2027
Plastic Seas (KS1 & KS2) 6 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
Session Overview: Your students will begin by discussing the role of a Marine Biologist, before handling a variety of real Ocean artefacts including shark jaws and whale bones. After a discussion about which animals they are from and how they are adapted to survive, they will be given the recreated stomach contents of a whale and asked to classify their findings. This will include organic material such as fish and squid, as well as plastic waste from a recent beach clean. Following an interactive activity on how plastic makes its way into the food chain, students will discuss how to combat plastic pollution and make Ocean-positive choices. LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…) • Represent predator/prey relationships in a food chain.
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• Recognise how plastic pollution can harm marine animals.
• Discuss ways that individuals can act to combat plastic pollution in the Ocean.
*Please be aware, this session involves handling potential allergens in the form of shellfish & seafood
Pollution Solution (KS1 & KS2) 6 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. PRINCIPLE
Session Overview: This workshop will take your pupils understanding of the issue of “waste” to the next level. Getting hands on with a sorting exercise, the session will start by better understanding why recycling is so difficult, and how can we be better at it. We will look at the journey of waste at the end of its lifecycle, how it affects marine life and why beach cleans aren’t the only solution! Using interactive demonstrations, activities and games your students will leave this session inspired and confident that pollution does have a solution!
COMING SPRING 2027 !
LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…) • Understand the different types of plastic and know how to sort them • Understand the different lifecycles of plastic and how they impact the environment • Be able to make sustainable choices and actions with our plastic consumption and usage
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Stop Motion Animation (KS2+) SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. PRINCIPLE
Session Overview: Creativity is key in this unique cross-curricular workshop that challenges students to apply their knowledge and skills to advocating on real-world issues. Your students will work in groups to design a storyboard and then film their very own stop motion video. Using inspiration from the 5000 animals that live here at the National Marine Aquarium, and examples of impactful communication, your pupils can explore what it takes to be a successful science communicator. Groups will be given a current issue and tasked with creating an emotive and engaging video that will advocate for the Ocean, raising awareness and encouraging connections. LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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(Following this session your students will be able to…)
Understand a key topic or threat surrounding the Ocean Plan a storyboard to effectively advocate for the Ocean Use specialised equipment to film a stop-motion video
Underwater Evolution (KS2 & KS3) 7
4 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
Session Overview: The best learning is fun learning, and this workshop is one of our most enjoyable for teachers and students alike. The session begins with a simple introduction to essential evolution-linked terminology, including adaptation, inheritance, variation, and natural selection. Participants will then be taken on a journey from the origins of life on earth all the way through to the modern age. Pencils and dice in hand, students will track and document the evolution of their own single celled organisms, but who will make it to the modern age, and what new challenges await in an uncertain future? LEARNING OUTCOMES:
(Following this session your students will be able to…) LEARNING OUTCOMES: • Define key terminology used in the study of evolution. (Following thisprocess sessionof your students will be • Explain the natural selection andable howto…) it drives evolution. • Talk about how environmental change poses a threat to species in the Ocean. • Define key terminology used in the study of evolution. • Explain the process of natural selection and how it drives evolution. • Talk about how environmental change poses a threat to species in the Ocean.
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Rediscover Rockpooling (KS1 - KS4) 5 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
Session Overview: This immersive workshop is a fantastic way for students to discover the many plants and animals that can be found in the rock pools along the shoreline. Taking place at Mount Batten beach, and guided by one of our specialists, students will learn all about how rock pool creatures are adapted to their intertidal habitats. Using ID guides and expert advice, students will learn how to locate and safely handle a variety of rockpool organisms. No trip to the beach would be complete without a discussion on the importance of looking after our Ocean, and some inspirational ideas of how to help. LEARNING OUTCOMES: (Following this session your students will be able to…)
• Understand and apply the Rockpool Code. • Find, identify, and appropriately handle a range of rockpool animals. • Gain a greater understanding of the environmental and social factors threatening rockpool habitats.
*Please be aware, this session involves handling potential allergens in the form of shellfish
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Climate Heroes Show (KS1 - KS2) 3 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
This fun and engaging show teaches pupils all about the factors contributing to climate change, the actions we can take to combat climate change, and the power of sharing knowledge with others to create a positive impact. Students will leave with a greater understanding of the connection between the Ocean and the climate and feel inspired to work together to reduce their carbon footprints!
Slimy Seas Show (EYFS - KS2) 5 SCIENCE
TECH
ENGLISH
ART
MATHS
HUMANITIES
O.L. Principle
This interactive show is full of weird and wonderful facts about slimy sea creatures! Pupils will learn how a range of animals use slime for protection, movement, and to escape their predators. There will be plenty of volunteer opportunities throughout, and pupils will leave with lots of knowledge about how clownfish, hagfish, limpets, and more are adapted to life under the sea!
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Price List This price list is correct as of September 2025 and reflects the programme prices for the academic year 2025–2026. Please check our website for the latest prices, deals and special offers available for schools.
Activity option
Cost (all prices include VAT)
School & Classroom workshops SEND Offer Climate Conundrum Energy Investigators Habitat Hats
£150 per workshop
Inventafish Moonpool of Doom Ocean Scientist Plastic Seas Pollution Solution Stop Motion Animation Underwater Evolution Outdoor Learning workshops (April – October only. Subject to tide times)
£150 per workshop
Rediscover Rockpooling STEM Shows & Assemblies Climate Heroes
£100 per show
Slimy Seas Table stands / mobile busking & event stewarding (activities by agreement) Busking Careers talks
(Cost by agreement)
Science demonstrations Table activities
£0.45 per mile return journey Travel contribution
(PL1–9 venues exempt from travel contributions)
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Booking your Outreach Session To book, please complete our Education Enquiry form by clicking here. The form will ask for: Your preferred date. Location of your Outreach sessions. Workshop/show choices. Number of classes/pupils taking part. Year group of pupils. Preferred timings of your sessions.
Once you have submitted the form, we will send you through a Booking Form, which will outline the details of your visit. You will need to check this through and complete the relevant sections before returning it to us. Once we have received your completed forms, your booking will be confirmed.
If you have any questions beforehand, please call us on 01752 275233 or email us at learning@oceanconservationtrust.org
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Paying for your Outreach Session An invoice will be sent out from our Finance Office after your session has taken place.
Amending and cancelling your booking Booking Amendments: If you would like to make any amendments to your booking, such as arrival time or workshop choice, please tell us as far in advance as possible. Booking Cancelation: Please let us know as soon as you can if you wish to cancel your booking. We require 7 days’ notice of cancellation or significant alteration to the agreed programme. A £50 Cancellation fee may be charged if insufficient notice is provided.
Safety Notes Risk Management: Our generic Risk Assessment will be emailed to you as part of the booking process. Allergens: Please note that some workshops include contact with potential allergens. Please contact us to enquire further, or request changes to workshops.
Inspiring change through connection.
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