Together for our Moana - we're shaping our future

Term 1 2025

Join thousands of students as they simultaneously participate in this 21 Day guided inquiry, created by teachers for teachers. It will empower tamariki to create a plan to make a difference in your local area.

Plastic collected

Can each student collect 1+ pieces of plastic per day over 42 days?

18256 students collected 97189 pieces of plastic in 27 days. That's 0.2 pieces of plastic per student per day!

Support us by getting the word out!

Tell your friends, family, and teachers about this initiative so we can get more people on board. Copy the link to share:

Copy link to clipboard

YOUNG OCEAN EXPLORERS
CLASSROOM CHALLENGE

Term 1 2025

Together for our Moana -
we're shaping our future

FREE learning ideas and resources to download. 

START with the introduction, then the four core lessons, then pick and choose others that interest you. 

Click on the lesson(s) to suit your tamariki to find resources and teaching ideas.
Aimed at years 3-8, but many ideas are suitable to use with other year levels or can be adapted to suit.

PICK AND MIX

More learning about life in the ocean in Aotearoa


Aihe / Dolphins

Find out about some of the amazing creatures that live in our Moana.
Tohora / Whales

Learn about the critically endangered Bryde's whales that live in the Hauraki Gulf.
Whai - rays

Follow these ocean gliders and fliers
Rimu / seaweed

Check out these beautiful underwater ngahere / forests.
Food chains

Who eats what in the ocean? And what happens when it's out of balance?
Keeping the ocean clean - filter feeders.

Find out about mussels/ kūtai and how they can clean the water.
Sea birds / Ngā Manu O Te Moana

The ocean is important to many different birds.
Turtles

There are seven species of sea turtles in the world, and five of them have been seen in the Hauraki Gulf!
Ocean Explorer ancestors

Aotearoa / New Zealand has a long history of ocean exploration.
Orca / maki / kãkahi

Sometimes called 'killer whales', Orca are actually the largest of the dolphin family!
Rocky Shore

Explore what lives in the inter-tidal zone around the Hauraki Gulf.
Manta Rays

Explore what lives in the inter-tidal zone around the Hauraki Gulf.
Fantastic fish

Find out more about some of the many fish species in Tikapa Moana
Estuaries

The place where fresh water meets the sea
Sharks

Learn more about these apex predators
Wheke / Octopus

Learn more about these clever creatures!

INTEGRATED MATHS AND LITERACY LEARNING

linked to the ocean and other ideas in the 21 day challenge


MATHS

Sea creature size (measurement)
MATHS

Rubbish problem (multiplication)
MATHS

Lunchbox maths (Problem Solving, calculating the average, multiplication)
MATHS

Figure it out lessons linked to the moana / ocean
MATHS

Snapper maths (percentages and fractions)
MATHS

Visualising NZ's sea size (fractions)
Literacy - Maui and the giant fish

Story - Read and Respond

SNAPSHOTS

Quick 'grab and go' 15 minute lessons for days when you have less time.


“… thanks so much for the 21 Day Challenge- the resources were fantastic and our teachers and kids really enjoyed the unit.”

- Teacher

“We have watched most of the Young Ocean Explorer videos and enjoyed doing the one plus a day. We also tried the mussel filtering experiment. We love doing your tasks and we are excited to learn more.”

- Students

“Thanks for all the amazing resources and for inspiring the Kaitiaki in us. Love your work!”

- Teacher

“You’re inspirational - keeping us all on track protecting our oceans! Thank you so much!”

- Teacher

“ This is an unique opportunity for learners to engage with scientists, experts and each other, while at the same time helping and learning more about our marine environment ... What a great model for learning”

- Jill Corkin, MNZM – Retired Principal & Past President of Auckland Primary Principal’s Association.
<