SDG 14: Protecting Life Below Water
– Our Oceans, Our Future 🌊🐠

A Collective Effort for Our Oceans 🤝

Every action we take, no matter how small, can contribute to the health of our oceans. By supporting SDG 14, we can ensure a sustainable future for life below water and above it. Let’s work together to protect our precious oceans. 🌊🐠

A Collective Effort for Our Oceans 🤝

Every action we take, no matter how small, can contribute to the health of our oceans. By supporting SDG 14, we can ensure a sustainable future for life below water and above it. Let’s work together to protect our precious oceans. 🌊🐠

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, Life Below Water, calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s oceans, seas, and marine resources. It’s a vital goal that recognises the importance of our oceans not just for environmental health, but for human well-being too. 🌍💧

Understanding SDG 14 🎯

SDG 14 is about more than just protecting fish and coral reefs; it’s about ensuring the sustainability of a resource that billions depend on for food, income, and even oxygen. It aims to tackle issues like marine pollution, acidification, overfishing, and habitat destruction. 🐟🌿

The Importance of Our Oceans 🌊

Oceans cover over 70% of our planet’s surface and are key to our ecosystem. They regulate our climate, produce oxygen, and are a critical source of food and medicine. Yet, they are among the least protected parts of the globe. 🌏🌬️

Key Focus Areas 🔍

  1. Reducing Marine Pollution: Tackling sources of marine pollution, particularly plastics and untreated sewage.🗑️♻️
  2. Protecting Marine Ecosystems: Conserving coastal and marine areas to preserve their biodiversity. 🐚🌱
  3. Sustainable Fishing Practices: Ending overfishing and illegal fishing practices to ensure sustainable use of marine resources. 🎣🚫
  4. Ocean Acidification: Addressing the impacts of increasing ocean acidification. 🧪🌡️

How Can We Contribute? 🤔

  1. Reduce Plastic Use: Cut down on single-use plastics to prevent ocean pollution. 🛍️🚯
  2. Support Sustainable Seafood: Choose sustainably sourced fish and seafood. 🍤🍽️
  3. Educate and Advocate: Learn about marine issues and advocate for ocean protection. 📚📢
  4. Participate in Clean-up Activities: Get involved in local beach or river clean-up events. 🧹🏖️

BIG QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE

For students in Stages 2 and 3 investigating SDG 14, Life Below Water, here are six big questions to explore: 🧭

  1. How does marine pollution affect ocean life and human health?
  2. Why are coral reefs important, and how can we protect them?
  3. What are the effects of overfishing, and how can sustainable fishing practices be promoted?
  4. How does ocean acidification occur, and what are its impacts on marine ecosystems?
  5. Why is it important to conserve coastal and marine areas for biodiversity?
  6. In what ways can reducing plastic use help protect the oceans?

These questions encourage deep thinking about marine conservation and human roles in sustaining ocean health.

CLICK THE BOXES BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE

🎯
Goal - Problem - Solution
(GPS) Model
💡
Project Ideas
👾
Gamification Options
📝
Curriculum alignment
🖇️
Cross-Curricular collaboration
🧠
Online Learning courses
🏫
Examples of past school projects
📚
Resources

Goal-Problem-Solution Scenario 🎯

Goal: Sustainable Oceans and Marine Life

  • Objective: Support SDG 14 by ensuring the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. The goal is to preserve marine ecosystems for environmental health and human well-being.

Problem: Threats to Marine Ecosystems

  1. Marine Pollution: Increasing amounts of plastics and untreated sewage are contaminating the oceans.
  2. Overfishing and Illegal Fishing Practices: Unsustainable fishing is depleting marine life and disrupting ecosystems.
  3. Habitat Destruction: Coastal and marine habitats are being destroyed, affecting biodiversity.
  4. Ocean Acidification: Rising acidification due to increased CO2 levels is damaging marine life.

Solution: Collective Action for Ocean Conservation

  1. Reducing Marine Pollution:
    • Encourage reduced use of single-use plastics and improve waste management.
    • Implement policies and technologies to treat sewage before it enters the ocean.
  2. Protecting Marine Ecosystems:
    • Establish and enforce protected marine areas to conserve biodiversity.
    • Promote restoration projects for damaged marine habitats.
  3. Sustainable Fishing Practices:
    • Regulate fishing to prevent overfishing and end illegal practices.
    • Educate consumers to choose sustainably sourced seafood.
  4. Addressing Ocean Acidification:
    • Reduce carbon emissions contributing to ocean acidification.
    • Support research on mitigating the effects of acidification on marine life.
  5. Community Engagement:
    • Conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about marine issues.
    • Organize and participate in local beach and river clean-up activities.

