'Generation Ocean' launched to inspire young people to protect our blue planet

The Generation Ocean programme aimed at second-level students was launched this week © The Ocean Race

Generation Ocean © The Ocean Race

The Ocean Race is launching Generation Ocean, a new learning programme for secondary schools that encourages young people to join the race to protect our incredible blue planet.

The Generation Ocean programme comprises engaging materials that aim to equip teachers and parents with all they need to help our youth understand the crucial role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth, the threats that are jeopardising this vital system, and the solutions that are needed to protect it.

Launched in English on 13 October, the materials will be available in eight further languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Danish, Dutch, French, German and Mandarin).

Suitable for learners over 12 years old, the free resources can be used in school, for at-home learning or within the community. The programme features:

• a booklet with articles, stories, reflections and action points to be carried out in the classroom, and
• an educator's guide with suggested activities and a step-by-step guide to inspire teachers to include age-appropriate ocean principles and concepts in their lessons.

Created in collaboration with 11th Hour Racing, founding partner of The Ocean Race's Racing with Purpose sustainability programme, Generation Ocean features examples and good practices from around the world, highlights the links between ocean and climate and reflects on the need to recognise ocean rights. The programme also offers ocean advocacy ideas and a comprehensive glossary of ocean-related concepts.

Download the booklet and educator's guide here.

Competition: Win a trip to Aarhus, Denmark!

The Ocean Race has an exciting opportunity to engage secondary school learners about taking action to help the ocean, with the chance to win a trip to Aarhus, Denmark. To enter, learners need to create a short film about a project they have created to gather support for ocean rights within their community. One teacher and four students could be present to witness when the Race sails into the city in May 2023.

Generation Ocean takes off from the Champions for the Sea, The Ocean Race's award-winning learning programme, which introduces younger children to the wonder and excitement of the adrenaline-packed sport and the importance of looking after our incredible blue planet.

Suitable for 6-12-year-olds, the free, engaging resources can be used in school, for at-home learning or within the community. The course takes children on a journey through the history of the Race, exploring the boats, teams and route, before explaining our connection with the ocean and the issue of plastic pollution and how we can tackle it. There is also a module about the wonders of ocean science and the challenges of studying its vast, unexplored depths.

The programme includes:

• Worksheets (colour-coded for each age group: 6-8yrs, 8-10yrs & 10-12yrs)
• Student booklets (for age groups: 6-8 years & 8-12 years)
• Teacher's Guide with lesson plans and activities along with details of curriculum content
• Evaluation quiz

Quick Links

• Generation Ocean
• Champions for the Sea

This article has been provided by the courtesy of Ocean Cruising Club.