This pack for primary school teachers includes fun and engaging activities with all the worksheets required. It is aimed at level 2 of the Curriculum for Excellence with scope for extending some of the activities beyond level 2 or adapting some for level 1. It has been designed to develop pupils’ knowledge and skills and through raising their awareness, encourage them to take responsibility for the seas around us. It contains both classroom and shore based activities.
These activities have been tried and tested in various schools around Arran and have been successful in engaging students and teachers.
All resources are free to use and download. We’d love to hear from you if you do use the pack.
Introduction
What is the MER Pack?
Find out what the MER Pack is all about. This section includes planning documents, learning experiences, outcomes and success criteria.
Introduction to COAST MER Pack
Section One
Persuasive Language
This section uses COAST’s film ‘The Bay’ as the foundation for various literacy related activities, focusing on the world beneath the waves and the disastrous impacts caused by humans. Activities also use numeracy, technology/ICT and science skills.
Section Two
Sorting, Classification & Variation
This section is largely science based, teaching pupils about sorting and classification in the animal kingdom. Activities also help develop literacy skills.
Section Three
Food Chains
This section builds on an existing basic understanding of the concept of food chains and food webs. Activities help develop science skills, as well as encouraging team work.
Section Four
Shore Study
Parts of this section rely on access to a coastal shore, developing social studies and health & well being experiences. Through completing activities, children will build science, expressive art, numeracy and literacy experiences.
Teachers’ Notes
Activity Sheets
Powerpoint
Example Answers
Identification Cards
Section Five
Pressures on our Seas
Over 70% of our world is covered by seas with only 1.2% protected. This section builds technology/ICT, literacy, science and expressive art experiences. In addition, through enquiry based approaches, social study skills will be developed.
Recommended Reading
Websites and Books
Further suggested reading for children and helpful websites to discover more about the marine world.
This education pack has been produced by the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST).
This work has been funded by the Ellerman Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the University of West England.
