SDG #14: Life Below Water
Learning Sequence
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What is SDG #14?
This week’s lesson on SDG #14 focuses on life below water, starting with a video about the importance of conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Following the video, students will engage in problem-solving projects aimed at promoting marine conservation practices. These projects will empower students to develop and implement solutions for protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Students will then write to influential figures, sharing their innovative solutions and urging for greater efforts in marine conservation.
The week concludes with reflective journaling in the form of a resume, allowing students to document their learning and achievements. Additionally, a quiz will help reinforce their understanding of marine conservation, highlighting how their efforts can lead to positive changes in protecting life below water.
This week, we’re focusing on an essential goal: SDG number 14 – Life Below Water.
We’ll begin by watching a short video about SDG #14 to understand why it’s crucial to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The video will illustrate how our actions can help protect marine ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for everyone.
Next, get ready for an exciting challenge! You’ll participate in engaging activities designed to promote marine conservation. Choose a project that inspires you. These activities will help us all think about how we can contribute to protecting our oceans and marine life.
You’ll also have an opportunity to write to someone influential, such as a leader or an organisation, about marine conservation. Spin the wheel to see who it will be, do some research, and aim to get a response.
After completing your challenge, reflect on what you’ve learned and document it in your digital journal. This will help you remember how your efforts contribute to our global goals.
And don’t forget our weekly quiz! It’s a fun way to test your knowledge, and you might earn a certificate too.
Let’s use our creativity and take action to protect life below water. Every small step we take can lead to significant positive impacts on our marine ecosystems!
Weekly Keywords
This activity is designed to help students become familiar with key terms and concepts related to SDG #14 – Life Below Water. Students will receive a list of advanced words and phrases that explain how to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources.
They are encouraged to simplify these terms into everyday language and reflect on their meanings. The aim is to expand their vocabulary about marine conservation while enhancing their analytical skills. This will enable them to understand and articulate the importance of these concepts, deepening their knowledge of what it takes to effectively protect marine ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for our planet.
On the task card provided, you’ll find a list of keywords related to SDG #14 – Life Below Water.
Your challenge is to look at these words and explain what they mean in the simplest way possible. This activity will help you practice breaking down complex ideas into easy-to-understand parts, a crucial skill for all your future learning and discussions.
Quote of the week - Sylvia Earle
This week, we’ll draw inspiration from thought leaders and their impactful views on marine conservation, focusing on SDG 14. Students will explore a pivotal quote from Sylvia Earle related to this goal, interpreting its significance from their unique viewpoints, possibly through art or a multimedia presentation.
The heart of this activity lies in deep contemplation and engaging conversation. It encourages students to connect deeply with the selected words, pondering their impact on personal life choices and broader environmental outcomes.
This method promotes critical thinking and sparks open discussion, enabling students to examine how powerful messages shape their views and actions, thereby enriching their comprehension of marine conservation. It motivates a dedication to advocacy and problem-solving, aligning closely with the goals of SDG 14.
Each week, we will share an inspirational quote from the renowned oceanographer and marine biologist, Sylvia Earle.
We encourage you to write down the quote, print it, or even create a drawing inspired by her words.
After you’ve completed this, we invite you to reflect on and discuss the meaning of this quote. Think about what it signifies to us and how we can use Sylvia’s insights to make a difference in the world.
Research - Creating an Infographic
This activity challenges you to create an infographic on SDG #14: Life Below Water. Start by checking out an example we’ve provided, and then use a template to design your own infographic, including cool facts and statistics you find through research.
Be creative with pictures, charts, and colours to make your infographic exciting and easy to understand. This project will not only improve your research skills but also let you express your creativity, and it’s a fun way to work towards your SDG Challenge series certificate. Let’s get started and make something awesome!
Every week, you get to try a fun design project: making a cool and easy-to-understand infographic about one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This week, we’re diving into SDG #14: Life Below Water. Take a look at the example we’ve shown you, then use the template to make your own infographic about how we can conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Feel free to look up more facts to add interesting details to your infographic. Use pictures, charts, graphs, and facts creatively. Experiment with different colours to make your design stand out!
