Teaching and Learning for SDG 14: Life Below Water
CONTENTS
Learning Objectives, Teaching Methods and Topics
Australian and Western Australian Resources and Action
SDG14: OVERVIEW
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
“The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind.
Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation. Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.” *Source: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals / Goal 14 /
For facts and figures, targets and links for SDG 12 go to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Pages – UN SDGS: GOAL 14
Oceans: Why They Matter (pdf) (2 pages)
SDG 14: LEARNING OBJECTIVES, APPROACHES AND METHODS
*The following learning approaches and methods can be used to facilitate learning about oceans and marine life:
Examples of learning approaches and methods for SDG14 ‘Life Below Water’
Develop and run a (youth) action project related to life below water
Undertake excursions to coastal sites
Debate sustainable use and management of fishery resources in school
Role-play islanders relocating from their country because of sea-level rise
Conduct a case study about cultural and subsistent relationships with the sea in different countries
Conduct lab experiments to provide students with evidence of ocean acidification
Develop an enquiry-based project: “Do we need the ocean or does the ocean need us?”
*Source: Learning Approaches and Methods from A. Leicht, J. Heiss and W. J. Byun (eds), Issues and Trends in Education for Sustainable Development (UNESCO, 2018).p. 73.
Summary: Teaching Biodiversity SDG 14 and SDG 15 [5 pages]
Summary of the importance of education about biodiversity in life below water and on land, including learning objectives, approaches and methods. [7 pages] This summary also includes links to sources of information and activities.
Source: Marco Rieckmann. “Key themes in Education for Sustainable Development”. Issues and Trends in Education for Sustainable Development (UNESCO, 2018). pages 67-73.
Table SDG14: Learning Objectives, Approaches and Methods (2 pages) from Education for the Sustainable Development Goals (UNESCO, 2018)
Source: Education for the Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives (UNESCO, 2018)
SDG14: ONLINE RESOURCES
SDG RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS – LIFE BELOW WATER
UNESCO collection of pedagogical and teaching resources for educators to support teaching SDG14. Includes sections for early childhood, primary and secondary educators. https://en.unesco.org/themes/education/sdgs/material/14
WORLDS LARGEST LESSON for SDG 14
Life Below Water – Marine Litter – (Ages 8-15) http://cdn.worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org/2017/05/WED-Lewis-Pugh-Marine-Litter-Lesson-Plan-Final.pdf
Protect Life Below Water (ages 11-14) http://cdn.worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org/2016/06/23-Protect-Life-Below-Water.pdf
You can find out about the Principles of Ocean Literacy and explore resources for teaching Ocean Literacy at the Ocean Literacy Network page: http://oceanliteracy.wp2.coexploration.org/
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND – Educator Toolkits
Sea Turtle Toolkit: https://www.worldwildlife.org/teaching-resources/toolkits/sea-turtle-toolkit
Dolphin Toolkit: https://www.worldwildlife.org/teaching-resources/toolkits/dolphin-toolkit
YUNGA – Youth and United Nations Global Alliance
YUNGA – Youth Guide to the Ocean (FAO, 2014) (pdf 200+ pages)
YUNGA Challenge Badge – The Ocean (pdf ~170pages) http://www.fao.org/yunga/resources/challenge-badges/the-ocean/en/
THE PLASTIC DISCLOSURE PROJECT
The Plastic Disclosure Project was launched by Ocean Recovery Alliance as a way to bring about large-scale prevention of plastic waste. This is an investor and multi-stakeholder driven program to encourage companies and other institutions to measure their plastic footprint and develop plastic management strategies to create a world where plastic adds value to businesses without negatively impacting the environment. This can be done on a global basis, without needing to change legislation, create bans, or impose taxes. It can be rapidly successful if we all look at ourselves, and our operations, “in the mirror,” and measure what we use, and how we reuse it. http://www.plasticdisclosure.org.
Video: Plastic: from waste to resource | https://youtu.be/5poEAA3g36w
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM – Oceans
Articles, videos and informations on oceans : https://www.weforum.org/agenda/archive/oceans
For further resources on PLASTIC POLLUTION go to the One World Centre ‘HOT TOPICS: Plastic Pollution’ Page.
SDG14: AUSTRALIAN AND WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES AND ACTION
COOL AUSTRALIA Curriculum Materials
Activity: Blue: Ocean Guardians Preventing Plastic Pollution – Social Action – Year 5 & 6. Download from Cool Australia: https://www.coolaustralia.org/activity/blue-ocean-guardians-preventing-plastic-pollution-social-action-year-5-6/
“Quick summary: In this Social Action lesson, students will view the ‘Plastic Addiction’ clip from Blue The Film and consider the impact that plastic has on the ocean as well as ocean and shore-dwelling creatures. Students will research and discover options to reduce plastic waste and improve the health of our oceans. Students will brainstorm how people can make small changes in their everyday lives to reduce plastic use, then inspire their school community to reduce their plastic footprint in a public presentation of their ideas.”
Activity: Blue: Ocean Guardians Creating Change – Social Action – Year 7 & 8. Download from Cool Australia: https://www.coolaustralia.org/activity/blue-ocean-guardians-creating-change-social-action-year-7-8/
Greenbatch is WA’s first plastic recycling facility. They have initiated recycling partnerships with schools in Western Australia. You can find out about their school recycling program here: https://www.greenbatch.com/greenbatch-school-recycling-program/
The Greenbatch page also has links to their story (as an example of innovation and entrepreneurship for a sustainable future) and links to additional resources and local action in WA: https://www.greenbatch.com/resources/
AAEE – Australian Association of Environmental Educators
Resources for SEAWEEK from the Australian Association of Environmental Educators: http://www.aaee.org.au/events/seaweek/
