Introduction to the deep sea

Explore the Ocean’s zones and the extraordinary animals that live there. Through hands-on, age-appropriate activities (pin-the-animal, printable depth sheets, and group discussion), students will practise identifying and classifying species and learn where plastic can travel in our Ocean — even to the deepest trenches.

This learning resource pack includes a short, gentle introduction to microplastics and everyday actions using the 5Rs to reduce pollution. Activities are adaptable for whole-class or small-group delivery and are designed to spark curiosity, empathy and practical action without fear-mongering. 

Students will: 

• Identify and name a variety of deep-sea animals
• Classify animals by the Ocean zone they inhabit
• Understand that plastic reaches even the deepest Ocean and what microplastics are
• Make simple, everyday pledges to reduce plastic through the 5Rs
• Build observation, vocabulary and sorting skills