Once you finish your infographic, it’ll help you earn your certificate for the SDG Challenge series. Let’s get creative and learn something new!
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SDG Challenge Card SDG 14
This activity is designed for SDG 14—Life Below Water. It encourages students to independently engage in real-life projects that enhance their understanding of conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources. Teachers should facilitate and guide but allow students significant autonomy to tackle challenges, fostering their ability to explore and learn through practical experiences. This method emphasizes developing independence and experiential learning, moving beyond traditional classroom instruction to cultivate real-world skills and knowledge.
Jump into the Upschool Challenge for SDG 14 – Life Below Water, and check out the exciting activities we’ve set up for you this week. Whether you pick just one challenge or give a few a try, tackle your tasks with enthusiasm, commitment, and a can-do attitude.
You can do these activities on your own, with friends, or with your whole class.
Learning about how to conserve and sustainably use our oceans, seas, and marine resources is crucial if you want to help create a world where we all think about our marine ecosystems in everything we do.
Spin the Wheel and Use Your Voice
The wheel has chosen the person you'll be writing to.
Before you begin your letter, spend some time getting to know them. Read the information below and do a little research of your own. Find out who they are, what they do, what they believe in and the work they are known for.
The more you learn about the person you're writing to, the more personal, thoughtful and meaningful your letter will be.
As you explore, think about what you would like to ask them. You might want to share the work your class has been doing, ask for their advice, hear their thoughts on an important issue or simply learn more about their experiences.
Once you've finished your research, move on to the writing activity below. You'll learn a simple strategy for writing a respectful, engaging letter that gives you the best chance of receiving a response.
Remember, every conversation begins with someone choosing to reach out. This week, that someone is you.
Spin the Wheel and Write a letter To a World Leader
This activity gives students the opportunity to communicate with a real person beyond the classroom, providing an authentic audience and a genuine purpose for writing.
Before students begin, encourage them to research the person they have been assigned. Reading about their background, achievements, interests and current work will help students develop a deeper understanding of who they are writing to, resulting in more thoughtful, personalised and meaningful letters. While guidance may be needed for younger students, allowing learners to carry out their own research encourages curiosity, critical thinking and informed communication.
Please ensure that all communication is managed through the school. Letters and emails should be sent using the school's postal address, email address and contact details only. Students should never include their personal home address, personal email address, telephone number or any other personal contact information.
Remind students that they are representing both themselves and their school. Their letters should always be respectful, courteous and considerate, even if they are asking challenging questions or expressing a different point of view. The aim is to encourage meaningful dialogue, demonstrating that respectful communication can open doors, build relationships and inspire positive change.
Every week, you have the chance to connect with a global leader and discuss important issues. This week, our focus is on SDG 14 – Life Below Water. Start by reading my example letter to the Head of Marine Conservation USA try to use this example to help you write your very own letter.
After understanding the example, spin the wheel to find out which influential world leader you’ll be addressing. In your letter, share your thoughts on marine conservation and suggest ways they can help protect our oceans. Include famous quotes to add depth to your message.
Decide whether to send your letter by post or email, using the contact information provided on the task card.
Your goal is to write a letter that clearly expresses your ideas and gets a response, starting a conversation. Use the tips provided to make your letter engaging and informative.
Good luck, and may your letter inspire real change!
Best of luck, and may your letter ignite meaningful change!
Including Positive Language in Your Letter
This week, students will write a letter to a world leader about SDG 14, focusing on marine conservation, using positive language to creatively highlight issues like ocean pollution and sustainable fishing.
This assignment encourages independent writing skills, pushing students to express their views positively and use encouraging language to deepen the impact of their message. They’ll practice articulating compelling arguments and engaging leaders, aiming to foster critical thinking and enhance their ability to initiate dialogue and inspire action.
This week, I’m preparing a special letter to send to Chris Hemsworth, focusing on SDG 14, which addresses Life Below Water. In my letter, I’ll be using positive language to highlight the importance of marine conservation and to make the reader feel encouraged and proud of their work.
Now, it’s your turn to craft a similar letter:
Imagine writing to a prominent leader or an influential figure about an issue related to marine conservation that you’re passionate about. We’ll make your letter unique by using strong, persuasive language.