By addressing these problems with targeted solutions, we can collectively work towards the sustainability of our oceans, ensuring they continue to be a vital resource for future generations.

Project Ideas 💡

For a project focused on SDG 14 and ocean conservation, here are some ideas:

  1. Marine Life Education Program: Develop an educational program for students and the community about marine biodiversity, the impact of human activities on oceans, and the importance of marine conservation.
  2. Beach Clean-Up Campaign: Organize regular beach clean-up events. Incorporate educational sessions about the impact of litter on marine life and how to reduce plastic waste.
  3. Sustainable Seafood Awareness: Create a campaign to educate people about sustainable seafood choices. This could include hosting cooking demonstrations, preparing educational materials, and collaborating with local seafood restaurants.
  4. Coral Reef Restoration Project: Partner with marine conservation organizations to participate in coral reef restoration efforts. This could involve underwater clean-ups, coral planting, or data collection for research.
  5. School Aquarium Project: Set up an aquarium in the school to simulate a marine ecosystem, teaching students about different marine species, ecosystems, and the importance of water quality in sustaining marine life.
  6. Marine Science Fair: Host a science fair where students present projects related to oceanography, marine biology, and sustainable practices to protect marine life.
  7. Ocean Acidification Experiment: Conduct experiments to demonstrate the effects of ocean acidification, using simple materials to simulate how increased CO2 levels affect marine environments.
  8. Documentary Night and Discussion: Host a screening of documentaries about oceans and marine life, followed by discussions on conservation strategies and how individuals can contribute.
  9. Art for Oceans: Organize an art competition or exhibition where students create artworks inspired by the ocean and marine life, using the platform to raise awareness about ocean conservation.
  10. Climate Change and Oceans Workshop: Conduct workshops focusing on the link between climate change and ocean health, discussing topics like rising sea levels, increased acidification, and their impacts on global ecosystems.

Gamification Options 👾

To enhance student engagement in learning about SDG 14 and marine conservation, here are some gamification ideas:

  1. Marine Explorer Game: Develop an interactive game where students virtually explore different ocean ecosystems, learning about marine species, challenges facing oceans, and conservation efforts.
  2. Sustainability Fishing Challenge: A game where students manage a sustainable fishing business, making decisions on fishing practices, ecosystem management, and community engagement to maintain a healthy ocean.
  3. Ocean Cleanup Race: Organize a competitive event where students participate in cleaning a local water body. Incorporate a point system for different types of waste collected and recycled.
  4. Marine Trivia Quiz: Host a trivia game covering facts about oceans, marine life, and environmental challenges, encouraging students to learn and retain important information in a fun way.
  5. Coral Reef Simulation: A digital or board game where students simulate the growth and management of a coral reef, balancing environmental factors and human impacts to maintain a thriving ecosystem.
  6. Eco-Mission: Ocean Adventure: An app-based game where students go on missions to tackle different ocean-related challenges like oil spills, plastic pollution, and protecting endangered species.
  7. Virtual Reality Ocean Exploration: Use VR technology to take students on virtual dives into diverse marine environments, gamifying the experience with interactive tasks and conservation quests.
  8. Ocean Advocate Badges: Implement a badge system where students earn digital badges for participating in marine conservation activities, like attending workshops, participating in cleanups, or completing educational modules.

These gamification strategies can make learning about ocean conservation more engaging and impactful, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to protecting marine environments.

Curriculum alignment 📝

Aligning educational activities with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), "Life Below Water," within the Australian and NSW curriculum for students in Stages Two and Three involves integrating themes of marine conservation, sustainable use of ocean resources, and awareness of marine pollution. Here’s how these themes can be integrated across different subjects:

