Oceans 101: Teacher's Guide
teachers play a vital role in shaping how students understand and care for our planet
“I need the sea because it teaches me.”
Pablo Neruda
Ocean education is a fundamental part of the long-term work of positive change. That’s why we’re committed to creating and supporting programs that help more people gain access to the greatest classroom and teacher on Earth: the sea.
Since piloting our program in the Maldives in 2015, we’ve expanded Parley Ocean School around the world in collaboration with educators, NGOs, brands and governments, focusing especially on coastal communities most affected by marine plastic pollution. Our in-school lessons, Parley AIR (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign) workshops and plastic interception points have been introduced in over 70 schools and counting. To keep these efforts going, please consider making a donation.
Every Parley initiative—from direct action cleanups, workshops and immersive water experiences to free tools available to everyone online—reflects our commitment to “Education for Action.” Our programs are designed to inspire lifelong ocean stewardship by sharing essential knowledge in marine science, the state of the oceans, and the wonders of the vast and still largely unknown blue realm that makes this planet habitable. The takeaways are always deeper than the lesson plan. Beyond advancing marine science literacy, ocean school programs spark curiosity and a sense of belonging to something bigger than us all.
No one can help us get that message across quite like a teacher can. At Parley, we see educators as among the most powerful agents and influencers of change.
Teach for the Oceans
Together with our network of ocean educators and scientists, we’ve made a digital tool to guide the ocean learning journey through carefully crafted lessons, activities and resources. Together with the Parley Oceans 101 course, these tools explore the beauty and fragility of the oceans with the goal of igniting curiosity, critical thinking and a sense of responsibility.
"The ocean can serve as a powerful lens through which existing learning goals come to life across subjects such as science, geography, language arts, mathematics, or social studies,” explains Mónica Alba-Murillo from our global education team. “We advise teachers to look for opportunities to connect ocean themes to topics that they are already teaching, and build from there...
And whenever possible, we encourage teachers to connect the course to the realities of their local community. Whether through community projects, local conservation organizations, citizen science initiatives, or partners like Parley, these experiences help learning move beyond the classroom and empower young people to become active participants in creating positive change fortheoceans.”
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