Free educator resources
Empower yourself to teach ocean conservation
At Sea Smart, we are passionate about supporting educators and bringing ocean literacy into classrooms. That’s why we’re excited to offer free educator resources that make ocean conservation education hands-on, fun and accessible for all learners.
Developed by a marine biologist and our team of expert environmental educators, our online ocean education resources are designed to inspire students and provide teachers with everything they need for engaging lessons.
Each free resource includes:
Differentiated Kindergarten to Grade 12 lesson plans
BC Curriculum connections
Presentation slides
Educational videos
Extension resources
Our online ocean education resources not only teach about ocean conservation but also empower educators and students to combat climate anxiety. By fostering optimism and leadership, we provide actionable tools to address environmental challenges and inspire meaningful change.
Explore our free educator resources and bring the wonders of the ocean into your classroom!
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Diving Into Killer Whales / Les Orques de Mer des Salish
Discover the incredible world of killer whales - from salmon eating to shark eating to mammal eating orcas - and how we can help to protect them. Available in French and English. For Grades K-12.
We’ve partnered with Prince of Whales, a Climate Positive designated marine adventure company, to bring you these resources!
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From the Streets/Depuis Les Rues
Explore the connections between rivers, lakes and the ocean and investigate how freshwater plastic pollution affects our ocean. Available in French and English. For Grades K-12.
We would like to thank our generous sponsor Donald’s Fine Foods for their support in developing these resources.
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Aquatic Species at Risk
Learn about amazing aquatic species at risk (killer whales, Steller sea lions, basking sharks, and leatherback turtles), the threats they face, and most importantly, how we can help. For Grades 3-8.
We are grateful for support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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Life Below Water
Discover how ocean conservation is tied to gender equity, sustainability, and a promise for a safe and secure future. Learn about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the importance of highlighting underrepresented voices. For Grades 8-12.
These resources were created with the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST).
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Clean Water Champions
Investigate the importance and connection of water and how we can all be champions for clean water. For Grades 6-9.
We are grateful for support from Environment and Climate Change Canada
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Ocean Trash Talk/Un Ocean de Plastique
Become an expert about ocean plastic pollution and what actions we can take to help protect our ocean! Available in French and English. For Grades 1-12.
We would like to acknowledge support from Environment and Climate Change Canada
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Orcas in the Salish Sea
Join our exciting online course to dive into the world of orcas in the Salish Sea! Learn about the Coast Salish Peoples, Southern Resident Killer Whales, species at risk, and how to be an environmental steward. For Grades 3-8.
Teacher Resources: Orcas in the Salish Sea
We would like to thank Prince of Whales for their support
Did you enjoy these resources?
With your support, we can continue to provide these free resources. Consider donating today to help support accessible ocean education.
Additional resources from our partners
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David Suzuki Foundation
Learn environmental responsibility and the benefits of being in nature through these free activity guides! Download resources to use at home with family, or at school in your classroom.
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#NatureForAll Discovery Zone
Curated from partner resources including Sea Smart, The #NatureForAll Discovery Zone ranges from videos to lesson plans, comic books to coloring books. This collection will help you connect people with nature, instill love of nature and learn about nature wherever you are.
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Stream to Sea / Au fil de l'eau
Curriculum and more resources for all grade levels that will help students become aquatic stewards and active citizens that are interested in protecting their local watersheds.
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Mapping Tools for Ocean Conservation
Using geographical data, learn to analyze how species and habitats might be affected by changing temperatures, disturbances, and human activities.
Created in collaboration with SCWIST, and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society -BC.
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Marine Protected Areas 101
What’s an MPA? How does it help protect ocean life? And what does CPAWS-BC do to create more MPAs and make them stronger? Dive into “MPA 101” to learn the basics.
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Climate Solutions 101
Climate Solutions 101 is the world’s first major educational effort focused solely on solutions. Rather than rehashing well-known climate challenges, Project Drawdown centers game-changing climate action based on its own rigorous scientific research and analysis.
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Ocean Odyssey
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF), in partnership with K2 Studios, has released a set of lesson plans to help middle school students dive into a new IMAX® film, Ocean Odyssey. Narrated by Dr. Sylvia Earle, Ocean Odyssey takes viewers on a spectacular 3D underwater journey from the Great Barrier Reef to Antarctica, following a whale mother and calf on their 1,500-mile migration.
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Ocean School / École de l'Océan
Ocean School is a free environmental education resource for students grades 5-12. Its inspiring and immersive multimedia resources featuring linear and 360˚ videos, VR/AR, interactive media, and hands-on projects and activities are offered in English and French.
Created by the Ocean Frontier Institute and National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
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Ocean Wise Education Kits
Ocean Wise supports educators to bring ocean literacy into their classrooms and empowers students to take action while deepening their connection to the ocean.
Their education kits do exactly this. Informed by the latest science and research from their own conservation initiatives, Seaforestation, Ocean Pollution, Whales and Seafood and Fisheries, Indigenous Knowledge, and active and constructivist pedagogies, each kit addresses the interdisciplinary issues of climate change.
Created by the Ocean Wise.
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Ocean Plastics Curriculum
Ocean Legacy has created a 10-part curriculum series from beginner to advanced levels which focuses on teaching you about ocean plastic, how to change the world around you and how to make a difference in your community to end plastic pollution. Learn practical tools that have been developed over decades of experience by leading experts in this field. All of the lessons are free with registration or you may choose to donate any amount to continue supporting our educational efforts.
Created by the Ocean Legacy Foundation.
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Activities to teach kids about social justice
This guide from Little Justice Leaders provides three fun activities to do with elementary schoolers to teach them about social justice! Touching on topics such as carbon footprint, pro-nouns and Black history.
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Earth Rangers Eco-Anxiety Resources
These guides from Earth Rangers provides insight on how to help your children with the growing concerns over eco-anxiety.
Made for both parents and educators, these guides can help turn eco-anxiety into eco-action.
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How to Become a Marine Biologist
This is a 10-part series of how to become a marine biologist. See what it takes to become a marine biologist by watching these videos, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Did you know? Sea Smart educators can come to your classroom!