Australian Curriculum Alignment
Subject Area Content Descriptor Code(s) Content Descriptor SDG 14 Connection Example Activity
Mathematics ACMSP096, ACMSP118 (Stage 2) ACMSP144, ACMSP145 (Stage 3) Data Representation and Interpretation Analysing data on marine pollution and overfishing Students analyse statistics on marine pollution levels or fish populations over time, creating graphs to visualize the data.
Science ACSSU074 (Stage 2) ACSSU112 (Stage 3) Earth and Space Sciences Exploring marine ecosystems and human impacts Conduct experiments or research projects on the effects of pollution or acidification on marine life.
Technology ACTDIP020 (Stage 2) ACTDIP029 (Stage 3) Digital Technologies Developing tools to monitor or protect marine life Design an app or website that educates users about marine conservation or tracks local beach clean-up efforts.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) ACHASSK088 (Stage 2) ACHASSK139, ACHASSK140 (Stage 3) Geography Understanding the importance of conserving marine and coastal areas Investigate the role of protected marine areas in biodiversity conservation and present findings to the class.
English ACELT1609, ACELT1619 (Stage 2) ACELT1803, ACELT1610 (Stage 3) Literacy: Creating texts Raising awareness about ocean conservation Write persuasive texts or stories that highlight the importance of ocean conservation and suggest actions to help protect marine life.
PDHPE ACPPS036 (Stage 2) ACPPS056 (Stage 3) Personal, Social and Community Health Connecting health and marine environments Discuss how marine pollution can affect human health and brainstorm actions to reduce pollution.
NSW Curriculum Alignment
Subject Area Content Descriptor Code(s) Content Descriptor SDG 14 Connection Example Activity
Mathematics MA2-1WM, MA3-1WM Working Mathematically Quantifying impacts on oceans Undertake a project to calculate the potential reduction in marine pollution if the community adopts specific conservation measures.
Science ST2-11LW, ST3-11LW The Living World The significance of coral reefs and ocean acidification Create a model or presentation on coral reef ecosystems, focusing on their importance and the threats they face.
Technology TE2-1DP, TE3-1DP Technology Mandatory Innovations to combat marine challenges Prototype a device or system aimed at reducing plastic waste in oceans, such as a model for capturing plastic debris.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) GE2-2, GE3-2 People and the Environment Sustainable use of ocean resources Research and debate the effects of overfishing and explore sustainable fishing practices, presenting arguments to the class.
English EN2-2A, EN3-2A Objective: Compose texts Advocating for marine protection Develop a campaign, including posters and social media content, to promote awareness and action for ocean conservation.
PDHPE PD2-7, PD3-7 Active Lifestyle Lifestyle choices and ocean health Lead a beach clean-up initiative and discuss the impact of such actions on community health and marine life.

Example Activities Explained:

  • Impact of Marine Pollution: Science classes can focus on the effects of pollutants on marine life, fostering an understanding of ecological relationships and human impact.
  • Coral Reef Conservation: In Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), students research the importance of coral reefs, the threats they face, and conservation efforts, enhancing their global awareness.
  • Sustainable Fishing Practices: Mathematics can be used to analyse the data related to fish populations and the impact of overfishing, encouraging numerical literacy and critical thinking about sustainability.
  • Reducing Plastic Use: Through Technology, students engage in creating solutions to reduce plastic waste, such as designing a campaign or an innovative recycling tool, promoting creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Raising Awareness: English activities might involve writing persuasive texts or creating multimedia presentations aimed at raising awareness about the importance of SDG 14, enhancing communication skills.
  • Community Action: PDHPE discussions on the health implications of polluted oceans can lead to organizing community actions like beach clean-ups, emphasizing the link between environmental stewardship and health.

These tables provide structured ways to integrate SDG 14 into both the Australian and NSW curriculums, ensuring students across various subjects engage with critical issues of marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. These activities aim to promote awareness, critical thinking, and active participation in protecting "Life Below Water."

Cross-Curricular collaboration 🖇️

Creating a cross-curricular program for SDG 14, focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, involves collaboration among teachers from different subject areas. This approach enhances student learning by offering a comprehensive understanding of ocean sustainability. Key components include planning and coordination across subjects, integrating curriculum themes related to marine conservation, developing joint projects and activities that involve multiple disciplines, offering professional development for teachers, implementing student-centred learning approaches, and conducting assessments and reflections on the learning outcomes. This collaborative effort aims to deepen students' understanding of marine ecosystems and the importance of preserving our oceans. Cross-curricular collaboration for a program focused on SDG 14 offers various opportunities:

  1. Science and Geography Integration: Science teachers can focus on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, while Geography teachers can address human impacts on oceans and coastal management strategies.
  2. Art and Science Projects: Combine Art and Science by having students create artworks that depict marine life or pollution issues, reinforcing scientific concepts through creative expression.
  3. Mathematics and Data Analysis: Mathematics teachers can integrate lessons on data analysis and statistics by examining oceanic environmental data, such as pollution levels or fish populations.
  4. English and Media Studies: Collaborate on projects where students research and write about ocean conservation issues or create media presentations to raise awareness.
  5. Drama and Social Studies: Use Drama to explore the human and social aspects of marine conservation, such as the impact on communities dependent on fishing, through role-playing and storytelling.