You’ve already practiced writing clearly, supporting your ideas with facts, and connecting emotionally with your readers. Now, your challenge is to use powerful vocabulary to make your message even more compelling.
Consider these questions: How can using strong, persuasive language in your letter grab the attention of the leader you’re writing to? How will you use this language to engage your reader and inspire them to take action?
Get ready to start! Use my upcoming letter to Chris Hemsworth as inspiration to create a letter that not only effectively communicates your message but also encourages a response from the leader of your choice. This is your chance to express your thoughts and potentially spark change. Let’s make it impactful and inspiring!
Post Your Letter - The Power of the Pen
This activity engages students in hands-on learning by having them write letters to world leaders about important issues. It emphasizes determination, as students persistently send letters weekly until they receive a response, teaching resilience and the impact of their voice in global conversations.
The aim is to create impactful, attention-grabbing letters that resonate with influential recipients. Students are encouraged to blend creativity with formal writing skills, emphasizing persuasive language and personal expression. This practical exercise enhances their communication abilities and applies learning in a real-world scenario.
Once you have crafted your letter on the issues that you think are the most important, it is then time to send your letter out to the world and hope for a response.
Each week, we will send a letter to a different world leader in the hope that they will respond.
If they don’t, do not despair; keep going until you get a response and get your voice heard by those who can help you on your mission to make the world a better place.
Determination is key! Keep going.
My Digital Resume - Adding Experience #14
We’re guiding students in building a digital resume focused on their engagement with SDG 14: Life Below Water. Each week, students will add new experiences, beginning with designing an attractive cover page. This project underscores their commitment to conserving marine life and promoting sustainable practices, as well as their personal development.
With a customizable template, students can tailor their resumes to showcase their unique style. The completed resume will vividly highlight their efforts and achievements in fostering marine conservation, demonstrating both their dedication and their learning journey.
Each week, we’re crafting a dynamic digital resume that showcases our contributions to all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This week, however, we’re honing in on SDG 14: Life Below Water. Think of your resume as a platform to display the initiatives you’ve been part of that aim to conserve marine life and promote ocean sustainability. These projects don’t just showcase your skills; they also demonstrate your commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices.
Check out an example of my digital resume that includes detailed accounts of my efforts in this area.
This week, your task is to create a page that highlights the impactful work you’ve undertaken related to SDG 14. Once you complete this SDG Challenge, add your most recent projects about marine conservation to your resume. By the end, you’ll have a detailed resume that not only outlines what you’ve accomplished but also the significant impact and improvements you’ve contributed to.
Use our Canva template to design your resume in a way that reflects your personal style and makes it uniquely yours.
Take the SDG Quiz and Earn Your Certificate
The quiz provides a simple way for students to review and reinforce the key learning from this week's Sustainable Development Goal.
Students who achieve 80% or above will automatically receive a personalised certificate recognising their achievement. If a student does not reach 80% on their first attempt, encourage them to revisit the learning materials before trying again. The aim is mastery, not speed.
The quiz can be completed at school or at home on any computer, tablet or mobile device with an internet connection. This gives families the opportunity to become involved in the learning, revisit important concepts together and celebrate each child's achievement when they earn their certificate.
Each SDG includes its own certificate, giving students the opportunity to build a collection of 17 certificates as they progress through the programme. This encourages perseverance, celebrates achievement and provides tangible recognition of their learning journey.
As students complete each SDG, encourage them to add both their certificate and a reflection on what they have learned to their Digital Résumé, creating a lasting record of their knowledge, actions and impact. Over time, this becomes a powerful portfolio that showcases not only what students know, but how they have used their learning to make a positive difference in the world.
You've reached the end of your SDG #14 learning journey. Now it's time to see just how much you've learned.
Complete the short quiz below and test your knowledge of Sustainable Development Goal 14 : Life Below Water.
If you score 80% or higher, you'll automatically receive your very own personalised Upschool Certificate with your name on it.
This is just the beginning.
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which means there are 17 certificates waiting to be collected. Complete every SDG challenge, earn every certificate, and become a true changemaker for our world.
Good luck. We know you can do it!
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