These collaborations enrich the educational experience, allowing students to see the interconnections between different subjects and the real-world implications of their studies.

For a project that underscores the interconnection between SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), emphasising a whole catchment approach to maintaining clean water and ocean health, this key learning area collaboration is suitable for students in Stage 2 and 3. This interdisciplinary project combines Science, Geography, English, and Art to explore environmental stewardship of waterways and oceans.

Project Title: "From Rivers to Oceans: Protecting Water for All"

Science and Geography Integration

  • Objective: Investigate the ecological relationship between freshwater systems and marine environments, highlighting the impact of catchment health on oceans.
  • Activities:
    • Science Component: Study the water cycle, focusing on how water travels from land to ocean, including the role of rivers in transporting nutrients and pollutants to marine ecosystems.
    • Geography Component: Map local water catchments and identify potential sources of pollution. Discuss how actions within the catchment can affect the health of both local waterways and distant oceans.

English and Art Collaboration

  • Objective: Creatively express the significance of clean water systems from rivers to oceans and advocate for actions that support SDG 6 and SDG 14.
  • Activities:
    • English Component: Write stories or poems from the perspective of water droplets journeying from mountaintops to the ocean, encountering various pollution sources and conservation efforts along the way.
    • Art Component: Create a visual art project, such as a mural or digital slideshow, depicting the journey of water through the catchment to the ocean, highlighting both the threats and conservation strategies that impact water quality and marine life.

Cross-Curricular Project

  • Water Quality Monitoring and Ocean Health Research: Conduct water quality tests in local streams or rivers and research the impact of water quality on marine ecosystems. Explore how pollutants like plastics and chemicals affect ocean biodiversity.
  • Community Action Plan: Develop a plan to reduce catchment pollution, including practical steps for households, schools, and local businesses. Propose community initiatives like rain gardens, wetland conservation, or beach clean-ups.
  • Presentation to Local Community and Schools: Share findings and action plans through presentations at school assemblies or community meetings, focusing on how local actions can support both freshwater and marine environments.
  • Interactive Map and Story Project: Using digital tools, students create an interactive map that tracks the flow of water from local catchments to the ocean, accompanied by stories or facts about the importance of each section of the waterway for maintaining ecosystem health.

Expected Outcomes

  • Deepened understanding of the connection between catchment activities and ocean health.
  • Skills in scientific research, data collection, and analysis through water quality monitoring.
  • Enhanced literacy and artistic expression related to environmental themes.
  • Increased awareness within the school and local community about the importance of integrated water management for achieving SDG 6 and SDG 14.
  • Engagement in practical actions and advocacy for protecting water ecosystems from source to sea.

This project inspires students to view water conservation as a continuum that starts in their backyards and extends to the global ocean, reinforcing the message that maintaining clean waterways is crucial for sustaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Here's a list of Australian resources tailored for teachers to support students in Stage 2 and 3 to deliver "From Rivers to Oceans: Protecting Water for All":

General Resources on SDGs:

  1. Australian Curriculum: Check the cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities sections for integrating sustainability and global education concepts. www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
  2. Cool Australia: Offers a wide range of lesson plans and resources focused on environmental education and sustainability, including specific units on water conservation and ocean health. www.coolaustralia.org
  3. Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE): A hub for professional development and resources related to environmental education. www.aaee.org.au

Science and Geography:

  1. CSIRO Education and Outreach: Provides science programs and resources for schools, including water and marine ecosystems studies. www.csiro.au/en/education
  2. Bureau of Meteorology Education: Offers resources on the water cycle, weather, and climate, which can be integrated into the project. www.bom.gov.au/lam/Students_Teachers
  3. Marine Education Society of Australasia (MESA): Offers resources and lesson plans focused on marine education and conservation. www.mesa.edu.au

English and Art:

  1. Literacy Planet: An online platform that provides customizable English literacy tasks that could be adapted to include environmental themes. www.literacyplanet.com/au
  2. The National Gallery of Australia's Education Resources: Offers resources that can inspire art projects on environmental themes. nga.gov.au/education

Cross-Curricular Projects:

  1. Waterwatch: A community water quality monitoring program that can be integrated into school projects, allowing students to conduct real-world water quality tests. www.waterwatch.org.au
  2. Clean Up Australia: Provides educational resources and can be a partner for school clean-up days, teaching students about reducing pollution. www.cleanup.org.au
  3. Australian Marine Environment Protection Association (AUSMEPA): Offers free educational resources on marine environment protection suitable for schools. www.ausmepa.org.au
  4. StoryMapJS: A tool to create interactive maps, useful for the interactive map and story project. storymap.knightlab.com

These resources can provide the content knowledge, pedagogical strategies, and practical activities necessary to engage Stage 2 and 3 students in exploring the interconnectedness of freshwater and marine environments through an interdisciplinary approach. It's also worthwhile to connect with the Local Land Services, environmental organisations, and water authorities, in your area as they may offer additional resources, expert talks, and field trip opportunities.

ONLINE LEARNING COURSES 🧠

From Idea to Impact

Program Overview

"From Idea to Impact" is a dynamic online course tailored for young innovators aged 10-18 years, aiming to transform budding ideas into actionable project plans. Leveraging the 'GPS Sentence' model, the course instils in students the foundational skills of project planning, including goal setting, problem identification, and solution formulation. Through interactive modules and the 'Project Canvas' tool, students are guided from conceptualization to the creation of a detailed project plan.

Outcomes for Young People and Adults

For Young People:

  • Develop the ability to generate and refine project ideas.
  • Learn structured goal-setting and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Gain insights into identifying stakeholders and gathering resources.
  • Acquire skills in measuring project success and understanding project management fundamentals.
  • Enhance presentation skills and the ability to collaborate andreceive feedback.

For Adults:

  • Build confidence in supporting youth in project planning.
  • Enhance their knowledge with additional resources and practical application exercises.
  • Foster a supportive environment for mentoring, offering clear evaluation tools.
  • Encourage practical application and mentorship, leading to recognition of efforts.

Curriculum Alignment

The course aligns with the Australian Curriculum across various stages and subjects, providing a structured approach to developing key competencies:

  • Empowering Idea Generation: Linked with Arts and Science codes, encouraging creative and scientific inquiry.
  • Structured Goal Planning and Stakeholder Awareness: Integrates Mathematics and HASS, focusing on problem-solving and global economic awareness.
  • Success Measurement and Project Management: Correlates with Science and Design and Technologies, emphasizing data analysis and project organization.
  • Project Canvas Development and Presentation Skills: Associated with Design and Technologies and English, fostering solution development and effective communication.

"From Idea to Impact" not only aligns with educational standards but also enriches student learning experiences by bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, supporting both students and teachers in navigating the complexities of project planning and execution.

2. Catalyst Coaches

Program Overview

"Catalyst Coaches" is an innovative online course designed to empower educators with the knowledge and tools needed to guide students in creating impactful projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course covers foundational SDG knowledge, youth dynamics, project ideation, planning, facilitation of student-led projects, technology integration, impact assessment, and sharing successes.

Outcomes for Young People and Adults

For Educators:

  • Develop an understanding of the SDGs, learn strategies to facilitate youth-led projects effectively, and incorporate technology and media to enhance project visibility and impact.

For Students:

  • Through educator guidance, gain skills in project design and execution within the framework of the SDGs, enhancing their problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities.

Curriculum Alignment

The course content is tailored to complement educational curriculums by embedding pedagogical insights with practical project-based learning tools. It aligns with key learning areas by fostering critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy, and global citizenship among students, supporting educators to integrate these themes seamlessly into their teaching practices.

Sustainable Development Goal Resources 📚

For educational materials focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the following websites are highly recommended:

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Provides comprehensive resources directly related to each of the 17 SDGs, including reports and action plans.
SDG Academy:

Offers free, high-quality online courses from experts on sustainable development and the SDGs.
Global Goals:

Engaging and informative, this site offers resources to educate about the SDGs, suitable for various age groups.
World's Largest Lesson:

Part of the Global Goals, it provides lesson plans and materials to teach young people about the SDGs.
UNICEF Teaching and Learning Resources:

Offers a range of materials designed to educate children about the SDGs.
The World Bank -SDGs:

Provides data, research, and reports on progress towards the SDGs, useful for more advanced learners.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.